If you spend any amount of time with me, you will hear me quote a song, or hum a tune within the first 5 minutes of our conversation. I love music and especially song lyrics. They are always running in the back of my mind like a soundtrack to life. In fact, I’m hoping that heaven has a flash mob section and that I’ll know all the words and dance moves.
In all seriousness, music is something we share collectively, but each of us can experience it differently. For me, there is something breathtaking about hearing my soul’s cry articulated so perfectly in song, when I couldn’t have said it any better myself. Music and worship draws me closer to God. So many songs are rich with profound theology and impart the gospel story in such a way that it becomes woven into the very fabric of your heart.
The song Prince of Peace by Hillsong is one of those songs for me. The part of the song that gives me chill bumps is this:
“…Staring down the fight, My eyes found Yours
Shining like the sun, Striding through my fear
The Prince of Peace met me there. You heard my prayer.”
As I hear the words I can imagine my Savior striding through the storm I’m facing, pushing aside my fears and doubts effortlessly as he illuminates every dark shadow with hope.
It also reminds me of one of my favorite Bible verses, Psalm 116:1-2.
“I love the Lord because he hears my voice and my prayer for mercy. Because he bends down to listen, I will pray as long as I have breath!”
Not only does the Lord hear our prayer, in Philippians 4:6-7, He promises us peace unlike any other.
“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”
During this season of Emmanuel, “God with us”, I can’t think of a better source of comfort than to know that God hears our prayers and whispers back His peace. He breaks through the storm to meet us where we are, and surrounds us with his love. If you’d like, take a moment and listen to the song Prince of Peace, here and read the full lyrics here.
I pray that whatever you’re facing today, that you will know and believe that God hears you, he’s holding you close and will be ever and always, your Prince of Peace.
