Greetings to you…loved, forgiven, and cleansed through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ – THE Risen Savior! What a beautiful morning in the Kingdom and a lovely start to the weekend! Yes…we will say that this is the day that the Lord has made for us and we will be glad in it! As we begin the weekend…and it is going to be reduced by one hour…it is a good time to reflect and respond and refocus. This morning I will be praying for you, asking Father to hear your heart’s cry…may His presence be felt…may His energy be experienced…may His compassion be encountered…may He encourage you.
I have “playing” with music as I ready myself for Easter and I do enjoy how faith is expressed through old familiar songs. It was Shakespeare who shared his belief that when “spirits are attentive” the power of music becomes a force for change. So I am learning to silently ask God for an “attentive spirit” when it comes to choosing music…for my own listening or for use in a worship gathering. Someone has said that our hymns and spiritual songs are but theology set to music. I believe this to be true, as so many of our songs are solidly rooted in Scripture.
One of the interesting experiences is when a song evokes an image in your mind that has nothing to do, at least on the surface, with the thoughts being expressed. One of the songs I was listening to suggests an intimacy with God and has blessed me so many times. However this time a rather odd picture popped up in my mind. It took me back a few years to a Saturday morning watching cartoons…in particular it was a Bugs Bunny moment. Bugs…”that darn wabbit” was being chased by Elmer Fudd – he jumped into a conveniently placed rabbit hole that just disappeared. If I remember correctly – that happened a few times.
Now, can you guess what song created that memory? The song was written by Cleland Boyd McAfee and the first verse went like this…There is a place of quiet rest-Near to the heart of God-A place where sin can not moles-Near to the heart of God. Okay, slight pause so you can sing or hum. The chorus stated that Jesus has been sent from the heart of God to be…if you will – our rabbit hole! Just so you will not think I have totally lost it consider how many times in Psalms is God referenced as a hiding place or a refuge or a shelter or a sanctuary or a strong tower or a high rock.
I am so glad that when I need a place of protection, a shelter from the storm, a helping hand — that there is a place of quiet rest near to the heart of God. Oh, thanks Bugs…and that’s all folks!
Have a great weekend and be blessed!