I’ve been listening to a song pretty much on repeat for a while. It’s called Pieces by Amanda Cook. Obviously based on 1 Corinthians 13, it fully describes God and His love. The words have often brought me to my knees, not being able to comprehend the vastness of His love.
Recent events in my life and my family have left me feeling like my heart is in pieces. They’ve left me reeling – questioning, doubting and fearing.
It’s very easy to get weighed down by disappointment. Life has tough seasons and going through valley experiences can often change us for the good. But in the midst of the experience, our feelings and temperament are susceptible to fleeting changes. We start to hear the lies in our head, taunting us that the reality in front of us is very different to the words that God has promised.
I have lately been delving into the Psalms, finding empathy with the many laments of David: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, so far from my cries of anguish?” Psalm 22:1
“Have mercy on me, my God, have mercy on me, for in you I take refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed.” Psalm 57:1
“You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you; I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you, in a dry and parched land where there is no water.” Psalm 63:1
BUT…
His love and His heart are given freely and wholly. Thank God He remains the same. When I feel unloved — His love is whole, not fractured. When I fear and feel anxious, there is no fear found in Him. Even when circumstances cause me to disengage, His love is ever present, waiting for me.
We have an answer. Just this past Christmas, our monarch proclaimed in her speech that light will overcome the darkness. Because God so LOVED the world that He gave His only son.
And in the Psalms, there is light again: “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1
“Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from Him.” Psalm 62:1
“Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.” Psalm 110:1
In this time of trial and of waiting, I’m learning afresh about the God who doesn’t change, who is steadfast and ever present. And I will keep singing to Him and praising Him, as He sings over me with rejoicing.
Your love’s not fractured
It’s not a troubled mind
It isn’t anxious
It’s not the restless kind
Your love’s not passive
It’s never disengaged
It’s always present
It hangs on every word we say
Love keeps its promises
It keep its word
It honours what’s sacred
‘Cause its vows are good
Your love’s not broken
It’s not insecure
Your love’s not selfish
Your love is pure
You don’t give Your heart in pieces…
Extract from Pieces, by Amanda Cook