I was visiting with a friend a couple weeks ago and she asked me how do I feel encouraged? What encourages me most? Where do I find encouragement? The obvious answer is Scripture, but I think that was understood, and she wanted to mention other ways. I told her, immediately, "music!" I have always found rest, peace, encouragement in music. Hymns especially. We are so blessed to live in a country where we have access to so much Christian music, be it in our own collection, iTunes, or the radio. We can go to concerts just about any time we want and hear the words God has given those who write the music. Several years ago I was introduced to Selah. I was immediately drawn to them because 2 of the singers (one of which is no longer with the group) were a brother and sister who had grown up in the Democratic Republic of the Congo--just like me!!!! They always have an African song on their albums and they take the old hymns and give them a slightly different sound to make them more contemporary, yet don't lose the spiritualness. The other night I was writing some blogs and had our music on. This song by Selah began playing, and I just had to stop writing and listen. I played the song again, and then I found the words online to read them. Wow. Powerful words!!! I was overcome by wonder and encouragement and love for my Savior that I couldn't keep going on. I have added the words here for you to read, and I have also added a video of the song so you can hear it sung. Listen, read and let the words wash over you and be encouraged.
The Faithful One
by Selah
I find no hope within to call my own
For I am frail of heart, my strength is gone
But deep within my soul is rising up a song
Here in the comfort of the faithful one
I walk a narrow road through valleys deep
In search of higher ground, on mountains steep
And though with feet unsure, I still keep pressing on.
For I am guided by the faithful one.
Faithful, faithful to the end,
My true and precious friend,
You have been faithful,
Faithful, so faithful to me
I see your wounded hands, I touch your side
With thorns upon your brow you bled and died
But there’s an empty tomb, a love for all who come
And give their hearts to you, the faithful one.
Faithful, faithful to the end,
My true and precious friend,
You have been faithful,
Faithful, so faithful to me
And when the day is dawned and when the race is run
I will bow down before God?s only Son
And I will lift my hands in praise for all you’ve done
