Sunday, October 03, 2010

sweet talk

I found this in my writing folder.  I wrote it on august 22nd and I felt the need to post it tonight - to remind myself.  to remember the why.  sometimes it's just good to be reminded.


I've been thinking. and these words won't leave my head. I'm thinking it's a good thing.

amazing grace, how sweet the sound
that saved a wretch like me
I once was lost, but now I'm found
was blind but now I see.

maybe it's the story behind the hymn that's having a bigger impact on me right now. john newton wrote this song in 1773 after a career in the north atlantic slave trade. he experienced a spiritual conversion that changed the course of his life. legend tells it that after he studied theology that he met a young wilber wilberforce, the political force behind the british abolition of the slave trade.

all that to say this. if john newton, a slave ship captain, could find grace, I can too. grace is for me. 

there is another hymn that really has resonated with me lately - in christ alone:

In Christ alone my hope is found,
He is my light, my strength, my song;
this Cornerstone, this solid Ground,
firm through the fiercest drought and storm.
What heights of love, what depths of peace,
when fears are stilled, when strivings cease!
My Comforter, my All in All,
here in the love of Christ I stand.

In Christ alone! who took on flesh
Fulness of God in helpless babe!
This gift of love and righteousness
Scorned by the ones he came to save:
Till on that cross as Jesus died,
The wrath of God was satisfied -
For every sin on Him was laid;
Here in the death of Christ I live.

There in the ground His body lay
Light of the world by darkness slain:
Then bursting forth in glorious Day
Up from the grave he rose again!
And as He stands in victory
Sin's curse has lost its grip on me,
For I am His and He is mine -
Bought with the precious blood of Christ.

No guilt in life, no fear in death,
This is the power of Christ in me;
From life's first cry to final breath.
Jesus commands my destiny.
No power of hell, no scheme of man,
Can ever pluck me from His hand;
Till He returns or calls me home,
Here in the power of Christ I'll stand.

still working through all of it, but I feel like there hope. hope for this really sinful, wretched soul. I think I'll be okay. because of grace.

1 comment:

susan said...

We sang that second hymn today in church. I love that one!!

Good post - good reminders!