Surrounded by God's Song

Monday, January 11, 2010

Listen to the audio version of Surrounded by God

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Have you ever needed encouragement? Have you ever longed for someone to care about your struggles?

"I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the LORD; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah. For this shall every one that is godly pray unto thee in a time when thou mayest be found: surely in the floods of great waters they shall not come nigh unto him. Thou art my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble; thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance. Selah."

We have all experienced times of trouble. The word "trouble" brings to mind many different types of difficulties and struggles: family troubles, legal troubles, financial troubles, spiritual struggles, physical difficulties. Many of us are experiencing trouble right now. We do not enjoy these times, and are always grateful for others who are willing to come alongside of us and help us through them. We all need encouragement.

One of the musical activities that I enjoy the most is directing choirs. There is just something very special about having a large group of musicians, singing a great song with heartfelt passion, singing directly toward me. It is humbling, encouraging, uplifting, stimulating, thought-provoking, and beautiful all at the same time. I can think of nothing else that is quite as uplifting as hearing a large chorus of united voices singing the praises of God together.

Now, picture yourself in your great time of trouble. Feel the pain as you consider your options and see no way out of your situation. Think of your emotional response to the crushing weight of hopelessness and despair. Imagine that suddenly, you begin to hear voices of encouragement, singing, surrounding you. You begin to look around and see great multitudes, encouraging, and cheering you on. As you begin to look closer, you see that the faces of all the singers are the same. You realize that you are looking into the face of God Himself, singing (Zeph. 3:17), surrounding you, encouraging you, telling you that He loves you and will bring you through your great trial. His song is telling you that He will never leave you, nor forsake you (Heb. 13:5).

God will surround us with songs of deliverance when our hearts are right with Him.

"Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him. For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust. As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth. For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; and the place thereof shall know it no more. But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children's children; To such as keep his covenant, and to those that remember his commandments to do them."

Talk to God, confess your sins, and then listen for His great "song of deliverance." Trust Him, and find rest for your soul (Jer. 6:16)

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Curtis Hollembeak

Curtis holds a bachelor's degree in Bible with a music minor, as well as a master's degree in Sacred Music, having studied under Dr. Frank Garlock, president of Majesty Music, and Ray and Ann Gibbs, well-known Christian singers. He has served as music director and jr. high/high school supervisor at Grace Baptist Church of Mankato, Minnesota; school music director at the Franklin Road Christian School in Murfreesboro, Tennessee; media engineer for the Sword of the Lord in Murfreesboro, Tennessee; and, full-time music director at Second Baptist Church and Twin City Christian Academy in Festus, Missouri. He is currently self-employed and serves in the music ministry of the Berean Baptist Church in Rockford, IL. Curtis is co-founder and President of the Asaph Music Co. He regularly sings bass with the Bible Truth Chorale on recordings produced by Bible Truth Music at Faith Music Missions.