Magnify???

The first time I heard “Revelation Song” was in our little church in Romania. I was captivated by the haunting melody and the simple words that drew my heart and mind into the presence of the Lord. I had no idea until a few years later that it was actually written in English by Phillips, Craig, and Dean (all three have juggled dual vocations as both pastors and recording artists for more than two decades).

Worthy is the Lamb who was slain

Holy, Holy is He

Sing a new song, to Him who sits on

Heaven’s Mercy Seat.

Holy, Holy, Holy

is the Lord God Almighty

who was and is to come

With all creation I sing Praise to the King of Kings!

You are my everything, and I will adore you!

Out of the blue this week I “happened upon” the story behind this song. One of the songwriters shared, “In uncertain times it’s easy for us to focus on the uncertainty of life and the things that we’re afraid of. In a sense, magnify whatever it is that we’re going through.

The Bible says, ‘Magnify the Lord with me and let us exalt His name together!’ (Psalm 37:3)… The unique thing about God is that when you magnify Him, instead of seeing flaws like you and I do when we look in a magnifying mirror, we actually see the greatness of God and we see the longsuffering, the mercy, the gentleness of our Lord.”

Hmm… made me think about the things in life I am currently magnifying/focusing on. One thing is hearing some hard news about health challenges facing a loved one. Another is decisions my husband and I are faced with as we plan a long-awaited trip to see family and friends. Add to that other decisions regarding job-related responsibilities… and then restoring a relationship that has been fractured… and then…

Whatever I start focusing on, magnifying in my life has the potential to derail me. I can start obsessing about all the what if’s, why’s, when’s. My joy is robbed when God’s rightful place as my focus is usurped.

Which brings me back to the songwriter’s reminder to

Magnify the Lord with me and let us exalt His name together!

Psalm 37:3

Choosing to refocus on God restores perspective, gives hope, provides peace. It’s how to not be anxious:

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4: 4-8 (NLT)

I’m not sure how all the unknowns in my life are going to play out, but I DO know that I can entrust them to God… and that’s how I’ll be able to have joy in the journey of this thing called “Life.”