i am running to your arms

Yesterday I spent the day with The Village Church. I lead with Jeff Capps and some other great musicians in Flower Mound and then went to the 7 pm in Denton. (I have to say that I am continually and overwhelmingly captivated through the Lord's love for me through these people. I truly have found my family here.) I love leading others in worship. My heart is stirred for the Lord in the most intense way when I am playing and singing.

As a musician, I find that truly engaging in worship a little difficult when I'm in the congregation. I really struggle with this ear that I have gotten from my father. I pick things apart, I analyze, my brain starts working and my attention is too focused... and on the wrong thing. Although it's gotten a little easier, I still have to shut my brain down, close my eyes, and not pay too much attention to what's going on around me. Even still, I'm quickly distracted by the sounds whirling around me.

Last night was one of those nights. The first couple of songs, I was watching posture, chord progressions on the neck of Julian's guitar, listening to John's guitar lines, instead of praising our marvelous God. Then they started playing "Forever Reign".

The first time I heard the Hillsong song, I was moved to say the least. My heart was beating hard, I leaned my head back, and my eyes filled with tears. Hillsong is amazing anyway with simplistic but deep lyrics and melodies that only add to and don't distract from those truths. Last night I was truly captivated by the song. I could feel the Spirit of the Lord in it. It was such a spectacular feeling I didn't want it to end. I was overwhelmed by Christ's love for me and so grateful that he used those writers to write what my heart so desperately wanted to say but couldn't find the words. It made me grateful that people say that same thing about my songs. I hope the Lord continues to use me for the same thing I was feeling last night.

Forever Reign 
You are good, You are good
When there's nothing good in me
You are love, You are love 
On display for all to see
You are light, You are light 
When the darkness closes in
You are hope, You are hope
You have covered all my sin

You are peace, You are peace
When my fear is crippling
You are true, You are true
Even in my wandering
You are joy, You are joy 
You're the reason that I sing
You are life, You are life, 
In You death has lost it's sting

Oh, I’m running to Your arms, 
I’m running to Your arms
The riches of Your love
Will always be enough
Nothing compares to Your embrace
Light of the world forever reign

You are more, You are more
Than my words will ever say
You are Lord, You are Lord
All creation will proclaim
You are here, You are here
In Your presence I'm made whole
You are God, You are God
Of all else I'm letting go

Oh, I’m running to Your arms
I’m running to Your arms
The riches of Your love
Will always be enough
Nothing compares to Your embrace
Light of the world forever reign

My heart will sing 
no other Name
Jesus, Jesus


p.s. if you don't have this album, it's great. you should get it.