Joy and Strength (Christian life and music)

God loves when we come to Him with vulnerability and honesty, when we share our struggles and worries with Him. There is much talk about emotions these days.  It's the flavor of the month among some Christian circles. But... When we take a minute to get our eyes off ourselves, stop promoting our emotions and problems as gods, we can enter in to where God wants us to live: in His glorious Presence.  After all, which is greater - anything we are experiencing, or God Almighty? Lord, I am sad today. I AM THAT I AM. Lord, I am worried and anxious. I AM THAT I AM. Lord, I am uncertain about this situation. I AM THAT I AM. Lord, I am discouraged because You haven't healed the way I've asked You to. I AM THAT I AM. Lord, I am growing weary waiting for Your deliverance. I AM THAT I AM. Lord, I am doubting that this circumstance is really for my benefit. I AM THAT I AM. Lord, I am confused about Your ways and timing. I AM THAT I AM. Lord, I am feeling lost and rejected. I AM THAT I A...

I am preparing to teach a Bible study on the book of Colossians.  As part of this, the writer of the study asks us to read the entire book of Colossians out loud. So I started to read it out loud this morning and I couldn't get past verse 11 of the first chapter. It is so rich, so meaningful, so full of the mercy, grace, and the riches of Christ that "I scarce can take it in."  I could go no further.  It was simply too much to take in. It was a good kind of being overwhelmed.  Overwhelmed by the goodness and mercy of Christ.  Overwhelmed by all we possess when we are in Him.  Overwhelmed because it is just too much to fully comprehend. I thought of how I just couldn't take it all in and then remembered this verse from the hymn, "How Great Thou Art."  The lyricist is talking about Christ's sacrifice for us on the cross, and the vast love of God Who sent Jesus to die for our sins.  The songwriter could barely take it all in. Neither can I. And readi...