OPINION —
Friends make an awesome difference in our lives. Two special friends – Greg Lotz in Cincinnati and Bonny Johns in Pensacola – shared with me a new song that stirs my soul. The song reminds me that the living Jesus wants to display His power in my weakness. The song is “Yet Not I, but Through Christ in Me,” composed and made popular by a group called “CityAlight” in Australia. Warning: These words will bless you!
What gift of grace is Jesus, my redeemer
There is no more for heaven now to give
He is my joy, my righteousness, and freedom
My steadfast love, my deep and boundless peace
To this I hold, my hope is only Jesus
For my life is wholly bound to His
Oh, how strange and divine, I can sing: All is mine!
Yet not I, but through Christ in me
The night Is dark but I am not forsaken
For by my side, the Savior He will stay
I labor on in weakness and rejoicing
For in my need, His power is displayed
To this I hold, my Shepherd will defend me
Through the deepest valley, He will lead
Oh, the night has been won, and I shall overcome
Yet not I, but through Christ in me
No fate I dread, I know I am forgiven
The future sure, the price it has been paid
For Jesus bled and suffered for my pardon
And He was raised to overthrow the grave
To this I hold, my sin has been defeated
Jesus now and ever is my plea
Oh, the chains are released, I can sing: I am free!
Yet not I, but through Christ in me
With every breath, I long to follow Jesus
For He has said that He will bring me home
And day by day I know He will renew me
Until I stand with joy before the throne
To this I hold, my hope is only Jesus
All the glory evermore to Him
When the race is complete, still my lips shall repeat:
Yet not I, but through Christ in me!
How marvelous the great affirmation of this song: Though the night is dark, the Savior, my Shepherd has not forsaken me and In my need, despite my weakness, His power is displayed! Oh Yes! In my own sorrow I have felt the presence of my Shepherd by my side, breaking my chains and guiding me home until that day I shall stand with joy before His throne. Singing this song chases the darkness of sadness away as my Shepherd strengthens me to live a life that honors Him.
If you are now in a dark night, struggling in a deep valley, and wishing for His peace, then turn to Jesus. Admit your need and trust Him. Pray as the Spirit leads you. Or pray this prayer as your own: “Jesus, I am getting nowhere trusting myself so today I will start trusting you to forgive me, redeem me, guide me, comfort me as my Shepherd. I invite you to strengthen the muscles of my heart, mind and soul. Fill me with your strength so that no matter what I must face tomorrow, I will be able to say with joy, it is well with my soul. In the power of your name I pray. Amen.”
Now, trusting Jesus, move forward. With every breath follow Jesus, obeying His Inner Voice. With your Shepherd by your side, you will realize that Jesus truly is everything. Abiding in Him, you will receive all the strength you need to be his strong and courageous servant until the day He calls you Home.