This is quickly getting up there in my "favorite songs" list…I hope you enjoy it and worship along with it!
Thanks for the recommendation Philip Sanders!
I walked outside tonight just in time to see the sunset. Looking above, I could still see the blue sky, but in the distance was a beautiful array of orange and pink, blanketed by dark storm clouds. Lightning flashed atop the gray with no sound, too far to away to be heard.
It was undoubtedly a testimony of the Lord’s goodness, and I almost felt privileged to witness it. It occurred to me, however, that this majestic scene was not simply crafted for my or anyone else’s enjoyment. These heavenly bodies were made for a purpose. They were made to worship their Creator.
Around 1225, St.Francis of Assisi wrote a hymn exhorting all creation to worship God. Francis was a lover of nature, and many of the stories about his life were of his interaction with animals. His hymn, called, “Cantico di fratre sole,” or “Song of Brother Sun,” urged all nature – including the sun – to praise its God and King.
The English version of the song (which can be read and heard here) appeared in England in 1919 at a children’s worship festival.
Let us not forget that we are included in this exhortation, which originated from Psalm 148:7-13:
“Praise the LORD from the earth, you great sea creatures and all ocean depths, lightning and hail, snow and clouds, stormy winds that do his bidding, you mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars, wild animals and all cattle, small creatures and flying birds, kings of the earth and all nations, you princes and all rulers on earth, young men and maidens, old men and children. Let them praise the name of the LORD, for his name alone is exalted; his splendor is above the earth and the heavens.”
I pray that we will exalt His name – from every glorious sunrise to breathtaking sunset – and every moment in between.
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Ok, I know this might seem like a weird title, but hopefully as you read it will make more sense to you.
Meditation in the bible is very different than what might jump into our minds when we first hear the word. Most of what we hear about meditation is all about "clearing your mind" to get to some state of clarity or a higher spiritual level. As a christian, we are to do the exact opposite when we meditate.
When a christian meditates, we are not to clear our minds, but fill our minds with thoughts of God.
Read what Paul says in Philippians 4:8 -
"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things."
What you read above is not talking about a set aside time each day to focus on this things.
This is the very lifestyle of your thoughts.
When we are at work. When we are at home. When we are at church. When we are hanging out with those in the world. When we are alone.
So what are some practical ways to accomplish a "God centered" thought life? Here are a few that come to mind:
- Keep what you are studying in God's word at the forefront of your mind all day. You can do this by trying to memorize sections of what you read that morning. It also helps to think through different questions that came up as you were reading, and bring those questions up in conversation with others.
- Pray without ceasing. I think this is a hard concept for us to grasp because we forget what prayer is; talking with God. You can do this by actively including God in every decision, thought, and issue that comes up in your day.
- Listen to Christ centered, God honoring songs. I know this is going to step on some toes, but just think about it. God made music in a way that it stays with us long after a song has ended. If you are listening to songs that are putting the world on display, and not Christ, what is going to be floating in your head? Where will your focus be? Our goal as christians should be to strive for holiness, not see how close we can get to the world before it stains us. Find great songs that exalt Christ and honor the God we serve.
I hope this is encouraging to you. I know that it is both encouraging and convicting to me personally. If you have other ways that have helped you meditate on the things of God, I would love for you to share them here.
May our lives be a living sacrifice to our King.
"Too wonderful for comprehension, like nothing ever seen or heard."
"A great high priest whose name is love, who ever lives and pleads for me. My name is graven on His hands. My name is written on His heart."
What great comfort the words to this song brings to me. I hope the same is true for you.
"You use the weak to lead the strong"
Have you ever doubted that God's grace is enough for you? That it's all you need?
Share how God showed you His grace was enough in a certain situation.
"Where the Lamb laid down His life, to lift us from the fall"
I hope you take the time to think about the words in this song today.
There is no greater message than that of the Cross.
A Holy God saving unworthy man.
Mighty. Awesome. Wonderful.
Enjoy!
"O Church Arise, and put your armor on! Hear the call of Christ our captain"
This is a greatly encouraging song, which calls us to action in this land we live in.
"The earth is filled with His glory…"
Slow down on this busy day, and proclaim God's Holiness!