Lyrics for LYFE

In the Midst of Earthly Life

Snares of death surround me

Where do I go amidst the strife?

To thee alone, my Savior!*

Sooo guys.. I just got done with Choir Tour and it was a pretty phenomenal experience. We didn't travel far, but I got to hang with my best friends. More importantly I spent a lot of time in God's Word. More so, I spent a lot of time singing about the awesome power of God with a truly amazing choir. I've included small snippets of some of my favorite tour songs that really illustrate the ways that they've affected my life.

All Those Who Trust

We opened the program with this one. It has a really powerful text. It starts out with:

All Those who trust in Christ are blessed, and find in Him eternal rest.

This world’s allurements we despise and fix on Christ alone our eyes.

Sometimes it can be pretty hard for me to trust that God knows the best for my life, even though I know that He does. But singing this song was so powerful, especially with the beautiful choir and organ. With them I sang out: 

O Christ our Savior, helper friend, be with us til our journey’s end

In mercy guide us by Thy grace til we behold thy Glorious face

Though Satan rage, his power is gone. His thundering roar can harm us none

Our strong defender hurls him down and wins for us a heavenly crown.

What God Ordains is Always Good

After rejoicing that Christ is always there with me protecting and helping me, we turned to a slower piece, with rich meaning behind the text. I especially love the imagery of a Father in the second verse. The text shows that while I might not see it right now, what He is doing for me is always good. He is directing my life for me and knows my every need.

What God Ordains is always good: He is my friend and Father.

He suffers naught to do me harm though many storms may gather.

Now I may know both joy and woe

Someday I shall see clearly that He has loved me dearly

We closed with a powerful third verse, both in the text and the music. 

What God ordains is always good: this truth remains unshaken.

Though sorrow, need or death be mine, I shall not be forsaken.

I fear no harm for with his arm he shall embrace and shield me.

So to my God I yield me.

One thing I especially enjoyed about the program order was how it all flowed together to form a logical story. Once we sang about God's provision to us, came Bach's Gloria out of the B Minor Mass. A tremendous piece, I felt as if I could praise God forever with that one. (That is, if my voice didn't give out because that piece is HARD)

But also, this was the view from my hotel room in Duluth for four days. Devotions by Lake Superior while watching the sunrise were beautiful. Even if I did get mistaken for a hobo ;)

* lyrics from 'In the Midst of Earthly Life' changed to make it more applicable to my own life.