As many of you know from our recent blogs, this has been a season of trials for both Sherry and myself. During such times for all of us, we find ourselves seeking rest for our souls to be replenished and restored. As my husband and I have walked through the end of our journey as worship pastor and choir directors at our church this weekend my heart is so full. Full of remembrances, treasured memories, beautiful friendships and relationships and, of course, a deep sense of loss. Yet as I wrote two weeks ago, I am trusting in God's faithfulness as we face a new and different future in ministry. As this weekend of blessing and sorrow comes to a close I truly find it hard to find words to adequately express what is in my heart. We have been overwhelmed at the outpouring of love, kindness and generosity by members of our choir family and the body of Christ. Truly the love and grace of the Father has poured over our lives throughout these thirty years of ministry. Tonight as we laughed and ate together in our home with our choir, the joy that filled the room and the relationships that spanned the years were an incredible blessing to take in. As we closed our evening together in songs of worship we wept together and lifted our voices in songs of praise with these dear friends whom we have partnered with in ministry for so long. These dear ones have been the fragrance of the sweet aroma of Christ in my life. Through them we have experienced the lavish love of Jesus. I thought my heart would burst as I took in the love in the room for Jesus and one another. Since I was a little girl the Lord has always ministered to my heart and spirit through His songs. Our lives will look very different in the days and months ahead. I'm sure that I will turn to songs of worship often to carry me through and keep my heart focused on the truth and love of Christ as we face this difficult season of change and transition. I began looking for a song to share with you as I realized that I really had few words for a blog. When your spirit is heavy with sorrow at loss it is Jesus alone who can sing over you with words of comfort and hope. My greatest need in this season is to pause and gaze upon the beauty, the wonder, and the power of Jesus and to rest there. Joy comes when we let the truth of who Jesus is capture our hearts. Then we are left standing in awe and bowing in worship. When we choose to pause and ponder the vast sea of God's greatness, His beauty fills our weary souls and we emerge amazed at His power to transform the brokenness in our lives. When our lives are facing change and trials it is the faithfulness and pure, changeless love of Jesus that sustains us. He alone is the One who can supply our deepest needs. Years ago I recorded the hymn "Jesus, I am Resting, Resting" for a CD to go with the Bible Study I had written called "Living Water". Sometimes a song expresses your heart more than words. My prayer as you listen today is that the Lord will use this music to draw you into His water of life. May His truth set you free and reveal the Father's character and loving heart for you. May you draw near to Him and experience the comfort and rest that only His healing presence can bring no matter what you may be facing in your life today. Worship and praise and soaking in God's truth will always sustain us in the difficult seasons of life. And as we marvel at the wonder and mystery of who He is, may our hearts respond in worship of the One alone who is worthy of all the honor, glory and praise. Jesus I am resting, resting In the Joy of what Thou art; I am finding out the greatness Of Thy loving heart. Thou hast bid me gaze upon Thee, And Thy beauty fills my soul, For by Thy transforming power Thou hast made me whole. Jesus, I am resting, resting In the joy of what Thou art; I am finding out the greatness Of Thy loving heart. O how great Thy loving kindness. Vaster, broader than the sea! O how marvelous Thy goodness, Lavished all on me! Yes, I rest in Thee, Beloved, Know what wealth of grace is Thine, Know Thy certainty of promise, And have made it mine. Jesus, I am resting, resting In the joy of what Thou art; I am finding out the greatness Of Thy loving heart. Simply trusting Thee, Lord Jesus, I behold Thee as Thou art, And Thy love, so pure, so changeless, Satisfies my heart; Satisfies its deepest longings, Meets supplies its every need, Compasseth me round with blessings; Thine is love indeed! Jesus, I am resting, resting In the joy of what Thou art; I am finding out the greatness Of Thy loving heart. Ever lift Thy face upon me, As I work and wait for Thee; Resting 'neath Thy smile, Lord Jesus, Earth's dark shadows flee. Brightness of my Father's glory, Sunshine of my Father's face, Keep me ever trusting, resting; Fill me with Thy grace. Jesus, I am resting, resting In the joy of what Thou art; I am finding out the greatness Of Thy loving heart. by David B. Hampton, Jean Sophia Pigott The Lord your God is with you, He is mighty to save, He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with his love, He will rejoice over you with singing. Zephaniah 3:17 Resting in Jesus, Kathy' Taken partially from the Archives We invite you to join us for our upcoming retreat. Many of the lessons we will learn in studying John 13-15 will help to strengthen our trust in His faithfulness as we discover the gifts of abiding in Christ. Truly our rest comes when we choose to abide in Him. It's coming soon! Register today! Be sure to join us for Monday Musings each Monday by subscribing with your email address. The subscription box is located at the top right of this blog!
6 Comments
Judy Snow
9/28/2014 07:24:14 pm
Oh, Kathy. I have prayed for you and Ken so much over the past few weeks. I understand so much of what you are going through, I am sad to say. Yet, "through it all, I have learned to trust in Jesus." For me, it has taken several years to discover God's hand in a most hurtful, sad event. You are discovering, it seems, even now - early in the pain.....yet, God's love prevails over and in anything that can attempt to thwart us on this earth. You and Ken have touched more lives than you will ever know - including mine, through your beautiful daughters and your beautiful spirits of service and ministry, even in daily conversation. You will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers as you move forward toward what God has planned for you. Your voice is always so beautiful, and never more than in this song. I would love to hear you sing these words in the original hymn tune "Tranquility" by James Mountain - it is a tune and text so dear to my childhood memories. May God continue to bless you and Ken in all that you do, wherever you go, with whomever you meet, and however He leads. You are most special to me, and my life has been made richer because you two have been in it. Love you both!
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Kathy Drake
9/30/2014 08:54:58 am
Judy, Thanks so much for reaching out with your encouraging words. I know you have also walked through painful times in ministry. We are so grateful for your investment in our girls and your friendship. Thank you for your prayers and love!
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eileen
9/29/2014 02:00:17 am
Crying. Thank you my sister. He works it all for good and to His glory.
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Kathy Drake
9/30/2014 08:58:15 am
Love you my friend! It meant so much that you came to the reception. Your love and investment in my life and ministry forever changed my walk of faith and taught me to trust the Lord for what seems impossible.He is faithful, I know. I'm looking forward to that visit soon.
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frances kennison
9/29/2014 02:18:49 am
Psalm 27:4 "One thing I have asked from the Lord, that I shall seek: That I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to meditate in His temple."
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Kathy Drake
9/30/2014 09:00:02 am
Frances, Thank you so much for all of the love, encouragement, friendship and prayers through the years! We are truly blessed.
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