Musical Encouragement #8- "Be Thou My Vision"

It finally happened. It wasn't the first time, and I'm sure it's happened to you. You take your car in for a routine fix, like an oil change, and the mechanic tells you your car has the equivalent of a failing liver and needs an immediate transplant that costs about half of what the car is worth. Something about a catalytic converter and rust and other expensive words. That's what everyone loves at Christmas time right? A large bill.

But wait a minute. In the grand scheme of things, what is the big deal? Our pastor this morning reminded us of the truth that all we have is the Lord's and we are simply stewards. So, the reality is that our loaner needs to be repaired, and we will just use some of the money God has lent us to deal with it. In the end we still really have nothing of our own, and all that we enjoy is from God and still belongs to him.

This truth reminded me of the encouraging song for today, Be Thou My Vision. One line in particular really struck me: "Riches I heed not, nor man's empty praise. Thou mine inheritance, now and always..." Do I really live like that? Do I believe that deep down in my soul as I look at my budget and plan Christmas with my family? Whether I believe it or not, it is true. God is my inheritance, and I am so thankful that all I will ever need for eternity rests with Him and not on me.


written by Dallan Forgaill ~ sung by Selah

Be Thou my vision, O Lord of my heart
Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art
Thou my best thought, by day or by night
Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.

Be Thou my wisdom and Thou my true Word
I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord
Thou my great Father, I Thy true son
Thou in me dwelling and I with Thee one

*Riches I heed not, nor man's empty praise
Thou, mine inheritance, now and always
Thou and Thou only, first in my heart
High King of heaven, my treasure Thou art.

High King of heaven, my victory won
May I reach heaven's joy, O bright heaven's Sun
Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,
Still be my vision, O Ruler of all

*verse not on recording, but still excellent

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Why I Believe in Infant Baptism: Opening Thoughts

Image
What images come to mind when you think of infant baptism? Is it a sacred ritual done with pomp and circumstance with robes and a gold plated dish of water? Is it a routine ceremony that is a regular part of your worship? Is it a crazy belief some of "those" people believe in, but certainly not someone serious about Bible study? Do you have images of a child being held up before the church like Simba in The Lion King? Is it just a glorified baby dedication? I think I've had all of the above mentioned thoughts at one time or another throughout my time as a Christian. I've believed the stereotypes and didn't really study it too hard on my own. But, once I did, I came to some revelatory conclusions, at least for me. I wasn't raised to believe in infant baptism. I grew up as a baptist, meaning that I believed what most baptists believe. A person professes faith in Christ first, then shows that commitment by obediently entering into the waters of baptism. From
Read more

Sunday Singables: "You Are God Alone"

Image
"You Are God Alone (Not a God)"  by Philips, Craig, and Dean, released on Let the Worshippers Arise (2004) Why I recommend this song for worship- As we come before the Lord in worship, it is important to remember Who we are worshiping. We aren't coming before a famous singer or venerated politician. We aren't about to see our favorite sports team play. This is God we are addressing. This song reminds us of who God is and why He is worthy of our worship. It takes the focus off us and fixes our eyes on the Father. The melody honors the lyrics and lets us build on different themes emotionally and musically. This song has always been a great reminder to me of God's sovereignty and leaves me standing in awe that He could love someone like me. Changes I've Made- I haven't adjusted too much with this one. They keys posted below are both pretty singable, but I would recommend doing it in A (or G with capo 2 for guitar). Any lower and the verses get ha
Read more

Easter Sunday Singables: "Above All" (new lyrics)

Image
During these Sundays of Lent leading up to Easter I'll be featuring a different song focused on the death and resurrection of Christ. "Above All" by Michael W. Smith, released on Worship  (2001), new lyrics by Joshua Huff The new lyrics I added as a second verse to this song are also found in a modified version on the song I wrote called Justified , available on my album Enriched Affections . Why I recommend this song for worship- The reason we celebrate Easter is because of what happened on Good Friday. Without the cross and its incredible spiritual significance, Easter is just another Sunday. This song places a great emphasis on the cross and Christ's exalted place above all things. It mirrors the "emptying" passage in Philippians 2 which speaks of Christ place next to the throne of God and points us there from the cross. The melody supports these truths wonderfully and it is very singable. However, I think the song on its own doesn't go f
Read more