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I am profoundly affected by music in my life. In 2006, when God issued an unmistakable call to me to commit to faithfulness in eating 0 to 5, he used music to begin to begin to renew my mind. He continues to use music to help me to think differently so I will act differently.
Today, I wanted to encourage you…if you have an MP3 player or iPod…consider creating a “New Thing” play list (or call it whatever you like). From time to time, I will share a song here that God has used to help me renew my mind and to propel me further down this path. Maybe you can get the song and it will do the same for you!
Today’s recommended song was used by God to woo my heart in 2006. I still remember where I was when God caused me to hear it as if for the first time (though I had led worship with this song numerous times).
Draw Me Close
Draw me close to you
Never let me go
I lay it all down again
To hear you say that I’m your friend
Help me find a way to bring me back to you
You’re all I want, You’re all I’ve ever needed
You’re all I want,
Help me know you are near
You are my desire
No one else will do
Cause no one else
Can take your place
To feel the warmth of Your embrace
Help me find a way to bring me back to you
You’re all I want, You’re all I’ve ever needed
You’re all I want,
Help me know you are near
Here is a video of the song (you have to wait through the ad, I think…sorry about that!):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OMwkHC1z0cUTo purchase the song at Amazon, click here.
To purchase the song at iTunes, click here.
What songs has the Lord used to minister to your heart or to challenge you to faithfulness?
Oh, there are so many! One that really touched me was Let Go by Shelia Walsh , Falling Forward by Sandi Patty, and God Loves You by Chonda Pierce. Each one helped me at a difficult time in my life.
Music is a powerful way the Lord renews my mind too. Recently, the song The Great I Am by Paul Wilbur has ministered to me greatly—the beginning starts–” I want to be close, close to your heart—“
I soooooooo love Redeemed by Big Daddy Weave. It reminds me that even though I am still learning to live an obedient life, that if I look back over this 22 year long struggle I can clearly see that “I am not the (wo)man I use to be”! I am Redeemed. And what it looks like to live like I actually believe that is taking a stronger and more clearly visible shape in my heart every day! God’s grace is so much sweeter than my own attempts to condemn.
Casting Crown, Who am I/ I will praise you in the storm.
Nehemia 8:10 “Then ( Ezra) told them, Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet drink, and send portions to him for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy to our Lord. And be not grieved and depressed, for the joy of the Lord is your strength and stronghold.” Amplified Bible
Whom shall I fear? For I belong to you oh God. : )
Here are some on my “renewing of the mind” playlist
Voice of Truth – casting crowns (also, praise you in the storm, like Jamie)
Whom Shall I fear – Chris Tomlin
True Things – JJ Heller (folky – lots of great songs)
Set me free – casting crowns
In Christ Alone – on Passion
Born Again – Third Day**one of my faves
You are holy – Michael Smith
Amazing grace – M. Smith
All I need – JJ Heller
Because you are – point of grace**fave for a long time
I’m looking forward to listening to the songs that everyone else recommends!
Oh Heidi, I’ve been listening to that song for two days, along with I see you from avatar. They both send my heart straight to ‘God. And our choir sings “The Great I am”. It’s so glorious with 125 voices. We have a very worship minded choir director,. I am so thankful to be a part of it.
Thanks for sharing this song, and for welcoming me back Heidi. Funny, I was hungry and about to have a spoonful of peanut butter to tide me over until I get home and make dinner when I was reading this, and I heard a little voice say “make that spoonful last until the end of the song.” I have a bad habit for making the peanut butter disappear quick and then wanting more. It was a challenge because I wanted to eat the whole thing and not savor it the way I should. However, I’m happy to report I am still savoring my spoonful of peanut butter after listening to the song. A small step of obedience. Now, if only I can put a bunch of steps together one by one under his direction, guidance and relying on him as my cover.