Today, I was listening to my iTunes music and Judy Collins rendition of “Amazing Grace” came on. As I was enjoying her unique voice and the beautiful arrangement, I was struck by these oh-so-famous words:
“‘Twas grace that taught my heart to fear
And grace my fears relieved”
What a profound thought! I have sung those words hundreds of times without so much as attempting to understand the message buried within that simple phrase. But today, sitting still listening to those words, I was overwhelmed at how accurately they describe such an important, inexplicable Christian truth. God’s grace is so abundant and generous that, when experienced to the fullest, it strikes fear into the heart of the recipient. His grace is so awe-inspiring that it reveals the magnitude of my sin. I am stunned that all of my sins, in their mass of ugliness, can be wiped clean. This causes me to tremble at the thought of falling again. I dread the next time I will hurt His heart and wonder if it is even possible to live up to the standard He desires. It is at this point however, that I realize that I am not capable. I cannot live up to His standard… without his help. “And grace my fears relieved.” At the very moment I am engulfed in my fear of failing again, realizing how holy God is and how defiled I am, God speaks to my heart. “Olivia, I will be your strength. I will help you to stand. Because of My sacrifice, because my blood covers you, you are worthy to receive my grace. It is enough for you. I am enough for you.
Amazing grace. It teaches me to fear God because of His awesome power, all the while reassuring me of His faithfulness and redemptive love. Praise the Lord for His amazing grace!
Beautiful thought liv! I loved it!
ReplyDeleteawesome olivia =) i needed that today.
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