May 31, 2017
What’s Love Got to do With It?
Gwen Smith
Today’s Truth
I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory. Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. (Psalm 63:2-3)
Friend to Friend
Years ago I experienced a memorable God-moment when my flight had been delayed. On that particular warm June morning, I had gotten to the Philadelphia airport crazy-early and was eager to get home to my young family after a beautiful weekend of ministry.
No lie - when I saw that my flight was delayed, I was bummed. My initial disappointment, however, dissolved into gratefulness, as the extra airport time became an opportunity for me to have extended personal worship.
As I sat facing the flat runway, a fiery orange ball began to rise over the horizon that was simply breathtaking. I couldn’t help but to reflect on God’s goodness as He bragged on Himself with the glorious sunrise. I remember sensing His presence and His pleasure deep inside as I considered a few of the reasons that I loved our amazing LORD. And in the chaos of the loud, bustling terminal, I felt a peace and serenity that was profound.
Have you ever had one of those sweet, intensely personal moments with God that simply demanded a response?
Taking it all in, I sipped fresh-brewed coffee as my mind wandered to that classic poem “How Do I Love Thee? Let Me Count The Ways,” written by the talented poet of the Victorian era, Elizabeth Barrett Browning. Her poem seemed the perfect backdrop for my worship, and that sweet moment of personal reflection birthed the lyric for a song titled Because that I recorded later that year:
Because
by Gwen Smith and Randy Rothwell
Another flight delayed, sitting here I think of You
Sipping on a dark “Seattle’s Best”
As the sun is rising, I pause to give You praise
A solitary moment in a blur of busy days
Where should I begin?
There’s so much I could say
Why do I love you?
Let me count the ways…
Because You chased me
And then You caught me
Because You cherish me
Because You bought me
You change me deeply
You set my heart free
Because I’m never satisfied
Without Your presence right here by my side
People all around rushing by, just passing through
Carrying the baggage we all own
Desperate for true love, richer life and perfect peace
A chance for satisfaction with a prayer of belief
In Your presence there is serenity
Father of mercy, I love you endlessly…
Hear my heart in this noisy sanctuary as I sit here all alone
You are worthy of a song that’s never ending
I will sing until I’m safely home, safely home
Lord I love You, Oh I love You
Have you really savored our Savior lately?
Have you paused to adore Him today?
What about yesterday? This week?
In the midst of marriage, mothering and ministry, I constantly struggle with freeing up time to ‘just sit’ with God and worship… to behold Him in His sanctuary… yet this is what God desires most! Our affection. Our adoration. Our love.
So today, I praise Him for missed flights that lead to worship. I praise Him for sunrises that demand a prayerful response. I praise Him for the peace He brings to my frazzled. For the calm His presence brings to my chaos.
Before we pray together and tell God some of the endless reasons we love Him, I’d love to lead you to His heart with music. Click here to hear the song “Because” that’s featured on my blog.
Let’s Pray
Heavenly Father, There are so many reasons why I love you! You chased me and caught me. You cherish me and bought me with the blood of your Son, Jesus. Please forgive me for the times when the busyness of life crowds out my time to adore You. Hear my heart today as it tenderly and sincerely whispers, “I love You!”
I praise you and pray this in the powerful, saving Name of Jesus,
Amen.
Now It’s Your Turn
What do you praise Him for today? Think on that. Make a list. Give Him thanks. Worship! Then swing over to my blog and leave a comment telling me your top 3-5 things!
Read Psalm 63 and then pray for God’s presence, provision and protection in your life.
Write a “love note” to someone special in your life as a blessing. Ask God to lead you in this.
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