Our Journey Continues - A New Song

A new song, especially in the form of praise, brings freshness, new life, promise and hope. In Psalm 32, we discover King David contemplating the joy of forgiveness, wherein he describes the process of the recognition of sin, confession, repentance and then ultimately deliverance.  Verse Seven (one of my favorites), eloquently describes “surrounding him with songs of deliverance,” as God’s song has the power to break all strongholds, catapulting us into a spacious place of freedom.

This past week, I’ve had moments of temptation in which I’ve wanted to abandon our plan of “leaning into the pain” and discovering the lessons, growth and deeper relationship that Christ has for us.  There has been a time or two when I’ve wanted to take a very, very long nap (maybe lasting a couple days?) in an effort to escape the challenges. 

Don’t get me wrong, it’s actually been a good week consisting of great victories.  Stan’s sleeping pattern seems to be returning to normal (those heart meds can really whack your sleep out!).  We’ve learned more about nutrition and food being a healing agent for the body, especially the heart.  Stan’s strength and stamina have grown a bit each day, resulting in our taking several short walks outside. We’ve reconnected with old friends who are praying for us, and who we have added to our prayer list. And best of all, we got a “all clear” report back from a CT scan of his brain, negating concerns regarding blood flow and the potential danger of a stroke. 

A couple of nights ago, while going over our blessings of the day, I told Stan that more than ever, I believe we are first hand experiencing two realities: First, God is a good Father.  He loves us and desires good things for us; and secondly, He really is faithful. He always has been and He always will be. But in that we’ve determined we will walk this journey out in complete honesty, there are those moments when I wonder…How hard is this going to get? What exactly is it that You want to teach us, God?

Then as I read Psalm 98:1, God revealed a portion of what this journey entails:

“Oh, sing to the Lord a NEW SONG! For He has done marvelous things;
His right hand and His holy arm have gained Him the victory.”

This scripture begged me to ask, “Lord are You teaching me (us) a new song through this journey? Are you composing a melody so deep within me (us), that the only way it can be birthed is through extreme trial and ensuing victory?  Does truly capturing our attention involve the unknown, obstacles of gigantic proportion, and a level of belief and trust in You that has not previously been required?” I had to evaluate and determine whether I had been in a perpetual, deceptive rut for so long, that I need to be aroused and shaken in both a dramatic and traumatic fashion. And finally, I asked, “Are we willing to stay the course?”

From the onset, both Stan and I determined we wouldn’t run, but would instead lean into what God is doing with everything we’ve got – body, soul, will, spirit, mind and emotions.  Obviously, saying is much easier than doing. “Whatever it takes,” as it escapes my lips may sound brave and committed, but the execution requires a bit more trust, patience, faith and strength – the stuff of which endurance is comprised.

So is obtaining that “New Song” worth it?  It has to be.  It must be!  For if the end result is greater intimacy with the One we claim is God Almighty – of course it’s worth it.

I know that we are not the only ones facing gigantic challenges.  Our prayer list of friends and family going through extreme challenges is literally growing each day.  On our list we have those facing cancer, stroke, undiagnosed illness, broken hearts, prodigal children, extreme financial hardship, loss of hope…the list goes on and on.  My prayer for these loved ones, as well as for you, is that we never ever lose sight of the truth and hope that a “New Song” can bring.  I pray that as we go through trails, that we not waste them, but rather we learn the lessons that our loving Father wants to teach us, bravely leaning into the pain, allowing God to grow, strengthen, encourage, prove Himself faithful…and give us a New Song.

You are dearly loved, and we appreciate your prayers more than you’ll ever know!  I pray your week is beyond blessed!