If you know me at all you know that music affects me in a powerful way. Most of my deepest worship experiences have centered around music, especially singing. I’m not alone. In fact, there are plenty of examples of singing as praise to God in the Bible. The Psalms are, in fact, songs. Here is just one example:
I will praise you as long as I live,
and in your name I will lift up my hands.
I will be fully satisfied as with the richest of foods;
with singing lips my mouth will praise you.Psalm 63:4-5 (NIV)
“Abide With Me” was sung in church yesterday. I’m sure I’ve sung this hundreds of times but yesterday it just hit me as being so powerful. Here are the lyrics:
1. Abide with me; fast falls the eventide;
The darkness deepens; Lord with me abide.
When other helpers, fail and comforts flee,
Help of the helpless, abide with me.2. Thou on my head, in early youth didst smile;
And, though rebellious, and perverse meanwhile,
Thou hast not left me, though I oft left Thee,
On to the close Lord, abide with me.3. I need Thy presence, every passing hour.
What but Thy grace, can foil the tempter’s power?
Who, like Thyself, my guide and stay can be?
Through cloud and sunshine, abide with me.4. I fear no foe, with Thee at hand to bless
Ills have no weight, tears lose their bitterness
Where is thy sting death? Where grave thy victory?
I triumph still, abide with me.5. Hold Thou Thy cross, before my closing eyes;
Shine through the gloom, and point me to the skies.
Heaven’s morning breaks, and earth’s vain shadows flee;
In life, in death, Lord, abide with me.
As an added treat, you can listen to the wonderful Indelible Grace version here.
Of course the lyrics might be a bit hard to read since the song was written in the 1800’s but hopefully you will understand enough to be moved by this song as well.
My prayer is that each of you will listen, concentrate on the words and let God speak to you through this hymn.
It’s tempting to comment on every verse but I will close with saying something about verse two. The third line talks about how God has not abandoned me even though I have often left Him. Leaving Him does not have to be blatant. Any time I sin I am turning my back on God. However, because of His great mercy, no matter what He abides with me. Amazing.
Have a great day!