Songs: words to my thoughts

In the past several years, I have moved frequently. If I haven't physically moved, I have changed churches, jobs, activities. All the different experiences, sights, sounds, people, relationships have taught me the world has so much variety. Different landscapes, food, daily life patterns, dreams, goals, challenges. Every place has taught me lessons that I have tucked in my pocket and pull out when needed somewhere else. I have been in this area for 18 months. I have a routine which includes several different things outside work. While, I am still learning every day at work, everything is not new. This appearing more stable season in life had certainly had challenges as well.

One day while on a run during a especially challenging week mentally, the song below came on. I had heard it several times in the background, but not paid attention to the lyrics. "Called me higher" by All Sons and Daughters.That particular day, the lyrics rang out clearly. While I do try to live and enjoy the present as I have no control over the past or the future, my thoughts get bogged down sometimes. Life is  full of ups and downs, joys and sorrows, love and hurt, relaxing and hard work. Although, I dread hurt, grief, unmet expectations, living life attempting to avoid these is not healthy. One may avoid some of the hardships, but one also misses out on true joy, contentment, love, seeing and experiencing new things.

This song challenges me to let God inside my walls/boundaries. In order to go higher or deeper, action is required. Hiking up steep mountains or scaling cliffs requires trust in the equipment (boots or ropes). It has an element of risk. Similarly, going deeper makes me think of the caves I have been inside. It requires head lamps, proper footwear. It also has an element of risk. In order to experience both well, a guide/friend who has been there before provides expertise and encouragement. Someone to lead. You can trust they know the way and can assist you if necessary. It eases the risk allowing for more enjoyment.

Jesus is calling me higher and deeper in trust of him. Do I trust he has my future? Do I trust he is good all the time (he does not change)? Do I lean into him when my expectations are not met, I feel hurt, or grieved about sad events? Do I try to take care of it myself? Do I follow his lead? I think I am learning to trust him more. It is definitely a process.

In church today a common sighting was the illustration I needed. A father holding his two year old son were in front of me. As I was watching them, it struck me what a beautiful picture of trust and love. The son had his head down on his father's shoulder and his hand gently wrapped around the father's neck but was completely relaxed with his legs hanging . The father had his strong arms and hand under the boy's bottom and occasionally gently kissed the boys neck.

similar to this stock photo

The young boy felt so secure in his father's arms he could relax. He trusted his father would care for him, protect him. He was close to him, resting in his father's love. The father was showing unearned love to his son. He was a safe place with no expectations. This is how we are with God. Because of Jesus's death and resurrection, we can be close, safe, secure, restful, relaxed. Jesus is showing us unearned love. Each party enjoying being together. This reminded me of another song I heard, "Still, My Soul Be Still" by Getty and Stuart Townsend.

So during this Christmas season, I hope you too can trust God and continue to follow where he leads even the scary, uncomfortable deeper, higher places.

"Called Me Higher"

I could just sit
I could just sit and wait for all Your goodness
Hope to feel Your presence
And I could just stay
I could just stay right where I am and hope to feel You
Hope to feel something again

And I could hold on
I could hold on to who I am and never let You
Change me from the inside
And I could be safe
I could be safe here in Your arms and never leave home
Never let these walls down

But You have called me higher
You have called me deeper
And I'll go where You will lead me Lord
You have called me higher
You have called me deeper
And I'll go where You lead me Lord
Where You lead me
Where You lead me Lord

And I could hold on
I could hold on to who I am and never let You
Change me from the inside
And I could be safe
I could be safe here in Your arms and never leave home
Never let these walls down

But You have called me higher
You have called me deeper
And I'll go where You will lead me Lord
You have called me higher
You have called me deeper
And I'll go where You lead me Lord
Where You lead me

And I will be Yours, oh
I will be Yours for all my life

And I will be Yours, oh
I will be Yours for all my life

And I will be Yours, oh
I will be Yours for all my life
So let Your mercy

And I will be Yours, oh
I will be Yours for all my life
So let Your mercy light the path before me

Cause You have called me higher
You have called me deeper
And I'll go where You will lead me Lord
[x4]

Where You lead me
Where You lead me Lord
[x2]

Still My Soul Be Still

 Still my soul be still 

And do not fear 

Though winds of change may rage tomorrow

God is at your side 

No longer dread 

The fires of unexpected sorrow 

God You are my God 

And I will trust in You and not be shaken 

Lord of peace renew 

A steadfast spirit within me 

To rest in You alone 

Still my soul be still 

Do not be moved 

By lesser lights and fleeting shadows 

Hold onto His ways 

With shield of faith 

Against temptations flaming arrows 

Still my soul be still 

Do not forsake 

The Truth you learned in the beginning 

Wait upon the Lord 

And hope will rise As stars appear when day is dimming ”

— WORDS AND MUSIC BY KEITH & KRISTYN GETTY & STUART TOWNEND