Freedom Songs #2: Ashes Remain

“You’re My Recovery.”

Fireflight/Core of my Addiction

On Tuesday I was filled with hope and discouragement at the same time. How is that even possible? I was hopeful because I was believing that I’d be okay, but discouraged because somewhere along the way I got off track and a little lost. This saddened me. So I was trying to listen to music that should comfort me, but it wasn’t. Instead it was making me feel worse. 

At some point I had started handling things in my own strength instead of depending on Jesus for strength. I lost sight of Him, but He doesn’t lose sight of me. 

I couldn’t even see myself drifting. I felt far away in a lot of ways, but when I wrote my poem “Far Away” I wasn’t thinking about being far from God. Heaven seemed like a far-off place, though, and I was feeling like an alien here. 

On Tuesday I felt totally burnt-out. Nothing was speaking to me. My first query was how do I get my fire back!? I read an article. This one here. I still didn’t have an antidote or a cure. I understood the article, but I had no idea where to start and it felt as if it were a long road back. So I prayed that the Holy Spirit would lead me to music that would speak to me where I was. 

What He lead me to did comfort me. The first song below made me cry. (He was really speaking to my heart.)

I absolutely love the second song. This is what I need.

Finally, the last one made me smile. Peace and comfort were already returning and I knew that my flame would be re-ignited. He reminded me–as He always does–that He’s got me and I’m going to be fine. Jesus is always amazing that way.

While the world around me is in panic mode I do have the peace of God. I’m not woried about the news. I rarely pay attention to any of it. Don’t believe everything you hear or read. There’s a thief in this world who loves to steal peace, joy, and anything else he can steal from you. He whispers lies. Remember this.

Yes, I’m still struggling, but I don’t doubt that I’m in the best of hands. Jesus is the cure for everything that ails me. He’s my recovery. Some might call it a placebo, but when I get lost in Him–instead of the waves around me, or in me–that peace does come and worry fades. I don’t just believe He has that power, I know that He does. I’m not a stranger to it. He’s made sure that I’ve experienced it countless times on this journey of faith. If I’m honest, I don’t deserve it, but God is love, so His mercies never cease. Jesus loves you too.

“When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Silence! Be still!” Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm.”

Mark 4:39(NLT)

Ashes Remain 

The funny thing is that I originally discovered this group when I was looking for music for one of my bestfriends. Little did I know that I’d need a dose of them as well.

He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along. He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what he has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in the Lord. Oh, the joys of those who trust the Lord, who have no confidence in the proud or in those who worship idols.

Psalm 40:2-4

(Photo credit goes to Pixabay.com user MMartin1020)