ENCOURAGED IN HEART

3-Part Harmony and the Trinity

I believe that each of us in inherently created with a song in our heart.  It may not exactly be musical, but it is that depth in which we are stirred by the Spirit of God.  I’d like to talk about the “song” I’ve been given today.

Early in my life, once I came to know Jesus as my Savior, I felt called to be involved in ministry.  I went through school, preparing to study psychology to go into counseling.  There was a simple melody that played through me at that time, like an a cappella version of “Amazing Grace” with only one voice singing.

I soon came to a point in my life where God revealed the “wretch” I had been.  I felt I had been too flawed to counsel anyone.  I changed my major to English.  My writing moved people.  To me, it was like taking dictation from Jesus.  My words, however, became the second line in my musical score.  I was getting closer to performing my living song and being obedient to my Calling.

Years passed, I continued to write as I was inspired.  I “walked my talk” as best as I could.  I testified and sang the praises of real, live miracles I have seen, and the forgiveness I’ve been granted.  I bought a shirt and wore it around a lot, and people noticed.

I tried to be a light among men, drawing people to Christ like a moth to a flame (Matthew 5:16).  I realized, then, I have a 3 part harmony living song!  In my mind, I believed, I professed my beliefs, and I freely spoke of how God was and is real to me in many ways.

My life is an act of “Amazing Grace”!  Now, if I hear that song, especially when performed by Il Divo, it moves me to raise my eyes toward Heaven in Thanksgiving for my salvation.

“I once was lost, but now am found” and I thank God for the tremendous game of hide and seek!  Also I thank Him for my life song … I “was blind, but now I see,” with the “eyes” of my spirit.

What is it in your life that makes you feel that you have true communion with God?  Is there a hymn or a certain Scripture that you hold dear?  What is it that motivates us to be obedient to the Calling God places in our hearts?  That is our song … and some music just makes it come alive!  Be in touch with what it is in you that makes you stronger in your faith, prouder in your testimony, and victorious in your ministry.  We all have been given a purpose, or a living song.  What is yours?

* If interested in writing an encouraging guest post blog, please click here!

The sand was wet, and soft, and sometimes as I tried to plow through it my feet would sink, but I kept pushing along. The whole time I was having this long conversation with God. “God, I want to do what You want me to, I want to hear You, and I want to be obedient. Please help me know the path you have for me.” I talked and talked, watching the sun come up over the ocean, noticing how it seemed the reflection of the sun on the water was following me as I walked. The more I spoke to Him, the more I began to realize that our conversations are so one sided. I am so busy talking, talking, talking, that I am missing a very important part of the conversation.

Listening.

So (ironically) I talked more, and I prayed for help listening. “God please help me listen to You, really listen to You. Please help me to know that it really is You.” As I prayed for God to help me listen, I got this overwhelming feeling that He was telling me to sit down. This idea of sitting down, waiting, and resting in Him had been a theme I had come across so many times lately. I saw it in my Bible, I heard it in messages I listened to, and I kept finding it everywhere. So I replied, “Yes Lord, I want to sit and rest in you”. But no, this time it was not metaphorical.

SIT DOWN.

Much stronger now. I thought maybe I should actually sit down, literally drop down in the sand. Could He really be saying that to me? I wasn’t sure, but in the spirit of trying to be more obedient, I sat down and turned to face the ocean. And there it was, directly in front of me, out in the ocean. The gift that God had prepared for me that morning if I chose to listen to Him.

Dolphins. No, not just dolphins, leaping dolphins. Directly in front of me, bursting out of the water, their full bodies in view, provided by God for my delight. I remember actually clasping my hand over my mouth as it gaped open. Tears streamed down my cheeks. This was a gift from my adoring Father, prepared for me alone to enjoy on this beautiful and peaceful morning at the beach. And I realized, if I had kept walking, if I had kept plowing through, I would have missed it.

If interested in being a guest blogger on EIH, click on this link for details!

Today on EIH, I want to do something different, fun, exciting…I want you to be my guest!

I’d love to hear what’s in your heart and invite you to be a guest blogger here on EIH. The only requirements are that your 500 words or less writing is encouraging and has something to do with faith, family, fellowship, finance, fitness, food, friendship, funnies…or your Lucy. Email your idea to steph@encouragedinheart.org to be considered for a guest post.

Can’t wait to hear from your heart!