Living out the Lyrics

I love music but I especially love lyrics. A good lyric can really connect in your soul. A few years ago I stopped listening to bad lyrics. The beat may be good but you can't help but sing and I was convicted by hearing myself sing some of the words coming over the radio. The lyric may have nothing to do with my life but I was speaking those words and thus in a way supporting them. Now don't get me wrong, I still do have a few songs on my running playlist that I'm not that proud of and I do listen to the songs in some of the workout classes, but for the most part, I've tried to rid them from my ears.

I've also realized though that even good lyrics can convict me if I'm not living those lyrics out. This is mostly seen in worship songs. I was reminded of this last night at church. We were singing one of my most favorite worship songs, "In Your Freedom," by Hillsong United and in that song, the lyrics say over and over, "I offer devotion, I offer devotion." I worship with all my heart and with my hands lifted high, I was lifting these words to heaven. But then it gets me thinking...what is devotion? do I really offer that? NOW I preface all this to say that none of us are perfect. And just because we may not live out these lyrics fully, the Lord knows our heart and as long as we yearn to live it out and allow the Lord to lead us on that path, then we are in a good place. But I think it's good to re-assess at times if you are living out the lyrics you're singing. And if you aren't, then pray. Ask God to help you live them out. Ask him to do a work on the inside of you that causes you to live them out. And certainly don't stop singing them or worshiping to him because maybe you aren't living them out. Worship is one of the best ways to get there.

About 2 years ago, I was singing this exact same song and it says in another part, "...I love You Lord, You rescued me. You are all that I want. You're all I need." Same situation - are you really all I want Lord? Could I really do without everything else as long as I have you? I realized this probably wasn't the case at the time. Sure I loved the Lord with all my heart but could I really be fine without all the other blessings - a husband, a new job, etc? Well I went into a season of devotion. I spent time with the Lord every day, I fasted, I prayed, I fell in love with the Lord, I asked him to help me live out those lyrics...and He did. He brought me to the point where I really was satisfied with Him alone. And I still am. Obvioulsy he's blessed me tremendously since then but those blessings came out of a heart that was satisfied with Him alone.

On a lighter note and speaking of good lyrics, go check out our friends' band, Bide My Time. You can get their lyrics on facebook (http://www.facebook.com/#!/bidemytimeband?sk=notes) and get their EP on iTunes for really cheap! They also have their own website (http://www.bidemytime.com/Bide_My_Time/Bide_My_Time.html). They are awesome and our good friends and I know you'll enjoy them so go check them out if you haven't already! And if you like them (which I know you will), spread the word :)