This morning I was just randomly flipping through the hymnal (something I've been doing since my last post) and I ventured upon My Hope is Built on Nothing Less, hymn 575 in the Lutheran Service Book.
My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteousness;
No merit of my own I claim, but wholly lean on Jesus name.
On Christ, the solid rock I stand; All other ground is sinking sand.
This one's an oldie but goodie. I've been singing this hymn my entire life, and it may even be in the "old" Lutheran hymnal. By this, I mean the one my parents call the old hymnal…the red one that we had before the blue Lutheran Worship of my youth.
I think (in my infinite Lutheran wisdom…tongue in cheek chuckle inserted here) I know the reason it is routinely surfacing in our hymnals: it has a wonderful message!
There are days when I literally have nothing else to cling to but Jesus. I don't have anyone strong enough to lean on, because hey...humans are just human. Sometimes things happen that absolutely shake all my trust and hope. What once seemed comfortable and peaceful can vanish. Those are the moments when clinging to Jesus is the only possible lifeline.
But as I type this, I realize what I am actually doing. When the going gets tough, this girl leans on Jesus. When the going is great…oh dear. When my house is peaceful and I'm having a great stretch…uh oh. God doesn't want me to rely on Him only during those times when I think I need Him. I should be relying, clinging and leaning on Him daily. Even hourly.
My grandmother's favorite bible verse was:
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 "Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."
God knows that there will be terrible times in our lives when we will need Him like we've never felt or experienced before. He promises to be our lifeline and our hope. But in Thessalonians He reminds us that He wants to be a daily lifeline for us, even in the calm and peaceful moments. He wants us to rejoice in Him ALWAYS, pray CONTINUALLY, and give thanks in ALL CIRCUMSTANCES. It is his will for us to do these things.
My Savior, My Comforter, My Hope…I want to be close to you every day, not just those moments when I feel despair. Help keep me in your word! Help me to pray and keep up a close fellowship with you! I want to be pleasing to you in all I do. I want to feel your power and protection, wrapped around me at all times. I know you freely give me Your love, comfort and peace. Help me keep down the walls that I build in my complacency, that keep me from You. Amen.
