Over the last week I pondered what theme I should choose for the worship in our English speaking service this evening. Several songs that the Lord brought to my mind had a similar topic – God as our refuge in times of troubles. When I took another look at the song texts I was surprised to see that basically all of them
- use words taken from the Psalms, and
- include some kind of imagery, describing God as our shelter, a fortress, a refuge, a safe tower, a high rock, a hiding place, an armor, a shield, – and my favorite one – the shadow of his wings.
This reminded me of something I had heard from Leanne Payne – symbols are the language of our heart. They speak to us in a deep way that no heady teaching can.
No wonder that these songs usually speak to me. Praise the Lord for those Psalm writers who first crafted the words out of their own experience, and for the song writers who used them for these songs!
One of my favorite songs is the following from Hillsongs Australia:
Hide me now
Under Your wings
Cover me
Within Your mighty Hand.
When the oceans rise and thunders roar
I will soar with You above the storm
Father, You are King over the flood
I will be still and know You are God
Find rest my soul
In Christ alone
Know His power
In quietness and trust
Praying that it blesses you, too.