Psalm 3 song - I look to You

I'm reading through Psalms in the mornings at the moment.

Last week I was struck by Psalm 3, and the idea to turn it into a song came to me (yes, I do know that it was already a song!).

In the deep val-ley

And in the dark-ness

I look to You

When foes surround me

And say you won’t help

I look to You

They call out to me

“Your G-od can’t help”

I look to You

Many march out just

To bring me down

I look to You

For You are my shield

My strong protector

I cling to You

When times are tough

You will never let me down

So I can sle-ep

In sweet comfort

You care for me

(I) can lie in my bed

Completely at peace

You care for me

It doesn't have any music to go with it at the moment.  I'm not very good at that.  

Perhaps you would like to write some music for it? :-)

blissful rest

This may seem a very strange thing to be feeling at the end of semester with exams looming, but I'm feeling incredibly relaxed.

No, I'm not completely on top of everything yet...

But God has granted me this amazing peace.  I've not been stressed about exams.  I've not been flustered.  I've not had that icky feeling in my gut.  I've been totally calm.

I've even been so calm that I've been wandering around singing.  Even more amazing is that I've pulled out my guitar to play it (it has been months since I've done that!!).

Wow.  Thanks heavenly Dad!!

made alive

Part of the Bible (Ephesians 2) describes something miraculous.  It describes people going from death to life.

And you were dead in your trespasses and sins in which you previously walked according to the ways of this world, according to the ruler who exercises authority over the lower heavens, the spirit now working in the disobedient.  We too all previously lived among them in our fleshly desires, carrying out the inclinations of our flesh and thoughts, and we were by nature children under wrath as the others were also.  But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love that He had for us, made us alive with the Messiah even though we were dead in trespasses. You are saved by grace! Together with Christ Jesus He also raised us up and seated us in the heavens, so that in the coming ages He might display the immeasurable riches of His grace through His kindness to us in Christ Jesus.  For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift —  not from works, so that no one can boast.  For we are His creation, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time so that we should walk in them.

It's amazing!  Once dead, now alive.

Lately I been enjoying this song which is based on this part of the Bible.

What a marvellous mystery!  Once dead, but walking.  Now alive in heaven, but still here.  I don't really get, but I know it's true.  God doesn't lie.  Besides which, I've seen this new life at work in me now.  I'm a different person - just ask my mum!

music and emotions

Last night I had a great time at the concert of the Sydney University Symphony Orchestra.

Being there made me ponder how much music impacts our emotions. 

When the music was fast-paced and intense it grabbed my attention and made me watch intently.  I was tense, waiting for action.

Some sections were robust, cheerful and rejoicing, making me feel as if there was cause for celebration. 

Other sections were soft and mellow, making me feel calm and reflective. 

It was amazing how much my feelings changed along with the mood of the music.  It was powerful!

These particular musical items were all from movies.  This is a particularly useful case in point.  The soundtrack to a movie is so vital to taking the audience on the journey.

What's a piece of music that really stirs your emotions?