I inherited heaven-mindedness from my dad. I grew up knowing that I wasn't home yet, that something wonderful was coming. I've imagined what it must be like to live in absolute peace. And while I confess that my longing for heaven has often been selfish, I really have longed to just sit at God's feet and feel that absolute adoration that a young child can have for a parent.
But in the last two years, my assurance of what heaven will be has been challenged. I went through my first real crisis of belief about the reality of heaven, among other things. I was in the dark long enough to believe that there might not be any perfect peace, ever. I never really stopping believing it was there, but it didn't stir my heart anymore. I prayed and searched and asked God to let me feel that longing again.
I love the way He is...
Yesterday as we closed worship I lifted my face as high as I could, held out hands of invitation, and sang at the top of my lungs. My heart soared and I felt as if the roof would come off the building and we would all be lifted up to heaven.
So now I am inheriting heaven-heartedness from my Father.
And can it be that I should gain
An interest in the Savior’s blood?
Died He for me, who caused His pain—
For me, who Him to death pursued?
Amazing love! How can it be,
That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?
An interest in the Savior’s blood?
Died He for me, who caused His pain—
For me, who Him to death pursued?
Amazing love! How can it be,
That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?
He left His Father’s throne above
So free, so infinite His grace—
Emptied Himself of all but love,
And bled for Adam’s helpless race:
’Tis mercy all, immense and free,
For O my God, it found out me!
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.
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.
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.
Amazing love! How can it be,That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?
1 comment:
I also had a very meaningful time singing that hymn yesterday. I am so glad that Jeff had us all stand to sing the last two stanzas. Amazing love, how can it be, but so thankful that He did die for me!
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