Pardon for sin
And a peace that endureth
Thy own dear presence
To cheer and to guide
Strength for today
And bright hope for tomorrow
Blessings all mine
With ten thousand beside.
Great Is Thy Faithfulness (1923)
By: Thomas Chisholm (1866–1960)
Listen to this modern version of this popular hymn as you prepare to ponder the lyrics. Please make certain to enjoy the video below.
Below is video content always available as part of an extensive archive of resources. We have lots of tools and options designed to help you be Resonant! Check them out today and please consider becoming a Subscriber to support our mission of providing these tools to everyone with access to the internet!!
Everyone, enjoy this video, and the transcript below.
Transcript may be found below, at the end of the blog.
We conclude our journey through this popular hymn which declares the faithfulness of our God, true in every season, experienced by hearts of faith. Let’s tune our hearts.
Enduring
I long to come to the end of my days with a peace that has endured. To arrive at the sunset of my life, through its many difficulties with the experiential knowledge of God’s peace that lasted. How about you?
When I think of something enduring it brings to mind not only that it simply lasts a while, but also that it remains even though assailed. One of the expressions of the faithfulness of our God is His imparting peace to us that continues through the most challenging of times. For me that peace hinges on the first blessing that is mentioned in the list that makes up this final stanza: pardon.
Pardon for sin
And a peace that endureth
Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, that he may have compassion on him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. Isaiah 55:7 ESV
This incredible list of expressions of God’s faithfulness starts off where it must, pardon for sin. Once that account is settled, everything else flows from there, starting with the peace it ushers into our souls. These twin blessings belong to everyone who turns to the Lord and receives His compassion.
He is willing to abundantly pardon, but we must do our part to create that scenario. Did you see turning involved? We must forsake our ways and return to God’s.
When we do the Lord has already promised what His response will be: compassion. He will abundantly pardon. Not just pardon, abundantly pardon.
So are you tempted to think that maybe you have done too much, that God probably will not pardon you. Well, you are wrong. Forsake your way, turn to God, and receive His pardon and the peace that endures all things.
God, I praise You for pardon and peace.
RESONATE!
Is there anything you need to turn from today, even any thoughts, so you can find rest in Jesus? Allow the Spirit to bring anything to mind. Simply confess it to God, commit to turn from it and return to His ways. Then give Him praise for these two remarkable “p”’s, pardon and peace.
Presence
As you are going along the wearisome journey that is life in this fallen world, it is good to have a companion. If you fall down or fail, they can help you back up and encourage you to move forward. If you are struggling, they can help. If you are lost or confused, they can ofter perspective for your path.
God is a companion like no other.
Consider the image here. How much easier is it to overcome a challenge when you have a helping hand along the way, especially those last few steps which can seem the most difficult of all?
Thy own dear presence
To cheer and to guide
The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing. Zephaniah 3:17 ESV
That is an incredible series of promises all of which flow from the presence of God. Presence, salvation, encouragement, consolation, and singing. Can you imagine God singing over you? Well, He does and He is!
Having received the pardon and peace of God we must learn to walk in it, in His presence. He encourages our hearts, quiets us with His love, and rejoices over us, but we must be willing to listen. When was the last time you truly listened for God?
God’s presence is truly what makes the difference in every circumstance. When we are down and discouraged, His presence brightens even the darkest times. When we are lost or confused, His presence directs us to His path. How unfortunate we do not take the time to learn how to listen for the voice that reminds us of His presence. Will you take a few moments to listen right now?
RESONATE!
Welcome God simply by acknowledging that He is with You. Ask Him to take captive all the thoughts and voices that clamor for your attention. Ask Him to show you where you may need saving today, from self or sin. Ask Him to help you feel His gladness, and quiet you with His love. Then quiet yourself in His presence right now, and listen for His rejoicing.
Mighty God, thank You for the blessings of pardon and peace. Thank Your cheering and guiding with Your presence. You have been so faithful to me, even though I did not deserve it. Help me respond to that faithfulness today in whatever way will most honor You. In Jesus’ name. Amen!
Enduring Tuning!
Keep coming back, and we will work to help you remove the things that may hinder your longing for His return by cultivating an awareness of God’s presence. We will help you tune your heart to live out your worship by providing resources like this to help you acknowledge the greatness of God as you become more Resonant, 7 days a week.
Like what you’re finding here? Fill out the form to the right to get an email with each fresh post and updates of new tools to help you be Resonant.
Please comment below and share if you have found this helpful in your journey of being more resonant.
Video 23.5 Transcript
Welcome to Tuesday Tunings at Resonant 7, where we reflect on the reality of God and resolve to let it resound in our lives, repeatedly. Let’s tune our hearts.
Pardon for sin
And a peace that endureth
Thy own dear presence
To cheer and to guide
Strength for today
And bright hope for tomorrow
Blessings all mine
With ten thousand beside.
This incredible list of expressions of God’s faithfulness starts off where it must, pardon for sin. Once that account is settled, everything else flows from there, starting with the peace it ushers into our souls. Praise God for these two remarkable “p”’s, pardon and peace.
God, I praise You for pardon and peace.
God’s presence is truly what makes the difference in every circumstance. When we are down and discouraged, His presence brightens even the darkest times. When we are lost or confused, His presence directs us to His path. Thank Jesus for His presence.
Jesus, thank You for Your presence.
Just the strength for the day we are facing is a gift we sometimes fail to open, but He also gives us hope beyond it. How gracious that two-fold gift is, and how unfortunate we fail to receive it on some days when we need it most. Ask the Spirit for the humility to accept them.
Spirit, help me to humbly receive Your strength and hope.
This is such a great line. All these blessings are fully mine, even though there are “ten thousand” others around me with the same access to each of them. How faithful is our God and how boundless His kindness to us. Thank the Lord for His faithfulness once more.
Lord, thank You for Your faithfulness.
Take a few moments to talk to Jesus about what has surfaced in your heart, or just listen to what He is saying to you, then we will sing once more.
Sing
Take the awareness of God’s presence cultivated in these last few minutes into the next ones and beyond. Until next time, Be Resonant.
The post Learning to Walk in God’s Enduring Presence appeared first on Resonant 7.
Image Attributions
Pardon for Sin and a Peace that Endureth – https://pixabay.com/photos/sunset-tree-silhouette-dusk-lonely-3156176/
Thy Own Dear Presence to Cheer and to Guide – https://pixabay.com/photos/adventure-height-climbing-mountain-1807524/
Leave a Reply