NOTE: The following article is by Lane Holland who works with us here at Word Ministries. She is an ordained minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and currently serves as pastor of a developing and dynamic church, Second Sight Ministries, which was planted by her senior pastor several years ago in Tucker, Georgia. Lane is also the founder of Caring in the Name of Christ Ministries, and her ministry has taken her throughout the United States and to many countries of the world. I encourage you to read and re-read allowing the Holy Spirit to confirm and reaffirm God’s redeeming power and hope in your personal life. Germaine Copeland
THE MELODY OF THE FAITHFUL
By
Lane M. Holland, MSN, M.Div.
Prayer Director
Word Ministries, Inc
I grew up hearing the songs of the church. My background is a mix of hymns and the spontaneous songs of the Lord released during times of praise and worship. These songs have become a precious treasure that unearths itself during times of joy, testing’s and even questions regarding my walk with the Lord. The other day as I was contemplating the many situations I would have to address, I heard an old slow melodic song from my childhood that would usually be sung by one of the senior mother’s before she would stand to give her testimony on Sunday morning. The words are:
“Just another day that the Lord has kept me, just another day that the Lord has kept me. He has kept me from all evil, and my mind stayed on Jesus, Just another day that the Lord has kept me.”
Embodied in this melody is the assurance of the faithfulness of God. It may have been a personal interpretation of the scripture found in Isaiah 26:3:“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.” The song assured both the singer and the hearers that the living Christ had been present throughout every moment of the day and this was the norm for a believer who placed their trust in Him. In spite of enemy attacks or negative thoughts that tried to assail her mind the giver of peace had been present to provide both safety and protection. The song could also carry the signature of Psalm 3:3: “But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.” I am safe in the arms of Jesus. God, always faithful, looks for us to grow into a state of trust or “resting in Christ” through every moment of life.How many times do we need to be reminded that “in him we live, move and have our being” (Acts 17:28a) and we can trust Christ to keep us safe. In these days we are faced with dire reports on almost a daily basis. Our privilege as believers is to continue to walk in the joy and peace of God. This is how our light shines into the darkness of people who are only hearing hopeless words. Our life can serve as a beacon to lead them into the light of Jesus.
The melody of the faithful is connected to a life of prayer and sustenance from the word of God. Who can not help but sing when each day starts or ends in the glorious presence of our King. “O come, let us sing unto the Lord: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation. Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise to Him with songs of praise. For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods.”(Psalm 95: 1-3) The strength to face the day with whatever it may bring starts on our knees or from a time of listening through scripture for our direction and our hope.
Even when the days we face hold uncertainties, sorrow, grief, loss or pain there is still a melody for the faithful. Another hymn whose author may be unknown gives us a song for the tough days:
“When waves of affliction sweep over your soul and sunlight is hidden from view;
Whenever you’re tempted to fret or complain just think of his goodness to you.
Just think of his goodness to you; just think of his goodness to you.
And when storms o’er you sweep, he is able to keep; Just think of his goodness to you.
Just think of His goodness…Think of His goodness Think of His goodness to you!
As this year progresses we will probably be presented with opportunities to hesitate or waver from our hope found in the scriptures. Don’t forget the Word of God is full of psalms that were forged out of seemingly hopeless times. David, at Ziklag, encouraged himself (or strengthened himself with trust) in his God (I Samuel 30:4-7); Jeremiah recalls the mercies of God and regains his hope (Lamentations 3:21-27); and finally Paul and Silas released songs while imprisoned that led to their freedom (Acts 16:24-26).I encourage you to find your own melody or song that will help you celebrate the keeping presence of Christ and the sustaining protection of the Holy Spirit. Start with the scriptures and allow the Holy Spirit to help you set them to your own melody. Reach back in your memory and pull up and brush off a hymn or song that brought you through a personal storm. How will Psalm 23 or 91 sound when you set it to your own melody? Sing on, sing on!
Copyright © Lane Holland 2009