Jesus, draw me ever nearer
As I labor through the storm;
You have called me to this passage,
And I'll follow though I'm worn.
May this journey bring a blessing,
May I rise on wings of faith;
And at the end of my heart's testing,
With your likeness let me wake.
Jesus guide me through the tempest
Keep my spirit staid and sure;
When the midnight meets the morning,
Let me love you even more.
Let the treasures of the trial
Form within me as I go
And at the end of this long passage,
Let me leave them at your throne.
Keith Getty/ Margaret Becker
Friday, February 20, 2009
Friday, February 13, 2009
A Different Homesickness
I've been back in PA for three weeks now and have spent most of the time soaking in love from people who have known me all/ most of my life. I've had great, faith- strengthening conversations with wise and precious people and I've enjoyed two snow falls (Ok, the sledding disaster wasn't much fun, but we're starting to laugh about it by now!). Still, even with all these good things, there's been a gnawing in this tiny spot in one corner of my heart that says, "This is good, but heaven is SO much better."
I'm always trying to figure out where a good thing turns into an idol and this longing for heaven is no different. I can hear Roby Duke singing, "I shall see Him, touch His face..." and I can only cry with anticipation (not to mention crying with joy at the fact that Roby is doing just that these days!). I am eager (huge understatement) for the time when God is recognized and worshiped as he deserves. But I think I melt the two together too easily-- I want to be in heaven to be free of life on earth and all it's pain. I want be with Him, but for some wrong reasons. What I want to want is for God to receive His due glory from His creation AND I want to be one of the loud voices singing love to Him in person. Oh what a day. Oh what a (there's no adequate superlative!) day. To worship with all the dear people I've been with these last weeks at home will be (again no adequate superlative). I can't wait to see us there looking into the face of the One we love and meeting the rest of our family from across the ages.
Maybe today is the day, but if not, I will purpose to love Him as best I can just today. We'll see about tomorrow tomorrow.
I'm always trying to figure out where a good thing turns into an idol and this longing for heaven is no different. I can hear Roby Duke singing, "I shall see Him, touch His face..." and I can only cry with anticipation (not to mention crying with joy at the fact that Roby is doing just that these days!). I am eager (huge understatement) for the time when God is recognized and worshiped as he deserves. But I think I melt the two together too easily-- I want to be in heaven to be free of life on earth and all it's pain. I want be with Him, but for some wrong reasons. What I want to want is for God to receive His due glory from His creation AND I want to be one of the loud voices singing love to Him in person. Oh what a day. Oh what a (there's no adequate superlative!) day. To worship with all the dear people I've been with these last weeks at home will be (again no adequate superlative). I can't wait to see us there looking into the face of the One we love and meeting the rest of our family from across the ages.
Maybe today is the day, but if not, I will purpose to love Him as best I can just today. We'll see about tomorrow tomorrow.
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