how long, o Lord?

as many of you know, m and i are both under the weather physically. it's one of those seasons -- conspicuous in its severity and in the close proximity of alternately scary and perplexing events. (i've been reading and reflecting recently on spiritual warfare and growing in my resolve to take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ. hmm...). but even in this condition, one of the things we can do is worship together, and that's what we did tonight.

m was tired out from carting me around to the doctors today, and is still (a week later) experiencing pain. among a constellation of problems, my mouth is swollen and full of sores, making singing awkward and a bit painful. but no matter -- what a glorious time! m's suggestion that we worship with hymns was inspired, and i felt my heart strengthened and lifted in God's presence.

we covered a lot of ground from classic favorites like i cannot tell and my Jesus, i love thee to r & b arrangements of blessed assurance and nothing but the blood. one of my favorites from the evening was an instrumental version of a modern hymn, written by british worship leader stuart townend, which expresses some of the deep longings in my heart.

we have sung our songs of victory,
we have prayed to you for rain;
we have cried for your compassion
to renew the land again.
now we’re standing in your presence,
more hungry than before;
now we’re on your steps of mercy,
and we’re knocking at your door.

how long before you drench the barren land?
how long before we see your righteous hand?
how long before your name is lifted high?
how long before the weeping turns to songs of joy?

Lord, we know your heart is broken
by the evil that you see,
and you’ve stayed your hand of judgment
for you plan to set men free.
but the land is still in darkness,
and we’ve fled from what is right;
we have failed the silent children
who will never see the light.

but i know a day is coming
when the deaf will hear his voice,
when the blind will see their saviour,
and the lame will leap for joy.
when the widow finds a husband
who will always love his bride,
and the orphan finds a father
who will never leave her side.

how long before your glory lights the skies?
how long before your radiance lifts our eyes?
how long before your fragrance fills the air?
how long before the earth resounds with songs of joy?

***

the Spirit and the bride say, "come."

and let the one who hears say, "come."

and let the one who is thirsty come;

let the one who wishes take the water of life without cost....

he who testifies to these things says,

"yes, i am coming quickly."

amen. come, Lord Jesus!

revelation 22:17, 20