Vicki Beeching’s lyrics are so timely in moments like this when all I can think of is how God’s gonna get me out of this mess, as if I’m entitled to an explanation.
A few weeks ago, one of the pastors at my church preached on a section of James about not boasting. I remember it now only because I catch myself into thinking, “Oooooh, God better have a good answer for why I’m going through all this!” Um, clearly I missed the memo, just like the diaspora Christians of James’s day, that God is God and does not submit to me, but I to Him.
But the wonderful way God reminds me of this is not by pointing His finger, saying, “Tsk, tsk, I’m going to smite you now, and really put you in your place.” Nope. This God loves me gently, and knows what I’m going through; in my heart, this verse rings true:
– Isaiah 42:3, Matthew 12:20 (TNIV)
I felt this being confirmed when I was prayed for Tuesday night. The word “soft” was repeated; I felt soft as a bruised banana (or close to it). The word “intimacy” also was repeated, and he prayed that I’d be like Mary reclining at the feet of Jesus. (Tangent: Was this the same Mary that washed His feet with her hair and an alabaster jar full of perfume?)
God reminded me that night, not just through that prayer, that He is not a fortune cookie. He is a friend; how could I forget something so fantastic – I am His friend. Businesses may pay for the services of a consultant, but you can’t put a price on genuine compassion and communion.
Which makes this the current song of my heart:
May all other goals bow down to this journey of loving You more
Jesus, You’ve showered Your goodness on me
You’ve given Your gifts so freely, but there’s one thing I’m longing for
My heart’s cry and my prayer for this life:
Above all else, above all else,
Above all else, give me Yourself
