Inspirational Readings: 57 Songs, Devotionals Of Beloved Hymns ♫ Love Lifted Me ♫

Increasingly we are plagued by tragedy. It stalks the people around us, those we know, nearby and continents away; those we work with everyday, worship with and even those in our own families. We all seem to be enduring more tragic events in our lives than ever before. Although the news is crowded with almost hourly reports of global tragedy and devastation due to storms, wildfires, wars, cyber attacks and other calamities, we don't need those reports to stay informed. We can see it first-hand in the mirror, in our own communities, circle of friends, acquaintances and families. The intensity of the horrors, struggles and tragedies, seem more than anyone can possibly bear; more than anyone can humanly survive emotionally.

And that's not the end of it. Diseases and strange illnesses with long unrecognizable and frightening names, seem to be on the rise too, robbing our young people of bright hopes of a future and a better tomorrow. Yes, hardships are present today on every front, in every area of our lives, and in such magnitude that even our elders shudder at what may be on the horizon.

Others look on and witness the crushing hardships that many around them endure. And common to human nature, they begin pondering if they may be next to go through the same. Then fear grips them as they also wonder how anyone can ever recover from such devastation.

Yet amidst the chaotic tragedies, you notice a few people that appear to be unaffected by it all. Oh, they go through the same tragedies as the rest of mankind, but there's just something about them that leads you to believe that they are at peace - somehow. Their house burned downed just as all the others in the neighborhood. Or maybe you recall a coworker who lost a husband or child in a tragic accident. But there they are, back at work, comforting others, lending a hand, reaching out to their neighbors with a smile that emanates an unusual inner glow of love. They are not angry. Again, they are at peace - somehow.

If those nearby, looking on, are brave enough to probe further and ask the question, however, they will be given a secret that many already know about. 'They endure hardships and tragedy through the supernatural love of God'. Inferred by the hymn, “ Love Lifted me " The hymn clearly states with confidence that when nothing else could help, love lifted me. Love did the job that no other strategy could remedy or put a dent in.

As to the love spoken about here, no logical reasoning can be used to explain the unmistakable warming, lifting love that people often share that they feel during tremendous times of stress, strain, tragedy and turmoil in their lives. In fact they are unable to explain it. They can only tell you that it happened; that God indeed lifted them with His love.

“When nothing else could help, love lifted me”. Such is the power of God’s love for anyone who cries out for it. So comforting and so healing. No matter how deep we may sink in despair from various hardships, pain or sin, God’s love is so sure and can be depended upon to not only raise us up from the dead when Jesus Christ returns, but also to lift us out of the depths of any darkness that we encounter in life.

Words by James Rowe 1865-1933

Music by Howard E.Smith 1863-1918

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.

Refrain

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:

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:

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.

Have A Blessed And Peaceful Week

© Barb Johnson