Music Monday: “For All My Life ” by TAYA
by Debbie Waltz
I can hardly believe I’m halfway through the Now And Not Yet Study. Despite having heard Bible stories countless times, I’m constantly astounded by the profound wisdom that can be extracted from them through a simple re-reading. Hannah’s story of surrender is no different. Her entire life has been a constant struggle with barrenness, a void that seems impossible to fill. The emotional implications are clear, but it’s also essential to consider the cultural implications. During ancient biblical times, barrenness was seen as a negative attribute because it was wrongly associated with sin. (They felt that barrenness was an outward physical symbol of an inward condition that God punished them for.)
Despite this, Hannah never gave up on her faith. Instead, she relied on her relationship with God to sustain her- even becoming vulnerable with Him. She surrendered her concerns to the Lord, knowing God was entirely in control. But even more than that, she believed he had the power to change her circumstances. Hannah then acted out on her faith
Sadly, this kind of confidence isn’t easily found today.
Why? I tend to believe it’s for two main reasons. First, we forget that, ultimately, everything belongs to the Lord. Deuteronomy 10:14 says, “To the Lord your God belong the heavens, even the highest heavens, the earth and everything in it.” (NIV) James continues this theme by writing in his chapter, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” (1:17 NIV)
Second, we live under the false impression that we control what happens to us. Left to our own devices, we struggle with sin. Case in point: Adam and Eve. Luckily, God, in his grace and mercy, didn’t just leave us there to clean up our mess. Instead, he created a rescue plan for those who believe. Still, we can lose focus and start relying on ourselves. It is then we must remember WHO provides for us and who can can carry our burdens.
As Deuteronomy 8:18 reminds us: “But remember, the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms this covenant, which he swore to your ancestors, as it is today.”
You can check out TAYA song here. (The Scripture References in the song are as follows:
Matthew 11:28- 30 and Proverbs 3:5-6)