Beauty Will Rise

I am out of breath as I'm writing because I just got finished working out. I have discovered that I can run faster and longer with music in my ears. Those 30 minutes of exerting all of my energy is often the time that Jesus speaks to my heart about so many things in my life. This morning was no exception. I tend to think that it's the fast tempo, bass driven songs that will make my muscles push against the resistance even stronger, but sometimes it's the slower songs with soul-piercing lyrics that deepen my endurance, to not not give up, to just keep going.

Isn't that how life is? Sometimes God speaks to us in a loud voice and sometimes He just whispers. This is what He said to me a few moments ago, "Come on girl, just a little further. You can do it! I love you and I have great things in store for you. I am so proud of you. Don't give up!" This morning he whispered to me in two different songs which I will post lyrics to below. I am thankful for incredible musical artists who bring the presence of the LORD through song. May your spirits be encouraged as you read these words...

BEAUTY WILL RISE - Steven Curtis Chapman

It was the day the world went wrong/I screamed until my voice was gone
And watched through the tears as everything came crashing down
Slowly panic turns to pain/As we awake to what remains
And sift through the ashes that are left behind
But buried beneath/All our broken dreams we have this hope

Out of these ashes/Beauty will rise
And we will dance among the ruins/We will SEE it through our own eyes
Out of these ashes/Beauty will rise
For we know joy is coming in the morning
In the morning/Beauty will rise

So take another breath for now/And let the tears come washing down
And if you can't believe, I will believe for you
'Cause I have seen the signs of Spring/Just watch and SEE

CHORUS

I can hear it in the distance/And it's not too far away
It's the music and the laughter/Of a wedding and a feast
I can almost feel the hand of God
Reaching for my face to wipe the tears away
And say it's time to make everything new/Make it all new
This is our hope/This is our promise/This is our hope/This is our promise
It will take our breath away/To SEE the beauty that has been made
Out of the ashes

TAKE MY HEART - Misty Edwards

For a long time, I have waited for You
You have won my heart, I am following
For a long time, I've been crying out for You
Tears make my heart soft, I am ready for
The return of the Lover

Fashioned from the very fabric of God
At the start of time, set free to decide
I will love You, You're the One who loved me first
Just one look from Your eye, I'm captivated by
The eyes of the Lover

Take my heart, my mind and strength too
I was made for loving You
I will wait and I'll be faithful
I was made for loving You

Bowing in the presence of the One
At the end of time, I'll hear the bells chime
For our wedding, it will wait no longer now
Oh, how I love You, I'll finally fall into
The arms of the Lover