How does our worship, our singing bring us hope? Why is there such a good connection on Wednesday mornings as we sing and pray and connect together, even while we are apart? It seems inexplicable and mysterious, doesn’t it? Yesterday, I began our mid-week worship with words from a musician/song-writer who said:

“Praising the Lord reminds us that we are not alone. Singing praise loosens the chains in our minds and hearts… sets us free from our fetters. Praising the Lord gives us relief… and release. Praising the Lord battles against the fear… by assuring us that there is joy in the Lord, there is peace in Christ Jesus, there is hope.”

And I might add that when we worship, when we direct our thoughts and hearts towards something “other”, we are reminded of who we are, and whose we are; we belong to God and despite all of the challenges, He is a good and faithful God.
Read these song lyrics as poetry, as truth, and realize pretty quickly how songs can bring us hope:

“The sun comes up, it’s a new day dawning; it’s time to sing your song again; whatever may pass and whatever lies before me, let me be singing when the evening comes.”
“If you but trust in God to guide you, and place your confidence in him, you’ll find him always there beside you to give you hope and strength within.”
“It may look like I’m surrounded, but I’m surrounded by you.”
“Great is thy faithfulness, morning by morning new mercies I see; all I have needed your hand has provided, great is thy faithfulness, Lord unto me.”
“When I feel my faith will fail, Christ will hold me fast.”
“Waymaker, miracle-worker, promise-keeper, light in the darkness: my God, that is who you are!”

Thank you so much to those of you joining me on Wednesday mornings on Facebook Live. It’s been a source of encouragement and hope for me and such a good “connection” point in our week. I will lead one more session next week on June 2nd. I’m hoping to be camping for a few days the week after that (if provincial parks open up) and then I think (optimistically) that with the easing of restrictions soon all of us will be able to get “out and about” a wee bit more. That’s my prayer anyway!

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Our new home in Beamsville

For ShareLife on Sunday, June 6th, I’m asking the kids to draw pictures of their homes as we worship around the theme of “Neighbouring” for the next 2 weeks. Families, I encourage you to listen to the children’s message this week Sunday and then you’ll know what to do! I’ll need your drawings by Thursday, June 3rd.

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Some 'living art' from Mountainview

On Sunday, June 27th we hope to lean into the theme of creation in worship as we celebrate “It is Good!” I would love to have you participate in worship by sharing your photos of creation, and/or your artwork of the things you see in the world that inspires you to remember God as creator. Send your contributions to me before June 23rd, please and thanks: ruthanns@mountainviewcrc.org. I’m grateful for a few photos of some children’s artwork already.

Thank you!

Ruth Ann

Hope and Worship - May 27th, 2021