I'd like to share a song with you today - one that I'm sure many have heard before but, perhaps like me, not for some time:
I hope you find some time to listen to it and would also encourage you to read the story of how Laurie Klein came to write it - you'll be blessed by both.
This song consists of two simple verses, and yet it captures so perfectly what our focus as Christians needs to be - honoring Him with our voice:
I love You Lord
and I lift my voice
To worship You
O my soul, rejoice!
Take joy, my King
in what You hear
May it be a sweet, sweet sound
in Your ear.
Our Creator has given each of us a distinct set of traits, talents, gifts, resources, desires, experiences and opportunities - all of which comprise our unique voice. So often we get caught in the trap of comparing our voice with those around us - focusing on what we have (or don't have), or what we can (or can't) do. The Lord, however, is only interested in one thing - the condition of our heart! And, as Jesus teaches us, our heart follows our focus:
"For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."
(Luke 12:34)
Whether we find ourselves traveling through one of life's valleys or atop one of it's peaks, it is only by setting our sights on Him that we can overcome the trials and temptations that come with each.
As I write this, I'm reminded of the story of the poor widow, found in the book of Luke:
"And He looked up, and saw the rich men casting their gifts into the treasury.
And He saw also a certain poor widow casting in thither two mites.
And He said, Of a truth I say unto you, that this poor widow hath cast in more than they all:
For all these have of their abundance cast in unto the offerings of God: but she of her penury hath cast in all the living that she had."
(Luke 21:1-4)
Compared to others with greater material resources, the widow's offering seemed small and insignificant, but from God's perspective, it was the greatest of them all. He looked at the heart from which the offering came, not the material possession that was given.
We should strive to use our voice in the same way. Not in any attempt to earn the salvation which has been given freely to us as believers, but to honor Him with the voice He has given us - to be a vessel through which His blessings may flow.
"Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in Thy sight, O Lord, my Strength, and my Redeemer."
(Psalm 19:14)
"For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them."
(Ephesians 2:10)
Lord, may I honor You today with my voice
May the song of my heart be music to Your ears
#BelieveInJesusChristToLive
#PoweredByPresence
#DoingTheRightThing
(Last Updated 12/10/2021)