Your Ways Are Higher Than Mine - When Lyrics Speak

You know those times in when God is trying to teach you something and He keeps over and over putting a verse in front of you. Maybe you read it in a daily devotional, you see someone post it on Facebook, the pastor preaches on it at church, whatever the case may be, you know that God is using that verse to speak to you.

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." - Isaiah 55:8-9

This is the verse God keeps reminding me of lately. I don't mind telling you life has been a little crazy lately. It's been unpredictable in a few ways. It's been super busy, and I'm constantly trying to figure out how to get everything done and always worrying about the next step. It's not been what I would have chosen. It makes me question the path I'm on. It makes me wonder what the future holds. Sometimes situations can just shake your foundation and cause you to question so much about life, that's where I am.

I've had the song "Your Ways Are Higher Than Mine" on repeat a lot lately. I saw Rachel McCutcheon at a concert recently and told her how much I loved this song. We talked about how it just fit so many life situations, it's a song we all can relate to. His ways are higher than ours. When we don't understand life circumstances and know that God could fix it, we have to trust Him. His ways are higher. He sees the end and the beginning of all life situations, and He is using this situation to grow us and draw us closer to Him. Sometimes the easy thing is to pray for the situation to just be magically fixed but then we'd miss the growth process. We'd miss the journey that ultimately brings us closer to Him.

I have to trust that His ways are higher. I trust what He is doing because above all He is trustworthy. God, when I start to doubt help me believe and reassure me that You are working in my situation. God, I trust Your work, Your will and Your time as the song says. As high as the heavens are above the earth, Your ways are higher than mine.

When Lyrics Speak - Anything But Happy

I'm reviving an older series today. This music is all about the message. It's about how the Spirit works through the music to encourage and draw people closer to him. It's about how songs minister to us when we need to most.

Today, I'm just going to focus on just a few lines -

"The windows of Heaven are pouring out blessings,
And here I stand with this tiny cup.
When will I learn that I cannot contain the love of God?"

This is from the song "Anything But Happy" by Jeff and Sheri Easter. I've always been drawn to these lyrics. But it's funny how words and phrases mean different things to you at different times. On the good days, it's easy to see how rich God's blessings are. You might sing along with a smile feeling and knowing how God has blessed you thinking about an answered prayer, time spent with a loved one and little extra money in the bank.

However, on the days that are just a struggle, it can be sung through tear-filled eyes. God doesn't change. His love doesn't change. His blessings remain the same. Even when we don't feel Him, when our prayers feel unanswered, when life is overwhelming, His blessings are still pouring out to us. His love is still uncontainable. His love is unfathomable.

So many times, I find myself standing ready with my small vessel waiting for God to drop this tiny blessing in there, whatever my human mind has been praying for at the moment. Because in my humanness, I dwell on these small, specific blessings and I miss the outpouring that God is giving all around me. I'm missing the chance for Him to move in a way that overflows my cup. He is able to do exceedingly and abundantly beyond what I can think or imagine.

The song is rightfully named "Anything But Happy" because when you think about all that God has in store, His blessings, His love, His faithfulness ... how can we be anything but happy?

When Lyrics Speak - I Am Blessed - Karen Peck and New River

I think most Christians would use the word "blessed" to describe their lives. However, how many of us live like it? I would definitely use that word, but I find myself more often focusing on what I'm lacking or things I want. I can often lose sight of all that God has given me.

I can also be very guilty of thinking that blessed = things, maybe not even bad things but at least something tangible. I can easily forget about everything that God has blessed me with that has nothing to do with anything I can see. My salvation, His love, His faithfulness, His mercy, His grace. We are blessed because we are His children. And even if He chooses to give us nothing else on this earth, we can consider ourselves blessed.

Through pain and disappointments, we know that He is always there and for that we are blessed. Just because we may not see the earthly things we want doesn't mean that we aren't blessed beyond measure. He is enough for everything in our lives. Whatever comes our way, we can still say that we are blessed because of who God is and what He's done for us.

I love this song by Karen Peck and New River that really got me thinking about the blessing of just being His child.

When Lyrics Speak - More and More of You

Sunday night my church had an incredible time of worship with our choir and orchestra. We had been preparing to just have a sweet time of worship as a body. We spent hours rehearsing special music and preparing our hearts, and the night was just amazing, one of those nights that will stick out in your mind.

There was one song that struck me every time we sang it. Those lyrics that just reach out and grab you. It doesn't matter how many times you might have heard the song, they speak and convict each time.

One of the songs we sang that night was "More and More of You" made popular by Selah. The song has the line, "Forgive us of seeking Your hand and not Your face." Every time this lyric gripped me. How many times do my prayers sound like a wish list? How much time do I talk to God and just lay out all my requests before Him? How many times do I get frustrated when I don't get what I want from God or He doesn't answer in a time I want Him to? Am I really seeking God or just what He can give me?

These thoughts and questions have been following me all this week. I can't get this lyric off my heart. What can I do to just seek Him and not His blessings? How do my prayers need to change? God, forgive me for wanting what You have to give me more than wanting You.

When Lyrics Speak - Why Should I Worry

I'm a worrier. I'll admit it. I worry over things I shouldn't, things I can't control, things that will never happen. I find my mind drifting into various "what if" scenarios. And fear develops over things that will more than likely never come to be.

Monday morning I found myself worrying over a real situation. I was stressed out and already imaging the worst in my mind. When it came time, the event I was worried about had to be postponed, and I found myself really wishing I could have just gotten over it already. I couldn't believe how much time I spent that morning fretting over it when nothing actually happened that day.

I heard this song and I was reminded that worry is pointless. Why should we worry and fret when God is always right there? What do we really have to fear when God is in control? Why do I worry when He's been faithful time and time again. Just a reminder for all of you but mostly reminding myself again. 

When Lyrics Speak - If You Could See What I See

As many of you may know I lost my grandfather this year. I knew this Christmas would be different, that it would be hard. I love Christmas, but part of me was dreading it. I wish so badly I could go back to last Christmas and appreciate the time I had with him more. I wish I hadn't been so wrapped up in what was going on in my world and just enjoyed the time spent with him.

Some of the Santas on display

We always spent Christmas Eve and Christmas morning breakfast with my dad's parents. And every year we knew at least one thing to expect under the tree. My grandfather was an amazing woodcarver. And being the first grandchild and only girl, I was spoiled just a little. For my first Christmas, he carved a Santa Claus. I'm sure he had no idea what he started when he did that. Each year after, he carved a different type of Santa. Many people locally knew of his carvings and started requesting the Santas each year for Christmas. We have all different types from St. Nicholas to the Old World Russian Santa to a Storybook Santa. He would carve them, and my grandmother painted them. As I got older, I got to help pick out which one he was going to carve that year and even write a story that went with the Santa that year. Last year, he was so weak and had just gotten out of the hospital, but he still managed to make my brother and me a Santa each.

Tonight when we open presents, there'll be one special gift missing -- one special person missing. As much as we miss him, I know he's much better off. I know that he's going to have the best Christmas he's ever had. If we could see what he's seeing now, we wouldn't wish him back for anything.

I can't think of a better song to sum up the first Christmas without a loved one than "If You Could See What I See." While the presents of this earth seem so special -- and they are -- it's nothing compared to the glory of Heaven.

As much as I love Christmas, I know that it's tough for a lot of us this year, whether you've lost a grandparent, parent, sibling or spouse. I'm thankful for the hope we have in Christ that one day we'll be reunited and share in what He sees now.

In Everything Give Thanks - When Lyrics Speak

I don't mind admitting to you that the past month has been a little rough, a little different. Life has brought lots of changes. Today brings lots of changes. It's so easy to get bogged down with the circumstances of life. We look to things around us to fulfill us. We focus on life situations that didn't go as planned. We look around, and we're not where we expected to be. It's easy to compare with others about what you don't have or what they have that's better than yours. But at the end of the day, is life really that bad? Aren't we guilty of focusing on one thing that's not going right and not all the things God has blessed us with?

Joy is not about circumstances. It's so easy to equate joy with happiness. But joy is so much more, it's far from temporary and not dependent on the here and now. However, when life happens and when plans fail, that's when it's really important to choose joy. So today, even when life is not going as planned and when unwelcome changes occur, choose joy and gratitude. In everything give thanks. When life is not as you expected, give thanks.

Lord, help me be thankful. When life is not at it's best and when I'm not at my best, help me give thanks. When I'm tempted to look at things that aren't where I want them to be, help me to thank You.  When loved ones pass away, help me to thank you for the time with them. When work is overwhelming, help to me to thank you for a job that I love. Today, may I focus more on giving thanks to You than complaining. May I give thanks more than make requests. In everything, help me to give thanks!

As We Speak - When Lyrics Speak

I was reunited with some college friends a few weeks ago. Unfortunately, while we were close years ago, it's not that way anymore. We didn't fight or argue, but life happened. We moved away from each other and are in different phases of life. While we had a great time catching up and seeing each other, it was a reminder of the lost close friendship that used to be there. And while I can make excuses about distance and just being in different stages, the truth is, I wasn't intentional in keeping the friendship strong.

In whatever relationship we have, we have to be intentional about keeping it. Relationships take time investment. Close friendships and relationships don't develop overnight. God's been reminding me that it's the same way with my relationship with Him.

Relationships are a two-way street. While in the case of my friends and me, we were all at fault for not keeping in touch more. However, in our relationship with God, He's constant, never moving away from us or pursuing us less. It's our job to be intentional about spending time in His Word and talking to Him.

I love the title song from Greater Vision's latest project As We Speak. It's so easy for us to get busy and consumed with our own lives that we miss that quiet, quality time alone with God. We miss out on the blessing of a more intimate relationship and being reminded of the love He has for us. I love the line that says "My mind can't seem to fathom how much love He has for me, but He's trying to explain it as we speak."

It is so easy for us to move away and to get wrapped up in ourselves. Thankfully, God is always there. It's so important we are intentional in our talks with God. Speaking to Him and listening to Him is vital to our walk. It can set the tone for how our days will go. It's not that God blesses me more on days when I start my mornings with Him, but my outlook is different. Like the song reminds us, there's a peace that comes from speaking to Him.

The challenge is not going to Him when it's convenient. It was easy for my friends and I to meet up when it was an event we were all planning to attend. But on ordinary days, why don't we make the same efforts. Oftentimes, we go running to God when it's convenient, when we're facing the big trials. We want Him to do great things, but what about the ordinary days?

Are we missing out on the blessings of life or friendships because we're not intentional? That's been my challenge lately, to be more intentional with friendships and relationships but more importantly in time with my Heavenly Father. May we all be encouraged today "as we speak" with God.

Remind Me of Calvary - When Lyrics Speak

I'm normally a planner, but sometimes life opens doors that you need to walk through. A few weeks ago at the last minute, things worked out for me to go to Memphis for a day during the Memphis Quartet Show. It was such a great day, and I'm so glad it worked out. During the matinee, the Second Half Quartet sang several older, Cathedral songs. I'll be honest since I didn't really "grow up" on this music, some Cathedral songs I'm just not familiar with. (Yes, I realize that makes me a bad gospel music fan and a bad blogger, I'm trying to remedy that.) As soon as Mark Trammell started singing “When my heart is filled with pain, and I’m tempted to complain,” I knew this was going to be a message I needed to hear.

This past month has been difficult. My grandfather has been really struggling health wise and just a lot of uncertainties in our family. Questions with no answers. Playing the waiting game. None of these are fun. So an afternoon and night at the Memphis Quartet Show was a good break from everything. What I wanted was a break, a chance to get away and escape, but I hadn’t bargained on how much I would be ministered to and how much I would be reminded of how God is in control of all, no matter how things may seem.

The song "Remind Me of Calvary" was the perfect assurance I needed that afternoon. And it's a message I constantly need to hear. We all need to be reminded of Calvary, to be drawn to the cross. It’s so easy to lose sight of Christ, His goodness and mercy when everything around us can be so uncertain. Like I said, I’m a planner. I’m not a fan of the unknown. Thankfully, I was reminded of the cross. When life is unsteady, Jesus is faithful. He’s always there. We can trust Him, not because of what He’s done for us in the past or what He might do for us through these circumstances but because He’s God. He paid the price at Calvary because of His great love for us. We all need to just be reminded of Calvary and God’s faithfulness in the midst of uncertainty.

When Lyrics Speak - Pray on the Little Days - Mark Bishop

Why is it that when things happen we can’t talk to God enough? We cry out to Him in desperation longing for a clear answer, an intervening miracle. But on the days when things are going well, why don’t we talk to Him that much? What if we praised Him and thanked Him as much as we cry out to Him?

This week has been a bit of a rollercoaster. My grandfather is back in the hospital, and it’s been a week of steps forward and steps back. We all want more time and want to see him get better to return to some sense of normalcy. We long and cry out to God for that. But those times when I could just sit by him at a gospel concert or at his house watching TV, why didn’t I praise God more for those times?

Or when those little issues come up, the decisions we don’t think really matter, why don’t we trust God with those? We want Him to be big and powerful and make the big moves, but so many times it’s about trusting Him daily with all the little things.


This song has definitely been on my mind. Listen to it.. every word. Let these lyrics soak in. Why is it more difficult to just let God be God on the little days? But life would be much better if we turn to Him through all of life not just the valleys.

I love these lines -

Why do we wait until things go wrong,
When we could have him by our side all along?
Let God be God in the best of times, and He’ll be God
Through the worst of times.

Praying that the lyrics speak to you today. I know they certainly have to me more recently.

Unashamed - When Lyrics Speak

This year my church as a whole is reading through the New Testament. We're in Acts now, and while I know I've read the passages before, new things pop out to me each time. This time the boldness of early Christians has really stuck out to me. They were faced with impossible circumstances knowing the opposition they dealt with, but they were unashamed of the gospel. They didn't back down.

A few weeks ago when I saw Brian Free & Assurance in concert, this was one song that really spoke to me that night. I started a new job late last year. While I love where I am and what I am doing now, I'm in a position where not a lot of people share my beliefs. It's been interesting and challenging all at the same time. The song has taken on a whole new meaning.

It's easy to go along living the Christian life when everyone shares the same opinions and standards. It's a lot harder when you're in the minority to really speak up and say what you think. I'm by nature a people pleaser too, so I don't like the thought of someone being mad at me or directly going against someone. However, God's been teaching me that the most important thing is to please Him and to worry less about pleasing other people. I realize that I face no serious persecution where I am yet I'm not always as bold as I should be.

I pray that the lyrics of this song will really take root in me with where I am now in life and in my job and where ever life leads in the future. May I be willing to take a stand for Christ. I love the line that talks about all I say and do will glorify His name. When you really stop to think about that line, it's an incredible challenge, but one that should be at the heart of every believer.

This song is a challenge to believers. While some believers have more challenges than others and face more opposition, we still have the same mission: to live a life bold and full of faith proclaiming the name of Jesus. No matter what it may cost me, I pray that I'll live a life unashamed of the gospel.

She Loved - When Lyrics Speak - Mother's Day

My mother and I have always, I think, had a good relationship. We didn’t go through a lot of the typical teenage angst between mother and daughter. There might have been a few several tense moments in the junior high years that usually ended up with one or both of us in tears, but we survived.

My mom and I are different in a lot of ways. I’m a lot more reserved than my mom. Just ask me about an NSYNC concert experience when I was 13. :) I wish I had more of her tenacity and gumption. And nobody knows how to love like my mom does. Yes, of course, she loves our family. But, the way she shows love for others is the way I really wish I was more like her.

My mom has spent most of her career working with special needs children. I got the chance to work alongside her one summer before my senior year of college. I soaked up the time knowing it would probably really be my last time living with my parents. That summer I got a front row seat to see her in her element. I witnessed the way she helped those kids and loved on them. Not only were they facing an uphill battle in terms of their mental abilities but who knows what they faced at home. It didn't matter, my mom treated them all the same. She wanted to help them to the best of her ability knowing that they left her classroom that summer better than they were in the beginning.

She has always been the one when she hears of people in need pitching in to buy clothes for kids at school or encouraging my brother and me to donate old toys. I confess I was not a willing participant a lot of times on the last point. I can remember many church camp trips when girls came home wearing more of Mom's clothes then their own because they ran out or forgot to pack something. She was always there pitching in helping whoever needed it.

For Mother’s Day, there’s definitely one song that comes to mind for my mom.

When Lyrics Speak - Didn't I Walk on the Water - The Dunaways

This year my church has been reading through the New Testament together. We started the first full week of January reading through Matthew, a chapter five days a week. The next Sunday our pastor will preach on one of the passages from the week’s readings. It’s been a great experience so far, not only helping me stay more accountable with time in Word, but opening up communication and discussion among friends on how God has spoken to us individually reading the same passages.

Because so many gospel songs are scripture based, songs will often pop into my mind that relate to what I’m reading. For example, every time I read about the woman with the issue of blood I’ll start humming “Thread of Hope.” If it’s the story of Lazarus, I’m going to think about “Four Days Late.” And I could go on.

This particular morning, the reading was in Matthew 14 where Jesus walks on the water. There are a number of songs that could have gone through my mind, but I kept coming back to this one –


Sometimes when we look at the struggle in front of us, it’s so easy to remember how God has been faithful in the past. Why do we doubt that this time will be different? He’s the same God who walked on the water and calmed the sea.

The song reminds us of all the miracles of Jesus while here on earth, but not only that it brings it home to His faithfulness in our own individual lives. The same God of miracles then is a personal God to me. He helps me and is right by my side no matter how petty my situation is. And believe me, I’ve prayed about some petty things.

I think the message of this song is so applicable at so many times in our lives. He is always there for us as His children, and He is more than able. When I look back on my life, I can see how He’s been with me through every step of the way. He’s delivered me from bad situations and worked things out when I haven’t seen a way possible. He came to my rescue and walked beside me.

It’s easy for us to lose sight of the big picture sometimes in the midst of circumstances. We forget like Peter what we’ve seen God do. The miracle of Jesus walking on the water occurs just after the disciples saw him feed the 5,000. We all know what God is capable of, but do we truly trust Him for it?

He’s the same today as He was then. He’s the One who walked on the water.

When Lyrics Speak - The Promise by the Martins

It's been a while since I've done one of these posts. I referenced this a few weeks ago, but life has just been a bit busier lately, some big changes, but good changes!

If you've been a reader for a while, you know that the Martins had a tremendous influence on me. If it hadn't been for a concert with the Martins more than 10 years ago, this blog wouldn't exist, and I wouldn't know the genre of Southern Gospel or at least wouldn't know as much about it! One of my favorite songs of theirs is "The Promise." As I was driving the other day, this song came on. It seemed to be such a reminder of just how amazing God has been during this season.

For about a year, I've been, let's just say, less than satisfied with my job. It's not that it was a horrible experience coming to work each day. And I still enjoyed what I did, but there were circumstances that caused me to be in the market for something different. A couple of opportunities have come along during that time, but I stayed in my job for one reason or another. But that's about to change next week.

Life can often be one big waiting game. I've found that often it's not the end result where God teaches you, but it's been in that period of waiting and the uncertainty. It's trusting in His promise and that all is made perfect in His timing. During those waiting times, one thing is certain -

"The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance." - 2 Peter 3:9

He doesn't promise us an easy road. We'll face fear and loneliness, but God promises to always be with us. Whether it's a job situation, family or an internal struggle, we can rely on His promise. He'll never leave us or forsake us if we are His children. His love can be an anchor for us when we need something to grasp. When things don't make sense, remember that His "ways confound the wise." He sees every tear and hears every cry.

The promises in His Word are true, and we can rest in that fact. I also love the line from the song that talks about not making this world our home. When the "big" things of life come, we can let that consume us. I'm thankful that the "big" stuff of this life, don't compare to what awaits us. This is all temporary. This world is not our home, we are destined for something so much better.

This song is an incredible reminder that when life is uncertain and when you're facing betrayal or circumstances that don't make sense, He is there. His grace is always sufficient. Rest in His promise today no matter what you are facing.

When Lyrics Speak - The Little Things

I can sometimes be too much of a big picture person. I'm so focused on the major things in my life that I want God to fix or show me the next step that I can miss the small things. I miss those little moments in life that serve as reminders that God has not forgotten me.

When I moved to my current city several years ago, I knew almost no one, at least no one my age. I had no friends. I prayed that God would help me during that period of loneliness and trying to get settled in in a new place.

Fast forward to just a few weeks ago - I spent the afternoon at the pool laughing and talking to three close friends. There was nothing special about that Monday afternoon. We all randomly decided after work to go to the pool and hang out there, nothing special but not something we had ever done before either. We laughed together, talked about laugh and maybe even played with a toy that some poor kid had left there. Again, nothing really all that special, but it was a little moment that I was reminded of God hearing my prayers when I first moved to the city and knew none of those girls.

I love the song "The Little Things." It is a song by Chosen Few, a quartet that was the in-house gospel group for Silver Dollar City for many years then they toured for a while. Take a listen -

So many times we are waiting on those huge Red Sea parting moments. We miss the simple moments in life, a text from a loved one just checking in, a green light when you are running late, sun after the rain or just an afternoon at the pool with friends. Every day I receive His grace, and forget to stop and thank Him for all those little things.

The little things are what make up life. They are what get you through the day some times when circumstances seem bleak. They serve as a reminder from God that He is with us. He's in every detail of life. May we never stop and forget to appreciate the little things in life.

When Lyrics Speak - I'll Take It

Sometimes I just crave a long car ride by myself with music going, my own mini concert in my car if you will. It helps me clear my head, pray, worship, whatever I might be needing.

Ever have those times where you just feel defeated? Circumstances are weighing you down, and you're not sure what to do. It might not be anything serious, but life has just gotten the best of you, and you are just struggling. Please tell me I'm not alone in these feelings.

I was on one of these solo car trips driving back after a visit with my parents not long ago. I had my music on shuffle that day and "I'll Take It" came on. I love this song written by Joseph and Lindsay Habedank. The song promises that whatever you might be facing, big or small, God will take it.

The first verse of the song promises that God can make a way, take your burden, even before you reach the valley. When you are scared of what's up ahead, God is there. He's not going to leave you alone. He will show up and take it, the trial you are going through, the storm you are facing or the valley that's just ahead. (I never realized we had so many analogies for tough times.) But no matter what is ahead, God will take it.

The song reassurances us as God's children that He does not leave us alone. Our job is not to solve the problem or to take on whatever we have ahead by ourselves. We can question all we want why things have been put in our lives, but it's not for us to figure it all out. Our job is to surrender to Him and let Him take it. Thank goodness He doesn't want us to tackle things alone or face life's problems without help. God is there to help and to take your burdens. He is waiting with arms open wide. What an incredible promise! I'm so thankful that in those moments when life gets the best of me, He will take it.

"Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken." - Psalm 55:22

When Lyrics Speak - Ephesians Chapter One by Karen Peck & New River

Yesterday was a Jonah day. You know those days when nothing seems to be going your way? That was me... all day long. I felt like I couldn't do anything right, and nothing went as planned. Work had me overloaded, and I spent the day putting out fires instead of doing actually what I needed to do that day. I didn't feel respected for the actual achievements I had made, but everyone was quick to notice the mistakes. To top it off, the Bible study I had the night before was on insecurities, and I learned that I seek approval from others way too much. Satan was winning this battle.

I came home resigned to the fact that it was just not my day. I couldn't shake the funk of a mood I was in. Music is my go to, but even that didn't seem to speak to me and help me. So I went where I should have gone in the first place, I got in the Word. I opened up my Bible and found I could rely on Ephesians chapter 1. And then God used the song to speak as well.

"For He chose us in Him, before the foundation of the world, to be holy and blameless in His sight. In love He predestined us to be adopted through Jesus Christ for Himself, according to His favor and will, to the praise of His glorious grace that He favored us with in the Beloved ... I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, would give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him. I pray that the perception of your mind may be enlightened so you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the glorious riches of His inheritance among the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of His power to us who believe, according to the working of His vast strength." - Ephesians 1:4-6, 17-19

In the midst of the chaos, the criticism, the mistakes, God chose me. When I feel like I've messed up, God knew all that before and still adopted me. When all I find is criticism and rudeness from those around me (and I found plenty yesterday), God gave me favor, mercy and wisdom. When I didn't understand why things weren't going right, I could rest in that God has called me to the place I am now for a reason. And when the rough days come as they did yesterday, I have a hope and peace that only comes from Him.

I love when Southern Gospel songs come directly from Scripture. The song "Ephesians Chapter One" by Karen Peck and New River says we can feel beat down, backed down and the struggles of life can weigh us know. But thankfully, the God and His Word is there to lift our spirits. We are blessed, chosen, adopted and favored.

I love the second verse of the song that says God is working through our hurting. We can trust Him and not doubt because "His fear takin’, way makin’, chasin breakin’, life changin’ power’s gonna see me through." We can feel secure in who we are in Christ and know that His power will see us through whatever struggle we face, whether that's just a bad day or a health scare or a great loss. Whatever you may be facing, rely on Ephesians Chapter 1.

When Lyrics Speak - Jesus Saves

When most gospel fans hear about the song "Jesus Saves," they probably think of the familiar hymn -

"We have heard the joyful sound:
Jesus saves! Jesus saves!
Spread the tidings all around:
Jesus saves! Jesus saves!"

The LeFevre Quartet recorded a different "Jesus Saves" a couple of years ago that is also a popular worship song. I was at a memorial service recently when these lyrics really spoke. Although, they didn't use the LeFevre Quartet version, the lyrics are still the same.

The memorial service was for a dear family friend who spent most of her life serving Jesus overseas. She knew the sacrifice she was making, but felt called and went anyway. The service was one of the most worshipful I have ever attended. The church's choir sang this song, and as they hit the heart of the song, the family began to stand with arms raised high in worship. It was a powerful moment.

Because of the fact that Jesus saves, they know that they will one day be reunited with her. Because Jesus saves, they felt led to spend their lives telling others that message. Because Jesus saves, there is hope.

No matter the style, the lyrics of this song ring true. We can all worship and rejoice in the fact that Jesus saves.

God's Been Faithful - When Lyrics Speak

"God's Been Faithful" is a song written by Scotty Inman and Dianne Wilkinson that is on the Mark Trammell Quartet's latest project Your Walk Talks. The song features Mark, and for me it's one of my favorites from the album. When I saw the Mark Trammell Quartet a few weeks ago, I was glad to hear them sing it that night. Then as I sat there listening, it really hit home.

I was there that night with my grandparents. Since the concert wasn't too far from where they live, they were able to be there. In the weeks prior, I had watched my grandfather who had always been a pillar of strength in my life struggle to get his breath. It was hard for him to walk across the room. It was hard to see how his condition had gone down. Two years ago, he was diagnosed with leukemia, and it's been a battle with his medication lately. While it was definitely doing its job of managing his leukemia, it was the cause of his struggles. 

After tests and multiple doctors' visits, they decided that by changing the dosage of medication it would keep doing its job but reduce the side effects. And he has started showing improvement. Weeks before the concert, I don't know that he would have been able to go. So as I heard the lyrics of the song "God's Been Faithful" that night, it really hit home.

In the mountains and deserts, God has been faithful. In the doctor's office as I watched him struggle for breath, God was faithful. When he started showing signs of improvement, God's faithful. "And in the darkest hour, there is healing power." As I heard that line and I looked over to see my sweet grandfather listening and enjoying the music beside me, it was the perfect reminder of just how faithful God is.

I'm so thankful of God's faithfulness not only during my grandfather's journey of leukemia, but over the course of my life. It's easy to look back and see all that God has done. He's been my Rock, a Friend and the One who has filled every longing. He's seen my wandering away, and yet He's always there.

I love the line at the end of the second verse that says "He has brought me through my trials every time." I love Mark's voice as he hits that peak in the song. No matter the struggle or my need, He has been faithful.

The message of the song is simple, but it's exactly the reminder I needed and that night especially.

I Got a Hold of God This Morning - When Lyrics Speak

I'm not a morning person. I've never claimed that I actually enjoy getting up early. I do out of necessity. I would much rather stay up late and sleep in late. But at the same time I've never regretted when I've gotten out of bed early to get things done. And the quiet times of the morning can be a peaceful time, especially when you spend time in the morning to get alone with God.

One of my favorite songs from the Perrys' project Through the Night is "I Got a Hold of God This Morning." The song is simply about getting up and spending time with Him. We can get a hold of Him any time of day, but there is something special about making that your first priority.

I'll confess it's easy for me to hit the alarm snooze button an extra time and then scramble around to get ready on time. But the day always seems to go much better when I spend time with God is my first thing in the morning. I've issued the challenge to myself to talk with God in the morning, making sure He is priority in my day.

Whether we're feeling alone, dejected, melancholy or even extra blessed, time with God is a necessity for the time. I know it can be a challenge when sleep is hard to come by and other things are demanding your time. Satan can try to block your way and attack. The attack is much easier to succumb to when we are not spending time with Him. And the song is a reminder He's there, we can talk directly to Him. We can approach Him and walk away with a peace and completely different mindset after hearing from Him.

If we can start our day in prayer and in the Word, we are sure to be more prepared for the day.