Happy New Year!
Eileen and I are enjoying our time in Atlanta at Passion 2019 with some of the college-age gang from First Baptist Paducah. We’re in the arena right now, so I’ll write for just a few minutes.
Last night I was blown over by a very simple worship song. I remember that “Surrounded” was written by Michael W. Smith, but last night it was performed by the Passion band. I’ll include the main lyrics of the song …
“This is how I fight my battles … it may look like I’m surrounded, but I’m surrounded by You.”
That’s it. As we embrace 2019, I hope that you’re encouraged by those life-giving words. Will this year be easy for us? Of course not. Like I preached Sunday: we’re not home yet.
But. But. But. But we have hope. We are not doing this alone! In fact we are never alone.
I am reminded of Second Kings 6:8-17. When the battle rages fiercest, we are surrounded by an invisible army dispatched for our benefit. Why? Because God is on our side! He is FOR US. He is oh so FOR US.
I’ll close by quoting Matt Chandler: “Grace is for the journey.” May even the hardest fights of your 2019 journey be full of Christ’s amazing grace.
Pastor Charles
This is one of my most treasured worship songs. Last year was hard for me but every time I went to the gym and pushed myself this song would come on. I would be reminded it wasn’t me doing it, it was God doing it and he is surrounding me with his goodness and strength and every day I am wrapped in his arms. I am SURROUNDED.