Thursday, August 13, 2015

I Look Not Back

     There has been a lot of anxiety and stress and fear in my life lately. I've made some decisions, and have some more uncertain ones ahead of me. I wonder and worry. I feel unsettled. Some days I see purpose ahead of me ... other days I just hurt.
 
     So I wanted to share with you this beautiful song:

I Look Not Back

1. I look not back; God knows the fruitless efforts,
The wasted hours, the sinning, the regrets.
I leave them all with Him who blots the record,
And graciously forgives, and then forgets.


2. I look not forward; God sees all the future,
The road that, short or long, will lead me home,
And He will face with me its ev'ry trial,
And bear for me the burdens that may come.


3. I look not round me; then would fears assail me.
So wild the tumult of earth's restless seas,
So dark the world, so filled with woe and evil,
So vain the hope of comfort and of ease.


4. I look not inward; that would make me wretched;
For I have naught on which to stay my trust.
Nothing I see save failures and shortcomings,
And weak endeavors, crumbling into dust.


5. But I look up--into the face of Jesus,
For there my heart can rest, my fears are stilled;
And there is joy, and love, and light for darkness,
And perfect peace, and ev'ry hope fulfilled.


Source:
The New Christian Hymnal #235
http://www.hymnary.org/text/i_look_not_back_god_knows_the_fruitless_

     Ah. Rest in the midst of turmoil. Just look up into the face of Jesus. Jesus is the answer. This song is such a reminder, and challenge, and encouragement to me. It's been on my heart lately, and I hope the words touch you as much as they did me! Blessings! <3

12 comments:

  1. The words to that song are a great reminder. (:

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ah, aren't they just? :) I just feel so encouraged and at peace when I think of that song! Look up into the face of Jesus! <3 He loves us so much!

      Blessings! :)

      Delete
  2. Beautiful :) I'm going through HUGE stress lately, and this is really helpful :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm so glad it was encouraging, Stefanie! :) The words are so true, hey? I hope things are getting better for you!

      Delete
  3. Oh yes Shantelle! This song was was one I treasured during an extremely hard time in my life and still do:) It speaks simple,beautiful truths. No matter where we are or what chaos is going on around us our inside of us, we are safe and able to rest in peace, knowing He has us in His strong and capable hands:) He will not.. WILL NOT let us go:) What an awesome God! Hugs to you. Auntie Marla

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It does speak simple, but profound truths, Marla! Someone reminded me of this song one day, and I was just amazed as I read over it at how the words touched my heart! So yes, I treasure it too! <3 Aww yes, so true! I'm sooo glad He never lets go! So glad to know that no matter what, His love will always be there for me and you. Hugs back!! ^_^ Miss you!

      Delete
  4. Beautiful. Praying for you Shantelle!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It is beautiful, isn't it, Raechel? :) And thank you for your prayers ... means so much!! <3

      Delete
  5. Thanks so much for sharing, Shantelle! It is so true. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You're welcome, Sierra! The words just speak straight to our situations, hey? :) I'm glad it was encouraging!

      Delete
  6. Lovely words indeed! ^_^ Praying for you, darling! I know I haven't been around much (busy, and internet problems... >.>) but I'm thinking of you! :)

    Also! While we're on the subject of songs, have you ever heard "Blessings" by Laura Story? Every time I hear it, I think of Silver Rose. :) I somehow feel like their messages go together and... I don't know, I thought you might like it. :) It's really encouraging to me. ^_^ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XQan9L3yXjc

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Aww, thank you for your thoughts and prayers, Deborah! ^_^ And yes, they are lovely words, aren't they!

      I have! That's a beautiful, poignant song also! I should really listen to it again. Aw, that's neat that you think of Silver Rose! ^_^

      Thanks for the link!! I'll go listen to it right now! :) :)

      Delete