Series Introduction:
Today we start a new series, reading the Bible with Adam Burt from Megavoice Australia. For the next seven days we will incorporate music into our daily devotionals. Various studies have shown that music can boost memory, build task endurance, lighten your mood, reduce anxiety and depression, stave off fatigue, improve your response to pain, and help you exercise more effectively.
Music is awesome, and a gift from our Heavenly Father. There are at least 185 songs to be found in the Bible, with the bulk (around 150) of these found in the Psalms. Our Father in Heaven knows that music is good for our soul and helps us worship him appropriately. It can help us engage both head and heart.
All the songs in this series can be found in this playlist:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6FCkonzKqqQZqX3h3I9C29?si=hJVADt67RiyTTXDTkqSZaQ&dd=1
Reflection: Be Thou My Vision
Be Thou my vision, O Lord of my heart.
Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art.
Thou my best thought, by day or by night
Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light
Be Thou my wisdom, and Thou my true word.
I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord
Thou my great Father, and I Thy true son
Thou in me dwelling and I with Thee one
Riches I heed not, nor vain, empty praise.
Thou mine inheritance, now and always
Thou and Thou only first in my heart
High King of heaven, my treasure Thou art
High King of heaven, my victory won.
May I reach heaven’s joys, O bright heaven’s sun?
Heart of my own heart, whatever befall.
Still be my vision, O ruler of all.
Heart of my own heart, whatever befall.
Still be my vision, O ruler of all.
Spotify Song Link: https://open.spotify.com/track/4TALuYddLLmJDM14GkhSmG?si=8ki7uiOTQziBw2JbzX6fnA
Today we start our journey, 1,200 years ago. So, what should be our vision and focus? In what or in whom should we place our hope?
The song writer says, ‘Be Thou my vision, O Lord of my heart, naught be all else to me save that Thou art.’
The lyrics to this amazing hymn are based on a text probably written in the 8th century. It’s funny that despite the massive changes in society and technology, the fundamental failing of trusting in ourselves remains.
What also remains is the truth that in God’s unfailing love, we have all the vision and reason to boast in him we could ever need. How are you going in your daily walk? Do you rely on personal strength or your riches — either abilities, or material?
The lure of earthly praise and success can be strong. It is something many of us struggle with, especially with rising costs of living and other pressures. We want a ‘good’ life for ourselves and our families.
Take a moment to read the passage above again and listen to the lyrics. Let the song and the lyrical richness wash over you.
Prayer: Be thou my vision, o Lord of my heart, naught be all else to me, save that Thou art. Thou my best thought, by day or by night. Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.
Riches I heed not, nor vain, empty praise. Heart of own heart, whatever befall, still be my vision, O ruler of all. Amen.