Songs of Deliverance

You are my hiding place;
   you will protect me from trouble

   and surround me with songs of deliverance. 

Psalm 32:7

This morning during worship an acapella trio sang  God is for You. Their sweet voices brought me back to the last night Chuck was in the hospital in Florida. We were struggling to get a rental car and I was so overwhelmed by the enormity of trying to drive Chuck across country. I was sitting off in a corner of a small waiting room praying with my dear friend, Paula. Tears were flowing down my cheeks as this couple came around the corner. They asked if I was okay. I told them that I was and tried to put on a brave face. They started to walk off only to come back and ask me what was wrong. As I explained our situation, this sweet couple walked into Chuck's hospital room and poured oil into our souls. The gentleman was a pastor and he began to share his testimony of how he couldn't walk and how God over time healed him. Then he prayed over us. When he was finished his wife sang the most beautiful rendition of Amazing Grace I ever heard. It was the closest thing to an angelic visitation I have ever been aware of. Her voice infused us with hope and faith. When she finished Amanda, Chuck, and I were all sobbing. I fell into her arms and she prayed over me. I can't really remember what she prayed, for I was weeping so.  As they left our room, they laid some money on the bed for our trip home. That day had been so miraculous and difficult all rolled into one.

But as these singers this morning sang, once again, I felt God's love and strength come from their song of deliverance. This last week had a been tough; lots of old issues came up for me. Not to mention that my hip has been out for over eight weeks. The fatigue of that alone has kept me very frustrated. As I let their sweet melody infuse my soul, it blew away all my fear and frustrations and left me in peace. For God is for us.

There is much to say for songs like that; where the melody and the words deliver our souls from fear, shame, guilt, and pride. What a treasure we have as others use their gifts for the Lord.  I left church today feeling renewed and energized for the week ahead. Their gentle reminder rebuilt my faith for, God is for us.

Coincidentally today is the six month mark since Chuck accident and Jonathan's heart issues. God has been very faithful to our family. But sometimes, you need to be recharged to keep walking the path that God has for you. Today was one of those days for me.