Be Thou my battle Shield, Sword for the fight;
Be Thou my Dignity, Thou my Delight;
Thou my soul’s Shelter, Thou my high Tow’r:
Raise Thou me heav’nward, O Pow’r of my pow’r.

Be Thou My Vision (6th century)
By: Saint Dallán Forgaill (c. 560 – 640)

Listen to this modern version of this ancient 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.

As we continue our journey through this ancient text and hymn, make each stanza your own by praying through it. Let’s tune our hearts.

Fighting the Battle

We can appreciate the powerful imagery of this stanza, but dare I say not as well as those who sang it in generations when swords and shields were the primary tools for combat. Being an ancient hymn, there were many who lived in such a time when that was the case, which probably explains why it is the stanza most often left out of modern usages of this great text. While that is understandable, it is also unfortunate.

Though we may not take up physical swords and shields for the battles we face every day, our battles are no less real. Just because we may not bleed or be dismembered by our foes does not mean we do not face dangers each day. They tend to be spiritual in nature, but also emotional and relational. Are they beginning to come into view?

Be Thou my battle Shield, Sword for the fight;

In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, Ephesians 6:16-17 ESV

This is from the larger passage in Ephesians which encourages us to pray for the full armor of God. We need that armor, for various parts of our bodies, because there are a variety of skirmishes every day. God wants to help us with each of them and so He offers us defensive and offensive tools to use against them. 

There will be a battle and a fight. Maybe you are very aware of that, or maybe you are just now realizing this is a reality of the Christian life. When we determine to see God and walk in His wisdom, opposition will arise in our lives. Again, some are spiritual, but not all.  God has already offered to be your Shield and Sword, and through Christ’s work on the cross is already victorious in every way. He invites you into that victory as surely as His presence ensures it.

RESONATE!
Whatever you are facing today or in this season, ask God to be your shield and sword. Ask Him to be your protection and weapon in the fight for right. Take a few moments right now to pray, “Lord, be my defense and offense against my foes.”

Enjoying the Accolades

We can savor the victory that Christ has accomplished and makes available to us. The ultimate victory of sin, death and the grave are assured, but so are many smaller ones because they are secured by it and flow from it. We are victorious because God makes it so.

In ancient times, the laurel wreath was awarded to victors as a sign of respect and honor for their achievements. They we presented to winners of sporting events and battles alike. You had to earn it. It was not a participation award, and not everyone who competed or fought was given one.

If there was ever someone worthy of respect and honor for accomplishments in is Jesus Christ. He laid down His life to overcome sin, and then took it up again to demonstrate His victory over death and the grave. The incredible grace to us is that God shares the respect and honor He has rightfully earned with us who have not when we choose to associate with Him in His crucifixion. What seems like a disgrace becomes the means that dignity is imparted to us. What seems disastrous, is the very path to delight.

Be Thou my Dignity, Thou my Delight;

I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20 ESV

We have no greater honor than to die to ourselves and let Christ live in us. We must strive to find our worth and our delight in Him. There are no accolades that convey greater honor and respect than to be associated with Him in His death and resurrection.

But we must be careful to not “rest on our laurels”. This is an old saying that implies becoming complacent and trusting in the honor of victories won long ago. Instead of simply enjoying the honors of what Christ has accomplished, we must balance that with  allowing His life to shape our living so we continue to bring honor to Him.

We must always remember though that His presence with us is what makes us worthy of honor and respect. With this knowledge, it becomes clear why He would be our delight as well. He has won the battle, and graciously shares all the accolades with us.

RESONATE!
Ask the Spirit to reveal to you if you are living by faith in Christ. Thank God for gracing your life with the dignity and delight which comes with an ever-increasing awareness of His presence. Tale a few moments now to pray, “Jesus, thank You for the Dignity and Delight I find in you.”

Jesus, be my Shield and Sward, my Dignity and Delight. Thank You for opening my eyes to these truths. Help me to live in them today, and turn all the glory right back to you. In Jesus’ name. Amen!

Victorious 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 44.3 Transcript, 25.3 REFRAMED

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.

Be Thou my battle Shield, Sword for the fight;
Be Thou my Dignity, Thou my Delight;
Thou my soul’s Shelter, Thou my high Tow’r:
Raise Thou me heav’nward, O Pow’r of my pow’r.

There will be a battle and a fight. When we determine to see God and walk in His wisdom opposition will arise in our lives. Certainly some are spiritual, but not all. Ask God to be your protection and weapon in the fight for right.

Lord, be my defense and offense against my foes.

His presence with us makes us worthy of honor and respect. With this knowledge it becomes clear why He would be our delight as well. Thank God for gracing your life with the dignity and delight which comes with an ever-increasing awareness of His presence.

Jesus, thank You for the Dignity and Delight I find in you.

His presence also provides Shelter for our souls and Tower of protection for our lives. Again we acknowledge that there are forces which come against us, but that God if for us as we face them. Ask Him to be your Shelter and Tower.

God, be my Shelter and Tower.

If we have and power His presence is the real Power behind it. This is the same power that raised Christ from the dead and ultimately will raise us heavenward to His glorious presence.  Thank the Holy Spirit for being that Power from on high, for today and the day when you rise.

Spirit, thank You for being the real Power in my life.

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 How to Face Your Battles and Savor Your Victories REPOST appeared first on Resonant 7.

Image Attributions
Be Thou My Battle Shield, Sword for the Fight – https://pixabay.com/vectors/shield-sword-weapon-armour-sharp-34911/
Be Thou My Dignity, Thou My Delight – https://pixabay.com/vectors/laurel-wreath-accolade-winner-award-304839/

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.

Be Thou My Vision (6th century)
By: Saint Dallán Forgaill (c. 560 – 640)

Listen to this modern version of this ancient 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.

As we continue our journey through this ancient text and hymn, make each stanza your own by praying through it. Let’s tune our hearts.

Words of Wisdom

Who doesn’t want more wisdom?

I mean, come on. Wisdom keeps us out of trouble. It helps us make the best decisions, decisions that impact every area of our lives, spiritual, relational, emotional, financial, physical, etc.

But…

There is no easy solution to discovering Wisdom. The same can be said for employing it once you have it. Both require an investment of time and energy that few are willing to make.

This simple prayer begins a process. One that is worth every once of effort the willing soul will afford.

Be Thou my Wisdom, and Thou my true Word;

For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding; Proverbs 2:6 ESV

God is pouring forth Wisdom. The supply is not the problem. The problem arises with whether we are listening. Whether we will receive it.

There is a connection throughout this stanza of God’s words being in us so we can be in Him, which starts with our acknowledging that He is Wisdom and Truth. From there we have to take the time to allow His words to find their way into us. His mouth is speaking, but our ears are not always listening.

When was the last time you asked God for wisdom and truth? When you did were you patient enough for Him to speak them into your life? Do you know how to do that?

How do we find God becoming our Wisdom? We search for Him and it in His Word. We must make time in the Bible a regular occurrence, and when we come we must ask Him to open our blind eyes and give us understanding. It seems so simple, and it is, but that does not mean it is easy. It requires diligence, perseverance and patience. Are you setting His words before you so you can hear and see Him?

RESONATE!
Ask Him to be your wisdom and truth. “God, give me eyes to see You in Your word.” Then take the time reading to allow Him to reveal Himself to you. Sit and ponder. Read and pray. Even a few minutes every day will begin to allow Wisdom to grow in you.

Connecting

Getting into God’s word, reading it often, provides a context where we can be connected to Him and His ways. When we are spending time with God in His word He speaks to us, then and later, in addition to helping us make sense of what has already happened in our lives. There are both active and passive elements of this exchange.

The active part is our responding to God’s prompting and the desire to know Him by actually reading His Word. The passive part comes when we have to wait and allow Him to bear fruit in us. The latter makes us like a branch that is connected to the vine which supplies everything it needs for fruit bearing.

Jesus connects us to Himself, the True Vine, and then we must choose to stay connected. It seems silly to think about a branch separating from the vine and still trying to produce fruit, because a branch can not take the initiative. But we can. We can drift away and fail to nurture the essential connection for not only fruit-bearing but life itself.

When we realize how crucial that connection is we sincerely pray prayers like this one.

I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord;

Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. John 15:4 ESV 

When He reveals His Wisdom and Truth to us, we are left with another choice, allowing those things to live in us, and us in them. Jesus uses the illustration of a branch and a vine. His words connect us to His life.

Time and relationship. These are the words that come to mind in the context of this Scripture. I want to be with God, and I want Him to be with me. How does that happen? Again, sitting in His presence be immersing ourselves in His Word.

RESONATE!
Ask Jesus to help you dwell in Him, always staying connected to Him. Ask Him to help you learn how to live in His presence, by allowing His words to dwell in you. “Jesus, help me live in Your presence.”

Jesus, I want to live in Your presence. I want to allow Your word to dwell in me so I can dwell in You. I want Your Wisdom to shape my every thought and decision. Help me Lord. In Jesus’ name. Amen!

Connected 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 44.2 Transcript, 25.2 REFRAMED

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.

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.

How do we find God becoming our Wisdom? We search for Him and in it in His Word. We must make time in the Bible a regular occurrence, and when we come we must ask Him to open our blind eyes and give us understanding. Are you setting His words before you so you can see Him?

God, give me eyes to see You in Your word.

Time and relationship. These are the words that come to mind with these words. I want to be with God, and I want Him to be with me. How does that happen? Again, sitting in His presence be immersing ourselves in His Word. Ask Jesus to help you live in His presence.

Jesus, help me live in Your presence.

Like Father, like son. We want to be like God. This happens as we imitate and emulate His ways. In order to do that we must know Him and His ways. Ask the Spirit to reveal the ways of God, and empower you to walk in them, thus demonstrating you are God’s child.

Spirit, help me to imitate God’s ways.

God makes His dwelling in us in ever-increasing measure as we open our lives to His influence. Have you invited the Lord to come and have His way in your life recently. When you do He does, and He aligns your life to His purposes. Commit to welcoming Him regularly.

Lord, I commit to welcoming You in my life regularly.

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 Connected to the Truth REPOST appeared first on Resonant 7.

Image Attributions
Be Thou My Wisdom and Thou My True Word – https://pixabay.com/photos/bible-old-testament-new-testament-4179472/
I Ever With Thee and Thou with Me Lord – https://pixabay.com/photos/vine-leaf-branch-plant-nature-3236107/

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 Vision (6th century)
By: Saint Dallán Forgaill (c. 560 – 640)

Listen to this modern version of this ancient 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.

As we begin our journey through this ancient text and hymn, make each stanza your own by praying through it. Let’s tune our hearts.

Vision

We must see everything against the backdrop of the cross. I believe it was Henry Blackaby, the author or “Experiencing God” who said that. It has shaped my perspective for years, and comes to bear on lines like this one.

Be Thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart;

For your steadfast love is before my eyes, and I walk in your faithfulness. Psalm 26:3 ESV

Where is the steadfast love of God better on display than at the cross? What can help inform our walk better than the steps of Jesus up the hill to Calvary? If we keep the cross central in our sight, seeing His love and walking in His faithfulness becomes a much simpler endeavor.

This entire hymn is a beautiful prayer, starting with these first lines. We acknowledge God as the Sovereign One in our internal workings, our heart, and ask that His presence be our guide externally as well. Make this your prayer as we begin to journey through this ancient song.

What are you looking toward or for? What are you aspiring to? For the Christian, the answer to those questions should be Jesus, and being like Christ respectively. This is an ancient Irish prayer of protection and it starts by centering on Christ. Is that where you begin?

RESONATE!
Ask the Father to help you begin your journey through this incredible text by centering on Jesus. Take a few moments and talk to Him about things that might be competing with your focus on Him. Be honest and sincere, echoing the heart of the text.

Everything

This second line of this great hymn is definitely worth pondering. It is artistic, genuine and powerful in its simplicity. Consider that it is a translation from the the original prayer and it becomes even more remarkable.

Read it, and without looking ahead at the Scripture or the thoughts below answer these questions. What does that mean? How might I express that in more modern language? Then by all means, please read on.

Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art;

Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ Philippians 3:8 ESV

Be nothing else to me other that what you already are. This acknowledges that we believe He possesses everything we need, we are satisfied in Him, and desire nothing else. How many of our problems would be solved if we rested in this truth? Ask Him to help you today.

We want Him to be nothing more than our highest aspiration, but we definitely want Him to be that. Or do we? If you had to strip all other pursuits away except for one, what would that one be? Christlikeness? Ask Him to be your everything, and nothing more.

RESONATE!
What is God to you? Is He everything? Is He something less? Ask Jesus to help you see Him for who He really is, and to become everything to you.

Jesus, fill my field of vision until I see nothing but You, and everything against the backdrop of Your cross. Take me on a journey of finding my satisfaction in You and You alone. In Jesus’ name. Amen!

Visionary 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 44.1 Transcript, 25.1 REFRAMED

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.

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.

What are you looking toward or for? What are you aspiring to? For the Christian, the answer to those questions should be Jesus, and being like Christ respectively. This is an ancient Irish prayer of protection and it starts by centering on Christ. Is that where you begin?

Father, help me to begin by centering on You.

We want Him to be nothing more than our highest aspiration, but we definitely want that. Or do we? If you had to strip all other pursuits away except for one, what would that one be? Christlikeness? Ask Him to be your everything, and nothing more.

Jesus, be my everything.

Daydreams and nightdreams, every conscious and unconscious thought all find their value somewhere below Jesus. He is our best thought, and allowing Him to hold that position informs our actions and attitudes both day and night. Tell Him He is your best thought.

Lord, You are my best thought.

His presence makes the difference in every circumstance, whether we are living it or dreaming of it. The terrors evoked by the dark night of the soul are no match for His countenance. The next time you are facing any darkness, maybe right now, ask the Spirit to shine bright.

Spirit, shine Your brightness into my life.

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 Who Are You Looking For? REPOST appeared first on Resonant 7.

Image Attributions
Be Thou My Vision, O Lord of My Heart – https://pixabay.com/photos/eye-iris-look-focus-green-1132531/
Naught Be All Else to Me, Save That Thou Art  – https://pixabay.com/photos/question-mark-question-mark-symbol-3470783/

No condemnation now I dread
Jesus and all in Him is mine
Alive in Him my living Head
And clothed in righteousness divine
Bold I approach th’eternal throne
And claim the crown through Christ my own

And Can It Be, That I Should Gain? 1738
By: Charles Wesley (1707-1788)

Listen to this modern version of this 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!!

Please enjoy this video and the transcript below.

Transcript may be found below, at the end of the blog.

As we conclude our journey through this hymn which encourages us to be amazed at God’s love for us prepare to respond and give Him praise. Let’s tune our hearts.

All in Him

It really revolves around this singular reality. When I find myself in Him, in Jesus, I truly find all because in Him I find everything I need and everything I have ever longed for. All in Him.

• Acceptance. In Him.
• Freedom. In Him.
• Security. In Him.
• Peace. In Him.
• All. In Him.

No condemnation now I dread
Jesus and all in Him is mine

There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Romans 8:1 ESV

I am in Christ. I need not fear any condemnation. Might it come? Sure. May belonging to Jesus actually bring it? Absolutely. But it will not affect my eternal standing in Christ. It is truly as if there is no condemnation because being in Jesus spares me of its consequences.

His amazing love teaches me that not only is Jesus mine, but all in Him as well. And just what is in Him? Everything. There is nothing that is, that is not in Him. So I can face all things, including any condemnation, because everything I need is in Jesus, and is mine in Him.

RESONATE!
Take a few moments and reflect on what you are longing for and your deepest level. If you are able to identify the root longing you will be one step closer to realizing Jesus is it. Make this your simple prayer “Jesus, show me what is mine in You.” 

Alive in Him

Life. In Him.

Not just eternal life, but true, real life right here, right now. Eternal life includes here and now because it is eternal. Pretty simple, but this reality escapes many who are longing for more beyond what they can see and feel right now.

Jesus fills all eternity with His presence. These moments are a part of eternity. Jesus is filling them now. Find life in these moments. Rest in Jesus and the fact you are clothed in His righteousness.

Righteousness. In Him.

Alive in Him my living Head
And clothed in righteousness divine

I will greatly rejoice in the Lord; my soul shall exult in my God, for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation; he has covered me with the robe of righteousness…Isaiah 61:10a ESV

Even if I die, yet will I live. He has clothed me with the garments of salvation and will cover me with His righteousness. I have no righteousness on my own. It all belongs to Jesus. I give Him praise because He clothes me with it. I greatly rejoice in Him.

I was dead to sin, but now I am alive in Christ. He is my living Head, that is to say my ruler and leader, but not mine only. He is the Head of His body, the church, and the firstborn from among the dead that in all things He might be preeminent. He clothes me in His righteousness.

RESONATE!
Take a few moments and consider the life Jesus has given you access to in Him. Can you remember when you were dead in trespasses and sin? Now you are alive. Pray a simple prayer like this one, “Jesus, thank You for clothing me in righteousness.”  

Jesus, thank You for everything that is mine in You. Righteousness and life. Everything. In Jesus’ name. 

Satisfied 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 43.5 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.

No condemnation now I dread
Jesus and all in Him is mine
Alive in Him my living Head
And clothed in righteousness divine
Bold I approach th’eternal throne
And claim the crown through Christ my own

His amazing love teaches me that not only is Jesus mine, but all in Him as well. And just what is in Him? Everything. There is nothing that is, that is not in Him. So I can face all things, including any condemnation, because everything I need is in Jesus, and is mine in Him.

Jesus, show me what is mine in You.

I was dead in sin, but now I am alive in Christ. He is my living Head, that is to say my ruler and leader, but not mine only. He is the Head of His body, the church, and the firstborn from among the dead that in all things He might be preeminent. He clothes me in His righteousness.

Jesus, thank You for clothing me in righteousness.

Clothed in His righteousness I can boldly approach His throne. It was not enough for Him to free me of condemnation and give me life, He gave me access to His very presence where I will spend the balance of eternity before the throne of my matchless King.

God, help me long to approach Your throne.

Not only will I be with Him, I will reign with Him. This is mind boggling. I believe it to be true and yet struggle to grasp the magnitude of this incredible promise. Only through Jesus is this incredible inheritance possible. Though I am not worthy, one day I will claim my crown.

Spirit, give me the faith to believe this truth.

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.

Bold I approach th’eternal throne
And claim the crown through Christ my own

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 In Him. appeared first on Resonant 7.

Image Attributions
All in Him – https://pixabay.com/illustrations/woman-power-glory-affirmation-2128020/
Alive in Him – https://pixabay.com/illustrations/man-power-glory-affirmation-2143895/

Long my imprisoned spirit lay
Fast bound in sin and nature’s night
Thine eye diffused a quickening ray
I woke the dungeon flamed with light
My chains fell off my heart was free
I rose went forth and followed Thee

And Can It Be, That I Should Gain? 1738
By: Charles Wesley (1707-1788)

Listen to this modern version of this 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!!

Please enjoy this video and the transcript below.

Transcript may be found below, at the end of the blog.

As we continue our journey through this hymn which encourages us to be amazed at God’s love for us prepare to respond and give Him praise. Let’s tune our hearts.

Fast Bound in Sin, and Unaware

We were unaware, even asleep to the reality of our condition. The next line says the writer awoke, implying he was asleep before the dungeon filled with light. That is a good illustration of the double bondages of sin. We can not enjoy the freedom God made us for, and we do not even realize we are bound.

Nature’s night is the way the writer says it. Our fallen nature doomed us to sleep while God’s invitation is to wake. We lay asleep, unaware that there was a world of daylight waiting for us to wake up and enjoy it.

What a powerful picture! We even are tempted to bury our heads to spare our spiritual eyes from the brightness just like the image above depicts. Then when we realize the warmth and light of an alternative reality things begin to change, but it is not an easy process to awaken to this reality.

Long my imprisoned spirit lay
Fast bound in sin and nature’s night

Some sat in darkness and in the shadow of death,
    prisoners in affliction and in irons,
for they had rebelled against the words of God,
    and spurned the counsel of the Most High. Psalm 107:10-11 ESV

Turning from God’s counsel and rebelling against His word brings darkness, and affliction. It is absolutely a prison of sorts, only the prisoner is often unaware of the bars, which makes it even more sad. When you come to see the bars you long for an escape. Remember?

Though this description applies to all of Adam’s race, without the work of the Holy Spirit we are incapable of accepting our captivity. Sin is absolutely a prison, but one we become accustomed to and accept as the only possibility. Reflect back on the darkness of that bondage.

RESONATE!
Take a few moments and remember the bars. Can you recall what it first felt like when you realized they were there? Make this your simple prayer “Spirit, remind me just how dark was the prison of sin.” 

Asleep But Waking

Did you catch the interesting sequence of events described in the text? We realized a light was bursting forth while we were still asleep. The light woke us up from our spiritual slumber. It woke us up to the bondage of our sin. It woke us up to a better future and freedom.

But notice where we still were when we saw the light. A dungeon! We were still in the dungeon when the light revealed our captivity. But it also revealed the way of escape.

It was then, aware of the bondage, awakening from our slumber that we cried out to the Lord. We could not have done so if He had not already sent the light. We never would have even realized our need if He had not. He initiates and we respond.

It happened when we first started the journey. It happens again and again when there are more prisons to escape. God keeps sending His light so we can awaken to each those new freedoms. What   an amazing love!

Thine eye diffused a quickening ray
I woke the dungeon flamed with light

Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble,
    and he delivered them from their distress.
He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death,
    and burst their bonds apart. Psalm 107:13-14 ESV

Deliverance and freedom are available to those who call to the Lord. We could not see the bars and certainly not cry out without His help. Fortunately He sent enough light that we could see them and the way out. Give Him praise.

Into that darkness came a ray of light that filled my life. That first appearing brought a quickening of my conscience which allowed to me see my prison for the first time, and the path of escape from it. Double was the blessing of seeing the dungeon and the doorway.

RESONATE
Take a few moments and consider the light Jesus has brought into your life. Recall what that felt like. Pray a simple prayer like this one, “Jesus, thank You for being that light.”  

Jesus, thank You for flooding my life with Your light. Help me to wake up every day to new freedom. In Jesus’ name. 

Illuminated 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.

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Video 43.4 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.

Long my imprisoned spirit lay
Fast bound in sin and nature’s night
Thine eye diffused a quickening ray
I woke the dungeon flamed with light
My chains fell off my heart was free
I rose went forth and followed Thee

Though this description applies to all of Adam’s race, without the work of the Holy Spirit we are incapable of accepting our captivity. Sin is absolutely a prison, but one we become accustomed to and accept as the only possibility. Reflect back on the darkness of that bondage.

Spirit, remind me just how dark was the prison of sin.

Into that darkness came a ray of light that filled my life. That first appearing brought a quickening of my conscience which allowed to me see my prison for the first time, and the path of escape from it. Double was the blessing of seeing the dungeon and the doorway.

Jesus, thank You for being that light.

That same light which illuminated my bondage also shattered those shackles. Even more than the release of physical chains my heart was truly free from the consequence of a lifetime of sin. I could have never pryed them off but they melted away in the light of God’s love.

God, I praise You for dissolving the chains my sin had forged.

The only appropriate response to that newfound freedom is to rise up and follow the One who made it available. First we stand in His presence, free of sin. Then we learn to move about in that freedom, all the while learning that following Him is the only path to enjoying it fully.

Jesus, show me how to follow You today.

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.

My chains fell off my heart was free
I rose went forth and followed Thee

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 Awakening in His Light appeared first on Resonant 7.

Image Attributions
Imprisoned Spirit – https://pixabay.com/photos/prisoner-captivity-jail-penalty-6001768/
A Quickening Ray – https://pixabay.com/photos/man-pray-prayer-praising-praise-6354820/