Praise to the Lord Who
When darkness of sin is abounding
Who when the godless do triumph
All virtue confounding
Sheddeth His light chaseth the horrors of night
Saints with His mercy surrounding
Praise to the Lord, the Almighty
By: Joachim Neander 1680, trans. Catherine Winkworth 1863
Listen to this modern version of this majestic hymn as you prepare to ponder the lyrics. Please make certain to enjoy the podcast below.
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Everyone enjoy this podcast and transcript below! It features meditative music and moments to contemplate the Scriptures and reflections shared.
Transcript may be found below, at the end of the blog.
As we continue our journey through this hymn ask the Holy Spirit to help you receive and then issue this call to worship. Be sure to find your place in the praise. Let’s think about this.
His Light
Have you ever lit a candle in a dark room? The darkness has no choice. It can not swallow the light, but rather is no match for it and must retreat.
The same is true somehow of the darkness of sin. Though we live in a fallen world and often things seem to happen that allow the darkness to advance, God’s light comes even in the most unexpected moments and changes things.
Whatever darkness you may be facing right now. look for the light. God will shed it on those circumstances. His hands are at work.
Sheddeth His light chaseth the horrors of night
The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. John 1:5 ESV
Here we see the beginning of the answer. Though darkness and wickedness may seem to prosper, God’s light shines in the midst of those circumstances. The darkness will not overcome His light, even though at times it seems a worthy challenger. It is not.
Though the night seems dark, God‘s light will disperse and dispel it. When it seems the horrors may envelope our souls let us continue to ask God to send His light for He has promised and is faithful. May our praise create the environment for that request.
RESONATE!
Take a few moments to about the darkness you are facing. It might not be obvious how the godless are triumphing, but you may feel they are about to envelope you. Start by making this your simple prayer, “Jesus, help me to praise You in the dark.”
His Presence
It may seem dark, but the Lord sees you. He knows what you are going through right now. He is surrounding you even as you read this, so hope on His steadfast love.
How will you do that? Tell him. I will not fear the godless darkness, but I will fear you, for Your might and glory are great. My hope is in You alone. I will praise you even as I what for Your deliverance. As the songwriter said, “It may look like I’m surrounded, but I’m surrounded by You.“
Saints with His mercy surrounding
Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear him, on those who hope in his steadfast love, that he may deliver their soul from death and keep them alive in famine. Psalm 33:18-19 ESV
God sees his saints and surrounds them with His mercy. He delivers them from death and keeps them alive in famine. Even in the midst of difficulty His mercy is with us. That is good news for today, and the next time the darkness encroaches.
When it looks like we are surrounded by the darkness of wickedness and sin, never forget we are also surrounded by God. This confidence helps us to overcome even the thickest and gravest darkness. Thank God for surrounding you with His mercy.
RESONATE!
Take a few moments and consider the capacity of Jesus. He is not limited by your understanding, but what you ask of Him may be. Make this your prayer today, “God, thank You for surrounding me with Your mercy. “
Lord, thank You having unlimited capacity. Not matter what storms I face I believe you can calm them. Help me to trust You more so when the waves roar I can still hear Your voice. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Illuminated Thinking!
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Podcast 55.5 Transcript
Welcome to Thursday Thoughts at Resonant 7, where we reflect on the reality of God and resolve to let it resound in our lives, repeatedly. Let’s think about this.
Praise to the Lord Who
When darkness of sin is abounding
Righteous are you, O Lord, when I complain to you; yet I would plead my case before you. Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why do all who are treacherous thrive? Jeremiah 12:1 ESV
Jeremiah starts off acknowledging the righteousness of God and then goes to the questions that many of us ask. Why do the wicked seem to prosper? Why do those who have no interest in the righteousness of God thrive? Do you share his curiosity?
Who when the godless do triumph
All virtue confounding
You who are of purer eyes than to see evil and cannot look at wrong, why do you idly look at traitors and remain silent when the wicked swallows up the man more righteous than he? Habakkuk 1:13 ESV
Habakkuk joins the interrogation confounded by what he seems to see as well. He cannot understand why God seems to be idly standing by while the wicked do ill to the righteous. I am thankful these prophets have asked hard questions. Aren’t you?
Sheddeth His light chaseth the horrors of night
The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. John 1:5 ESV
Here we see the beginning of the answer. Though darkness and wickedness may seem to prosper, God’s light shines in the midst of those circumstances. The darkness will not overcome His light, even though at times it seems a worthy challenger. It is not.
Saints with His mercy surrounding
Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear him, on those who hope in his steadfast love, that he may deliver their soul from death and keep them alive in famine. Psalm 33:18-19 ESV
God sees his saints and surrounds them with His mercy. He delivers them from death and keeps them alive and famine even in the midst of difficulty his mercy is with us. That is good news for today, and the next time the darkness encroaches.
Take a few moments to talk to Jesus about what has come to your mind, or listen to what He is saying to you, then I will read our text once more, with the refrain.
Praise to the Lord Who
When darkness of sin is abounding
Who when the godless do triumph
All virtue confounding
Sheddeth His light chaseth the horrors of night
Saints with His mercy surrounding
Take the mindfulness of God’s presence cultivated in these last few minutes into the next ones and beyond. Until next time,
Be Resonant.
The post What is Really Surrounding You? appeared first on Resonant 7.
Surrounded (Fight My Battles) [Official Lyric Video] – Bethel Music feat. Kari Jobe | Peace
Image Attributions
Sheddeth His light chaseth the horrors of night – https://pixabay.com/illustrations/hands-light-trust-faith-shining-5725559/
Saints with His mercy surrounding –https://www.pexels.com/photo/grayscale-photography-of-people-raising-hands-2014775/
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