Portals Into God's Presence: Love Lifted Me

I had a rough day yesterday. I had been feeling pretty good, but sleep deprivation and being at home alone with a crying baby and tantrum-y toddler (who both wanted and needed my attention at the exact same time) got the best of me. I cried yesterday. I whined and complained to a friend yesterday. And after I got both girls to sleep, I crawled into bed and prayed myself to sleep. Thanks be to God, I woke up this morning ready to get up. I can say without a doubt that the love of God touched me this morning and lifted me from the low place where I was the night before. Because the loving hand of God moved me from where I was to where I am, today's hymn is "Love Lifted Me." It is as much about the profound love of God in Christ that releases humanity from the grips of sin and death as it is about the love of God that believers experience each and every day: healing love, comforting love, delivering love. This love merits a response—the praise of our lips and  a tangible witness to the world that we have been redeemed by the blood of the Lamb.

On another note, this song holds a very special place in my heart. On the Wednesday evening when I was to preach my initial sermon, there was a brief period of devotion before preaching time. The last hymn sung—no music, just voices—was "Love Lifted Me." In that moment when my nerves were screaming louder than the Holy Spirit was speaking, the song gently reminded me of God's loving presence and power. And in that moment, God's love lifted me from nervousness to boldness to preach. Beloved, can you recall a moment when you were keenly aware that God's love was lifting you from the valley onto higher ground?

I was sinking deep in sin, far from the peaceful shore,

Very deeply stained within, sinking to rise no more,

But the Master of the sea, heard my despairing cry,

From the waters lifted me, now safe am I.

Love lifted me! Love lifted me!

When nothing else could help

Love lifted me!

All my heart to Him I give, ever to Him I’ll cling

In His blessèd presence live, ever His praises sing,

Love so mighty and so true, merits my soul’s best songs,

Faithful, loving service too, to Him belongs.

Souls in danger look above, Jesus completely saves,

He will lift you by His love, out of the angry waves.

He’s the Master of the sea, billows His will obey,

He your Savior wants to be, be saved today.