In the waking thoughts of early this morning I found the lyrics of “Tell Me the Story of Jesus” running through my mind- over and over and over again as dawn’s daylight lightened the sky. It happens quite regularly, a song is part of my waking thoughts. I regard those semi-conscious thoughts as the cry of my soul with the One who has redeemed me.
Music is the language of the soul. Several weeks ago Onesimus Ministries sponsored an evening of music as a fund raiser for the chaplain’s ministry at Chester County Prison. It was a delightful evening. Thank you for the musicians who participated and the guests who benefited from the worship experience. The funds raised in support of the Chaplain Heinrich and Chaplain Rhonda were also a huge blessing for those who benefit from the chaplain’s presence at CCP.
For a “moment of blessing” for those who read this article I want to highlight one of my favorite songs–I Know Not Why God’s Wonderous Grace. In our world of difficult and uncertain times there are many things we do not know nor understand. However, and it is a “big however,” there is one thing we do understand, and it holds us together spiritually, emotionally, and relationally. Without this truth we struggle with life and its difficulties.
The author, D. W. Whittle married the wife of his youth the day before he left to serve in the Massachusetts troops in the civil war. Following the war he settled in Chicago and served with D. L. Moody in his evangelism outreach. This gospel song is based on the truth of 2Timothy 1:12– “That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet this is no cause for shame, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until that day.” Read the text, embrace the truth, and let your soul affirm that by which you will live and ultimately die.
I know not why God’s wondrous grace
To me He hath made known,
Nor why, unworthy, Christ in love
Redeemed me for His own.
But “I know Whom I have believed
And am persuaded that He is able
To keep that which I’ve committed
Unto Him against that day.”
I know not how this saving faith
To me He did impart,
Nor how believing in His word
Wrought peace within my heart.
I know not how the Spirit moves,
Convincing men of sin,
Revealing Jesus through the Word,
Creating faith in Him.
I know not what of good or ill
May be reserved for me,
Of weary ways or golden days,
Before His face I see.
I know not when my Lord may come,
At night or noon-day fair,
Nor if I’ll walk the vale with Him,
Or “meet Him in the air.”