Cried Out in Anguish That I Might Sing

Has God ever used a phrase in scripture, in a book or even a song to pierce your soul and make something so vividly clear about Himself to you? He definitely has for me. Each Wednesday, some of our teens and sponsors come early to practice music before we sing them in our youth group. Practicing went smoothly. However, once the service began and we started the song, “How Deep,” I suddenly remembered that there was one phrase in the song that would catch me off guard. As we sung the phrase, “cried out in anguish that I might sing” I lost all control of my emotions and couldn’t finish the song. All I could do was listen as the teens sang the words that kept piercing my heart. Since music is a big part of my life, this presses on a deep place in my heart. The Spirit was reminding me of Christ’s love through His sacrifice.

Good Friday starts the Easter Celebrations. Most people may have the day off and will probably use it to spend with family or run errands. Those aren’t bad things, but do take a moment today and read through the accounts of Christ and His crucifixion. Why? Because we need to remember what He sacrificed for us. God loved us so much that He sent His only Son, Jesus to die a cruel death, to be separated from Him and to take on the full wrath of God that was meant for us. All so that we could be restored as God’s children and to be clothed with Christ’s robe of righteousness. What a beautiful and humbling thing. How deep is God’s love for us? This deep.

“And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying,

 “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” that is, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”

Matthew 27: 46 ESV

Do you realize that if we are truly God’s children through Jesus Christ, we will never say these words? He cried out these words from the deepest anguish and no one will ever have to endure them as He did. He was completely alone, separated from His Father for us. No one will suffer like Jesus. However, those who do not accept the gift of salvation through Christ alone will indeed suffer separation from God in Hell. But this is not God’s plan!  (“The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.”-2 Peter 3:9). To receive this gift, you must accept it and have faith in the finished work of Christ alone. Will you accept this free gift of salvation?

And Jesus did not stay dead.

For death was not the end…for what happened next was nothing short of a miracle. On the third day, He defeated and conquered death; He rose from the grave. He crushed the serpent’s head and He paid the price for our sin. He did that for me and for you! After a small time on earth after His resurrection, He ascended into Heaven. Today He is very much alive and interceding for His children (Hebrews 12:2)! He has also never left us, for He left the Spirit to live in us and dwell with us. God has freed us through Christ so that we may live and praise Him! Let us rejoice and give praise to God our Father and Creator, our Redeemer and King in what He has done and what He is doing in us!

How Deep

You were broken that I might be healed.

You were cast off that I might draw near.

You were thirsty that I might come drink.

Cried out in anguish that I might sing.

 

How deep is Your love!

How high and how wide is Your mercy!

How deep is Your grace!

Our hearts overflow with praise

To You!

You knew darkness that I might know light.

Wept great tears that mine might be dried.

Stripped of glory that I might be clothed.

Crushed by Your Father to call me Your own.