©Joy Dunlap https://joydunlap.com
Everyone loves a love song.
Love Lifted Me is one that speaks to the heart of the matter. Like any love song, this has some struggles and heartache in the beginning. Declarations of heartfelt devotion come after we witness the extraordinary, life-changing touch of Love.
But this love song – this Love is different.
Deeper than romantic love. Wider than friendship love. Stronger even than parental love.
I first heard and sang Love Lifted Me from the wooden pews of my hometown church, holding a hymnal in my tiny hands while tapping my toes in time with the upbeat refrain.
Love Lifted Me is – well – uplifting; brings back memories and packs a powerful message. Let’s take a look together.
(Refrain)
Love lifted me, Love lifted me,
When nothing else could help, Love lifted me;
Love lifted me, Love lifted me,
When nothing else could help, Love lifted me.
Now in the public domain, this 1912 song written by James Rowe is still meaningful today. In it, we see guilt, tumultuous times, and despair, but also the safety and strength found in the love of God.
I was sinking deep in sin, far from the peaceful shore,
Very deeply stained within, sinking to rise no more;
But the Master of the sea heard my despairing cry,
From the waters lifted me–now safe am I.
2) All my heart to Him I give, ever to Him I’ll cling,
In His blessed presence live, ever His praises sing.
Love so mighty and so true merits my soul’s best songs;
Faithful, loving service, too, to Him belongs. [Refrain]
3) Souls in danger, look above, Jesus completely saves;
He will lift you by His love – out of the angry waves.
He’s the Master of the sea, billows His will obey;
He your Savior wants to be; be saved today. (Refrain)
Listen, dear one loved by God…if you find yourself “far from the peaceful shore” today, remember that God has the power to “lift you by His love out of the angry waves.”
And, God’s Love is available to everyone. A gift freely given.
This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him.
This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. 1 John 4:10-12
God LOVED us. He LOVES us.
And, He has the power to LIFT us. Look up!
- What secular love song is one of your favorites?
- Which description in this song most resonates with you about where you are right now or where you once were? Sinking? Battling angry waves? Despair? In danger? Far from peace? In sin?
- What does verse 2 say to you?
- If you were writing a song to God, or about God, today, what would your core statement of seven words or less be (i.e. Love lifted me)?
I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Ephesians 3:16-19
Remember…
Life is Better When It’s Full – Joy-full, Thank-full, Purpose-full and Friend-full! ™
*Unless otherwise noted, Scripture references are from New International Version (NIV)