Hymn: “Serve the Lord with Gladness” – Word and Music B. B.
McKinney (1886-1952)
Tune: LEE
When reading or studying scripture, we often compare
ourselves to the characters we encounter there. There are times I identify with
Joseph the dreamer or David the musician. I try not to cast my lot with Jacob
the deceiver, Judas the betrayer, or Thomas the doubter. Lately I’ve felt more
like Methuselah!
In my encounters with God, however, I seem to relate more to
Elijah than to Paul. I tend to find my richest moments… even guidance for
decision-making… in the quieter experiences. Unlike Paul who was struck down in
a dramatic on-the-road light show with the booming voice of God questioning his
destructive tendencies, I have consistently found God in something that more
resembles a still small voice – an inner tugging – a gentle nudge.
In the stillness of the quiet, God’s voice I hear.
I’m sure this is why I prefer the more contemplative worship
experience to the bombastic… why I yearn for silence in worship – a practice
which has slowly been absorbed into constant sound. With Jesus, I sometimes
need to “get away from it all” and get myself recentered spiritually.
One of my all-time favorite minister retreats was sponsored
by the Cooperative Baptists but held at a convent. Much of our time (including
most meals) was spent in total silence. I was invigorated by the absence of
instruction, energized by the lack of lecture.
Today’s hymn-line comes from another one of those rollicking
gospel songs familiar mostly to Baptists, I’m afraid. Loping along in 6/8 time,
the jig-like melody almost obscures the depth of this tiny phrase:
Listening, ever listening, for the still
small voice,
His sweet will so precious will be
our choice.
If we are going to make it through this life with any degree
of success at holiness, we likely need to be constantly (ever) aware of the
still small voice of God at work – alert to those directives from deep within –
choosing the precious, sweet will of our Lord in order to serve him in
gladness. If you are anything like me… if you identify more with Elijah than
Paul… that is a must-do assignment.
“Let those who have ears, listen, hear and heed.” (Mark 4:9
RGV)
An Organ Setting by Ron
Boud played by Garrett Martin
written in honor of
Sharron Lyon
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