Overwhelmed with Joy and Awe

When I was born, my mother began praying that I would be able to play the piano and sing, in part because she had neither of those gifts.  And she wanted them for me.  She persisted in that prayer, especially through what used to be known as my “Junior High” years when I took the majority of my piano lessons.  Okay, I endured the majority of my piano lessons.  I would rather have been outside playing baseball – or at least just outside.

God gave me those gifts entirely in answer to her prayers.  I never invested the time or discipline in developing them as I should have, especially in playing the piano.  But they are now more precious to me than they’ve ever been – because of with Whom I am sharing them these days.

In an earlier post, I mentioned how my daily time of prayer and Bible study has grown to occupy most of most mornings, and sometimes most of some days.  Part of that growth is because the Holy Spirit added a most intimate time of worship to my “routine” – using those gifts for which my Mom prayed.

As my study of the Word of God intensified, I noticed how frequently King David wrote something like, “I will sing of steadfast love and justice; to you, O Lord, I will make music” (Psalm 101:1), and “I will sing a new song to you, my God” (Psalm 144:9).  Singing to the Lord has become a frequent and treasured part of my days, a time when I sit at our piano and play and sing just to Jesus.  (I still don’t play well, but since He hears my heart, I don’t think He notices.)

One of the hymns I learned from my youth has become my favorite because it so wonderfully captures what God is doing for me and in me, and it has become an essential part of my worship and praise:

I come to the garden alone,

While the dew is still on the roses;

And the voice I hear, falling on my ear,

The Son of God discloses.

And He walks with me, and He talks with me,

And He tells me I am His own;

And the joy we share as we tarry there,

None other has ever known.

It is certainly true that the Lord inhabits the praises of His people (Psalm 22:3).  The presence of God is so “real” and palpable during these moments of personal worship.  And the intensity of His presence often overwhelms me, both with joy and awe.

He speaks, and the sound of His voice

Is so sweet the birds hush their singing,

And the melody that He gave to me

Within my heart is ringing.

And He walks with me, and He talks with me,

And He tells me I am His own;

And the joy we share as we tarry there,

None other has ever known.[1]

My praise and worship then moves to other favorites, often including these:

They bound the hands of Jesus
in the garden where He prayed;
They led Him thro' the streets in shame.
They spat upon the Savior so pure and free from sin;
They said, "Crucify Him; He's to blame."

He could have called ten thousand angels
To destroy the world and set Him free.
He could have called ten thousand angels,
But He died alone, (alone), for you and me.[2]

I was the sheep that was lost . . . .

There were ninety and nine that safely lay

  In the shelter of the flock,

But one was out on the hills away,

  Far off in the cold and dark;

Away on the mountains wild and bare,

Away from the tender Shepherd’s care.

“Lord, Thou hast here Thy ninety and nine;

  Are they not enough for Thee?”

But the Shepherd made answer: “This of Mine

  Has wandered away from Me;

And although the road be rough and steep,

I go to the desert to find My sheep.”

But none of the ransomed ever knew

  How deep were the waters crossed;

Nor how dark was the night which the Lord passed through

  Ere He found His sheep that was lost.

Out in the bleak desert He heard its cry—

All bleeding and helpless, and ready to die.[3]

And

Be strong and take courage
Do not fear or be dismayed
For the Lord will go before you
And His light will show the way

Be strong and take courage
Do not fear or be dismayed
For the one who lives within you
Will be strong in you today[4]

Then

Why should I feel discouraged and why should the shadows come?
Why should my heart be lonely and long for heaven and home?
When Jesus is my portion, a constant Friend is He,
His eye is on the sparrow and I know He watches me.
His eye is on the sparrow and I know He watches me.

I sing because I'm happy;
I sing because I'm free;
His eye is on the sparrow
And I know He watches me.

Let not your heart be troubled; these tender words I hear;
And resting on his goodness I lose my doubts and fears;
Though by the path He leadeth but one step I may see;
His eye is on the sparrow and I know He watches me.
His eye is on the sparrow and I know He watches me.

I sing because I'm happy;
I sing because I'm free;
His eye is on the sparrow
And I know He watches me.[5]

This poignant song by Graham Kendrick may capture my heart’s desire as much as any . . .

All I once held dear, built my life upon
All this world reveres, and wars to own
All I once thought gain I have counted loss
Spent and worthless now, compared to this

Knowing you, Jesus
Knowing you, there is no greater thing
You're my all, you're the best
You're my joy, my righteousness
And I love you, Lord

Now my heart's desire is to know you more
To be found in you and known as yours
To possess by faith what I could not earn
All-surpassing gift of righteousness

Oh, to know the power of your risen life
And to know You in Your sufferings
To become like you in your death, my Lord
So with you to live and never die

Knowing you, Jesus
Knowing you, there is no greater thing
You're my all, you're the best
You're my joy, my righteousness
And I love you, Lord[6]

And my “concert” often “rests” exactly where my heart should . . . .

Rest, the Lord is near

Refuse to fear, enjoy His love

Trust, His mighty power

Fills every hour, of all your days

There is no need

For needless worry

With such a Savior

You have no cause to ever

Doubt, His perfect Word

Still reassures, in any trial

Rest, the Lord is there

Lift up your prayer

For He is strong

Trust, He’ll bring release

And perfect peace, will calm your mind[7]

Mom thinks her prayers were answered.

---

[1] In the Garden; Lyrics and music by C. Austin Miles.

[2] Ten Thousand Angels, Lyrics and music by Ray Overholt.

[3] The Ninety and Nine; Lyrics by Elizabeth Cecilia Clephanie; Music by Ira David Sankey.

[4] Be Strong and Take Courage; Lyrics and music by Basil Chiasson.

[5] His Eye Is On the Sparrow; Lyrics by Mrs. L. D. Martin; Music by Charles H. Gabriel.

[6] Knowing You, Lyrics and Music by Graham Kendrick  © 1993 Make Way Music

[7] Rest; Lyrics and music by Phil McHugh and Greg Nelson; © 1985 River Oaks Music