Arise My Soul

Have you ever found yourself asking, "Why do I feel this way? When I step back and really evaluate my life, I am uber-blessed, and yet too often I am pouty and ungrateful."

Okay, so maybe you don't talk to yourself exactly like that, but really, do you ever come along those lines?

'Cause I do. I did this morning. Though pouty wasn't big deal this morning- it was listening to lies from Satan. Lies that I'm not good enough, that I don't "have it all together enough". (BTW, PRAISE THE LORD that I don't have it all together, this is the very reason why Christ came to die and did so, and saved me, and now stands as my righteousness... )

And so I found myself searching on my phone (while at a stop light, is that illegal...?) for the lyrics to a song we sing in church. It is similar to what the Psalmist says in Psalm 42:11

"Why are you cast down, O my soul,
and why are you in turmoil within me?
Hope in God; for I shall again praise him,
my salvation and my God."

In this song, lyrics written by Charles Wesley, set to a modern tune by Kevin Twit, (piano and guitar music found here) the worshiper tells him/herself " come on, soul, don't listen to fear, doubt, past sins plaguing you! Trust in Christ- in His work on the cross! It's powerful! So rise up and believe it!"

Arise, My Soul, Arise

1. Arise, my soul, arise,
shake off your guilty fears;
The bleeding sacrifice,
in my behalf appears;
Before the throne my Surety stands,
Before the throne my Surety stands,
My name is written on His hands.

Chorus: Arise (arise), arise (arise), arise
Arise, my soul, arise.
Arise (arise), arise (arise), arise
Arise, my soul, arise.
Shake off your guilty fears and rise

2. He ever lives above,
for me to intercede;
His all redeeming love,
His precious blood, to plead;
His blood atoned for every race,
His blood atoned for every race,
And sprinkles now the throne of grace.

3. Five bleeding wounds He bears;
received on Calvary;
They pour effectual prayers;
they strongly plead for me:
"Forgive him, O forgive," they cry,
"Forgive him, O forgive," they cry,
"Nor let that ransomed sinner die!"

4. The Father hears Him pray,
His dear anointed One;
He cannot turn away
the presence of His Son;
The Spirit answers to the blood,
The Spirit answers to the blood
And tells me I am born of God.

5. My God is reconciled;
His pardoning voice I hear;
He owns me for His child;
I can no longer fear
With confidence I now draw nigh,
With confidence I now draw nigh,
And "Father, Abba, Father," cry.