Encouraging Music

When my dad first got sick, and later my mom in the middle of my dad’s treatments, the song that I found strength in was “My Redeemer Lives”.

The very same God That spins things in orbit
Runs to the weary, the worn and the weak
And the same gentle hands that hold me when I'm broken
They conquered death to bring me victory

Now I know, my Redeemer lives, I know my Redeemer lives
Let all creation testify, Let this life within me cry
I know, My Redeemer lives

A friend encouraged me with the verses that talk about God not giving us more than we can handle. Those two things helped me through that time. The song God keeps putting in my head since finding out about my dad’s recurrence this time around is “It Is Well”.

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say,
It is well, it is well with my soul.

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.

I usually don’t like the song because they sing it so darn slow at church, but now the lyrics have more meaning. It’s like an old-English way of saying ”God, I know that even though it all feels pretty crappy right now, in the end I know in my heart that ultimately it is well with my soul because you have everything under control, and You are already victorious!”

My mom told me that my dad has recently been really enjoying the following song:

Christ in me is to live, to die is to gain
Christ in me is to live, to die is to gain
He’s my King, He’s my song, He’s my life, He’s my joy
He’s my strength, He’s my sword, He’s my peace, He’s my Lord.

We have my mom to thank for being a music-centric family.