'Songs of Hope' by Trish Vernon
Today Spotify© notified me of the number one song I listened to in 2020. It was Turn Your Eyes upon Jesus sung by Lauren Daigle. Music has played an important role in my spiritual and mental health throughout this pandemic. As I listened to music on my daily walks the words of this and other hymns penetrated my spirit so that in difficult times the very same words came to mind as an encouragement and a reminder of both the word and nature of our God.
So often the news, social media and conversations concentrated on the fear, threats and negativity of Covid-19. These words reminded me to focus on the One who matters, who heals and who restores.
Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in his wonderful face and the things of earth will go strangely dim in the light of his glory and grace.
At the beginning of the pandemic Alex and Sam sent a collection of songs for us to enjoy. My number two song came from there. It was He Will hold me Fast, again the truths would come to mind in difficult times, be it a sleepless night or an anxious day.
When I fear my faith will fail, Christ will hold me fast. When the tempter would prevail, He will hold me fast. I could never keep my hold through life’s fearful path for my love is often cold, He must hold me fast. He will hold me fast, He will hold me fast; For my Saviour loves me so, He will hold me fast.
God commands us to to sing: 'Sing joyfully to the Lord...Sing to him a new song', not because it's a nice thing to do but because it turns our heart to Christ: 'In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name...we put our hope in you.' (Psalm 33v1, 21) These Songs have been a blessing to me this year. The lyrics directed me back to God and His word and gave a lasting deposit of gospel truth for each and every day.
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