I couldn't figure out why I got so choked up singing "A Mighty Fortress is our God" this morning. Even as I type these words I feel a bit overcome by those of the "battle hymn of the reformation." The song tosses me back and forth between my hopelessness in my own strength and the certainty of victory in Christ's.
It is not the first time I'd heard or sung this old song, but it was timely. I was pleased to discover yesterday that Keith and Kristyn Getty have released a new album of hymns, and in this video Keith pointed out the contrast between the goal of a pop song, which is to resonate in and of headlines, and a folk or classical song, which ideally outlasts the composer. "A Mighty Fortress" is just that type of song.
At one point I stopped singing this morning, and just listened. There were the voices of hundreds of women, singing together. Then it hit me one reason why I was so overcome: it is the first last for me. Over the next ten days or so, I'll have a lot of "lasts," since we are relocating soon. One thing that struck me was the vibrance of the women among whom I had the privilege to stand and sing. Salt. Of. The. Earth. At the same time, I felt encouraged that amidst the threat of uncertainty in what will for us be a brave new step, God's "truth abideth still."
His kingdom is forever.
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