Highs and Lows

This week we continue to lean into the heart of the Father through the lens of music. We’ll take a look at the poetry-style lyrics and listen to the melody for further emphasis. I don’t want to mislead you; I’m merely a writer and, while poetry is writing, the only thing that would qualify me as an occasional poet is the fact that poems can rhyme. You know, roses are red, violets are blue, sugar is sweet and so are you-type stuff. Thank God literally, that His faithfulness through the highs and lows of life does not hinge on my ability or inability. I simply want to point you to Him. He’ll take care of the rest. If you’ll let Him.

This coming Friday is Valentine’s Day. If that particular celebration leaves some on the outside looking in, no worries. Let’s lock arms together and turn our faces to the warmth of the One True Love that all of existence has ever known. Married, single, divorced, or widowed, let’s allow God to sweep us off our feet with the wonder and awe of who He is on a much deeper level.

May this week especially find us seeking tiny miracles in our daily lives and may neither our eyes nor our hearts miss a single one. And, sweet one, may the beauty of who He is move our hearts to worship Him with gratitude. May His presence saturate us in His infinite, brave, steadfast love.

The musical love letter I choose this week is Highs & Lows by Young & Free
YouTube Music Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ESO6SHEwGk

When it feels like the dark
Lingers longer than the night
When the shadows feel like giants
Are You chasing me down?

Tell me where could I run
From Your light, where could I hide
Hemmed within Your precious thoughts
There’s no hiding from Your love

Highs and lows
Lord, You’re with me either way it goes
Should I rise or should I fall?

Even so
Lord, Your mercy is an even flow
You’re too good to let me go

Should I dance on the heights
Or make my bed among the depths
Your mercy waits at every end
Like You planned it from the start

Should the dawn come with wings
Or find me far-side of the sea
There Your hand still fastens me
Ever closer to Your heart, oh

Highs and lows
Lord, You’re with me either way it goes
Should I rise or should I fall?

Even so
Lord, Your mercy is an even flow
Should I rise or should I fall?
You are faithful through it all
You’re too good to let me go

Highs and lows
You surround me either way it goes
Should I rise or should I fall?
Lord, You’re with me through it all, oh

Highs and lows
In the rhythms of Your grace I know
Should I rise or should I fall?
You are faithful through it all
And You’re too good to let me go

Please read (and re-read) the lyrics from Young & Free’s “Highs and Lows” and listen to the song as often as you can. Use those precious few minutes to relax into the song, ponder the lyrics, and talk to God about what He’s trying to show/tell you about who He is and about how much He loves you.

The world today does not seem to know the difference between intimacy and sex, but the lyrics in this song speak beautifully of the tender love God has for us. There is no earthly match for the intimacy He offers us. Mainly because people are naturally conditional. There is some wisdom in knowing your limitations and setting boundaries. However, self-defined deal breakers are included in those conditions. That’s why the love of God will never have an equal nor a single worthy rival.

No one can hide from God—not just in regard to what we’ve done, where we go, or who we are at the core. We can’t hide from His love for us. Whether we’re doing the right thing or the wrong thing, no matter if we’re walking bravely in Him or misrepresenting Him with our lives, He’s not threatened and therefore will never turn away from us.

We may run hot and cold, but He never will. His grace always finds us, His mercy never fails, and His love is a constant river of life giving refreshment straight from His throne.

To be known intimately is to be transparent, authentic, honest. A dialog begins when we make the choice to open up and put our cards on the table with Him. Transformation begins in our hearts, and this life pales in comparison to the all-surpassing love of the King of kings. We can know Him and willingly be known by Him.

Everything that we are and are not—insecurities, mistakes, failures, etc.—all of it is safe in God’s love. That’s what His love is all about. It demands nothing and protects at all times. It does not keep score of rights and wrongs, never betrays our trust, wants only the best for us, and is constantly sacrificing to show itself true.

Just like a child responds to the parent’s love that has been present from the beginning of their relationship, let us bring our childlike heart to the foot of the cross and respond to the fact that God first loved us.

NOW LIVE LOVED and THRIVE!

Self-Reflection

These questions are in no way a substitute for healthcare professionals or any level of professional counseling. I’m an advocate for taking care of oneself mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. These questions reflect my heart, NOT my profession.

This questionnaire is an opportunity to journal your thoughts and feelings. It can serve as a launching pad on which to evaluate your heart condition as you understand it. My hope is that you will take the truths you discover about yourself and hold them up to the Light to evaluate them against who God says you are.

• What does it mean to you to be “hemmed within your (God’s) precious thoughts”?
• What has been your experience with the highs and lows of life and were you aware of God’s presence in both?
• “Your mercy waits at every end like you planned it from the start.” Is there a time when you felt you’d gone too far and yet God begin to turn your situation restoring, renewing, redefining…all for your good?
• When the lyrics say, “You surround me either way it goes,” what does that mean to you based on the love God has for you?
• What does it feel like or look like in the physical to celebrate life with God–to be on the mountain top in life? Explain.
• Does it encourage you to know that God is too good to let you go?

Talk to God about your answers. Give Him praise, ask Him questions and then listen for His gentle response.

Take Action

Use God’s word to take control over the traumas in your life.  Whenever you feel terrorized by your thoughts take them captive by replacing them with the truth of God’s promises in His word.

Here is a scripture for you to print, cut and carry with you and/or post in places where you will see it often. Ground yourself in God’s truths not Satan’s attacks. Encourage your heart and mind every time you are reminded of His great love for YOU!

“I look behind me and you’re there, then up ahead and you’re there, too – your reassuring presence, coming and going.” Psalm 139:5 MSG

When you read God’s word say to yourself:   God is always with me. He goes before me to prepare the way. He stays behind me to protect me. He puts His hand on me so that no matter where I go or where I wander, He sees, cares, provides, and protects.