You Revive Me.... A Season of Growth

I have the ability to get lost in a song.  I’m not sure if this is really an “ability” as I would hope everyone has the “ability” to feel lyrics and melodies penetrate to the very depths of their heart and soul.  With eyes closed, humming the tune as it becomes more and more familiar.  Meditating on the combination of words placed together to capture thought and longings.  If there were anyway for a iTunes track to be worn and tattered, You Revive Me by Passion - Christy Nockels, would be my most tarnished and faded song of late. 

It is the chorus that has taken me to a new place of comfort and strength.  You can click here to listen to the song as you continue reading.

You see, this summer in Haiti has been one of the most difficult seasons I’ve ever walked through.  The hustle and bustle of the summer was the same as in years past.  Literally thousands of volunteers came down.  It looked to be the most promising summer MOH had ever seen.  And it didn’t disappoint.  Thousands of lives were transformed.  The Gospel was advanced.  The battle raged on and we pushed back against the enemy and his schemes.  But with great victories for the Kingdom came great opposition from him.  The words in John 10:10 have new depth and perspective for me.  “The enemy comes to steal, kill and destroy.”  This summer, I experienced the deaths of three people that left me in a place I’ve never been before: one of a dear friend, one of a beloved partner in ministry who radiated the love of Jesus to all he encountered, and one of a complete stranger whose life echoed a pure love for Jesus and a life well lived. In a flash, each was gone.

This summer wrecked me.  It left me more broken than I have ever been.  And yet, the love of my heavenly Father was more tangible and real than I have ever known.  The peace and comfort was something I clung to.  Psalm 91 became a cherished and transcendent portion of scripture as I took one step at a time, one day at a time.  I also believe that I have a small glimpse as to why Jesus finished the John10:10 statement with “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”  Even as I type these words I cannot contain a small smile.  He has not left us or forsaken us.  He does not leave us to be devoured by the enemy.  No.  He has come that we may have LIFE.   We are alive!  I am alive!! 

I’m alive!  I’m alive!  You breathe over me.  You revive me.

Revive.  It is defined as the act of restoring to consciousness or life.  To restore from a depressed, inactive or unused state.  To bring back.  To renew in mind.   

Jesus -  Thank you for not leaving me.  Thank you for seeing me.  Thank you for taking my place.  Thank you for dying on the cross for my sins.  Thank you for paying the wages of sin and death that I should have paid.  Thank you for the gift of eternal life.  Thank you that you are peace, you are joy, you are comfort. 

Hopefully the song has begun to weave it’s way into your heart.  Maybe play it a second time. Thank you for letting me share my heart.