I heard a song last Sunday for the first time. It moved me so much, I sat in my car to finish listening to it. I googled the lyric in my head when I got home. It was easy to find the artist, Jason Gray, and the song “Sparrows“. Unusual for me, I purchased the whole album, without any further research or listening.
If these words were on paper, I would file this under obedience. Why? I believed I was hearing what God wanted from me and I took action. I didn’t care if it was weird or questioned. I just did what I was told. It’s kind of a big deal to me. Yes, sir, with genuine reverence.
I am not talking about buying Where the Light Gets In, though it has proven to be an excellent investment. So many of the songs speak my heart, His heart and move my spirit. My husband digs it, as well. I love that I am married to a man who loves the Lord and loves how I love Him.
The “weird or questioned” part comes into play because I shared a condensed version of my vision, the song and the explanation from the artist with the person who was on my heart from the minute I heard the melody. Instead of sharing privately, I was told to go out on a limb and share on her Facebook page. In and of itself, it may not sound like a big leap. However, Jocelyn’s husband, David, leads our Worship Music at Hope Fellowship .
Jocelyn is a triplet and her entire family is well known in our church. She and her sisters post the most beautiful encouragements, scripture and insights on their pages. They always speak the most encouraging words, too. I have long since nicknamed them the “Sweet Jays”, as each of their names begins with the letter “J” and each sings His praises sweeter than any songbird.
It is only human to doubt my words or thoughts were “good enough” to post on her page or any leader’s page. It was impossible to deny that God wanted me to share it the way I did.
For three plus minutes, I kept seeing Jocelyn and her daughter dancing in a field of wildflowers. I could see them dancing, singing, laughing and praising Him together. “Even the Sparrow knows, He holds tomorrow” just resonated so deeply as a lyric. I could see brightly colored, matching dresses and huge smiles. I could see birds flying over the ocean and knew it was God who made those wings work their perceived magic. I could feel her husband , David, just beaming with gratitude as he witnessed their beautiful bond and giving Glory to God for his family. The imagery was so powerful; only God could press it on my heart to such depth.
In less than three minutes, that powerful vision was balanced with their testimony at church roughly three years ago. It was a powerful juxtaposition, to say the least. I don’t remember every word, but I clearly remember how David talked about hearing “Oceans” by Hillsong United and, in particular, the lyric which says “Spirit, lead me, where my trust is without borders.”
He shared scripture, spoke lovingly of his wife and shared openly about the two miscarriages they had suffered. He asked us to pray with him for the third baby now growing in Jocelyn’s womb. I believe David said something about how God used that song to reassure him that this pregnancy would be different and to have faith, no matter what, and to keep trusting His plan for them.
When Jocelyn gave her testimony, she referenced Matthew 6:26, “Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?” The way she spoke of her Sweet Jesus and her desire for all to know him still echoes. I have prayed for their family and recalled their powerful, yet peace-filled testimony every time I have heard “Oceans” the past three years.
I believe God has used their precious family for His Glory and His Kingdom in ways they may never understand. I see His Grace magnified in their two-year old daughter, Joy. I can feel His love, peace and presence each time I see their family together. How perfect she is another “Sweet Jay”!
After I took the leap and shared what was pressed on my heart, the response initially surprised me. Then, I remembered it wasn’t from me, it was from Him and it shouldn’t surprise me in the least. Jocelyn wrote that God used me to bless her heart and that her sister had also shared that same song with her in a previous week. Thank you, Lord! She actually read the link and said, ” The message of the resurrection gives hope that even the worst will produce something beautiful in us, and will ultimately help make us who we most want to be. YES, more like Jesus because we’ve experienced more of Him, and He is so, so good.”
I did not feel like I was not “good enough” to share as He led me; I was grateful to have been directed to “trust without borders.”
Listening, music and being obedient all matter. Birds. Oceans. Babies. Lyrics. Everything under heaven matters. If we look closely and listen carefully, we can see and hear so much more of what Jesus longs to teach us and share with us.
“You have turned for me my mourning into dancing…O Lord my God, I will give thanks to you forever!” Psalms 30:11-12
Thank you, Jesus.
My God Room 