Author: Amy

While sitting at a beautiful Floridian outdoor lunch, I engaged my daughters in a discussion about the difference between contentment and discontentment. It was a wonderful talk. Both girls, ages seven and four, came away with understanding the definitions of these words. A new goal was set for our family: we would pursue contentment and help one another avoid discontentment. We hurriedly left the restaurant to run an errand, then set our sights on the beach. It was our one chance at sunshine! But as we ended our errand, the rain drops began to fall. With each pelt of water, my personal contentment was disappearing! My older one quickly reminded me of our lunch conversation. Ouch! A few days later, when the baby of the family wasn’t getting her way and our new goal was mentioned, she yelled out in anger, “Guys, I don’t want to talk about discontentment!” Of course, it was all we could do not to laugh.

But as I thought about both her and my reactions to situations that weren’t even remotely hardship, I was deeply saddened. For how often do I hold my fist in my heavenly Father’s face and say, “I am not content!” With each grumble or unnecessary worry, isn’t that what I am doing? I believe in the sovereignty of my God (Psalm 135:6). I believe He holds all things together (Colossians 1:17). I believe He is working out His purposes for good in the lives of His children (Romans 8:28). Yet in my flesh, just like the Israelites, I am prone to uttering complaints and doubting my situation, and in my heart, I am discontent.

Oh, Lord, unveil my eyes in those moments to recognize my sin. Help me to see Your hand and trust Your goodness instead of grumbling in my flesh. You are the God Who gives grace and mercy and wisdom and encouragement. Teach me to know and own contentment as I do my own name. You deserve this from my life and I desire to live it as worship unto You.

One of the choirs I direct recently sang “Agnus Dei,” which I chose for its Latin text and rich harmonies. As the Christmas season approached, I found myself regretting this selection because it seemed to have more of an Easter theme. The lyrics translate, “The Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world . . .” However, as I was preparing my introduction of this song, I realized it was actually the perfect lyric to celebrate Jesus’ birth.

My favorite part of the Christmas story has always been the shepherds’ experience. These unassuming men may have been quietly resting or simply stargazing before the angels interrupted their lives. It really doesn’t matter what they were doing; what matters is what they did next. They left their earthly sheep behind in order to search out the one true Lamb of God. Though this Lamb was born in a stable, he was obviously special. He was the Lamb Who would be their Shepherd. Not only was He the promised Messiah, He would also pay the ultimate sacrifice for people such as they. Christ had come to set them free! I doubt the shepherds grasped the enormity of His birth, but they at least understood that He was worth pursuing. And He is. We pursue Him because He pursued us.

The silence of God was broken with a newborn’s cry. He lay as a lamb in a wooden manger so that He could lie as a lamb upon a wooden cross.

All praise and glory belong to the Lamb who sits upon His throne, having purchased His people at such a cost. May we seek Him wholeheartedly in this Christmas season and, with John, cry out, “Behold, the Lamb of God, Who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29). For someday we will bow before Him, saying with a loud voice, “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!” (Revelation 5:12).

Recently, I found myself filtering through all of my old compositions and arrangements. There was a heaviness in my heart as I viewed song after song that has never been sung. At some point, there was energy applied to each note and sweat poured over every lyric. And yet, here it sits, tucked away in a file, its music unheard, unappreciated, and not a benefit to anyone. Depressing, right?

As I have pondered this, I’ve drawn a few conclusions. I understand that the Lord has a time table according to His righteous wisdom and knowledge. He determines not only the grand scheme of our lives, but also what we might call forgotten, misplaced, or insignificant moments. When I apply this knowledge to my life, I am able to give Him not only the moments that matter most to me, but also the ones that I thought would matter and, seemingly, didn’t.

Writing those songs served some purpose for my life at the time. The Lord is choosing its purpose for me or for others. Yes, I love the notion that He would use my songs in the lives of His people, but I also appreciate the fact that He will use even the ones no one will ever hear. He is ever shaping me and teaching me. Those songs are not a failure, but rather a part of my journey, not only as a songwriter, but as His daughter. I see how He used them to grow me. I also like to imagine that maybe those songs are for His ears only.

My attitude must be continual praise.
My heart must be surrendered to His will.
My mind must be engaged in His Truth.
My pen must be ready to write as He leads.
He must be my song. And He is.

The Lord is my strength and song, And He has become my salvation;
This is my God, and I will praise Him . . . (Exodus 15:2)

BE MY SONG
Amy Branson Fata
© 2013 Portion Music (ASCAP)

Chorus
Be my breath
Be my words
Be my voice
Be my song

I can’t hold You in my hand
Yet You mold me with Yours
I can’t begin to comprehend
All that You are, my Lord

With my lips I claim Your truth
Yet I stammer and fall
In Your grasp I’m held to You
Let me sing all You are

Let me sing a song that lifts You high
Even when my wings can’t fly, use my life

Lately, I’ve found myself voicing a simple prayer
One that echoes in my head, my heart, everywhere

Lord, I just want You
It’s simple and yet full
Lord, I just want You
It’s elegant and yet cool 🙂

Lord, I just want You
This means everything else is secondary
Lord, I just want You
For the philosophies of man are elementary

Lord, I just want You
I want You in and out and up and down
Lord, I just want You
May You in my speech and deeds be found

Lord, I just want You
Your preeminence must be my agenda
Lord, I just want You
All I am or ever will be, to You I render

Lord, I just want You
For I am made complete, You fill my inward space
Lord, I just want You
My every sorrow or joy is covered in Your grace

So Lord, I just want You
This is my plea today
That which You have made new
May it never fade away

The things above
May they be my very thirst
Let me always purpose
That You come first

You are All and in All
I understand this is true
And because of all You are to me
Lord, I just want You

Jesus told the Samarian woman at the well, “Everyone who drinks of this water will thirst again; [meaning, you will be thirsty again tomorrow and will have to return to this well] but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him shall never thirst; but the water that I will give him will become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life” (John 4:13-14). We are a thirsty people and it is far too easy to drink from wells that will never satisfy. How often do we forsake the fountain of living water to hew for ourselves broken cisterns that can hold no water (Jeremiah 2:13)?

When I evaluate what wells I am visiting, I can usually measure what is most important to my heart by analyzing what the last thing on my mind is before my eyes find rest at night or the first thing I think of when my eyes open in the morning.

If it’s a sorrow, I need to drink in His comfort.
If it’s a trial, I need to drink in His care and wisdom.
If it’s a sin, I need to drink in His forgiveness and freedom.
If it’s a triumph, I need to drink in His humility and return the glory where it rightly belongs.

What are you currently using to quench your thirst? What is vying for your heart’s affection? Those of us in Christ are a redeemed people and we need not search for water anywhere but in Him. On the cross, Jesus purchased us and redeemed us to the Father. Blood and water flowed from His side after the soldier pierced Him with the spear. This proved His humanity. His resurrection proved His divinity. He proved His Messiahship to the Samarian woman by telling her all she had ever done. He is who He says He is. He is the Living Water. Let us look nowhere else.

Scripture describes Christ as a Victor in war, making His captives out to be mere trophies. In Colossians, we learn He “disarmed the rulers and authorities, He made a public display of them, having triumphed over them through Him.” To disarm means to strip of every weapon. He publicly humiliated His enemies, defeating them and exposing their vileness. Because of Jesus’ triumph on the cross and over the grave, the enemy was also stripped of the ability to accuse Christians before God.

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places (Ephesians 6:12)

Satan cannot harm the believer who will not harm himself. We need not fear that which is evil, yet we must stand guard over our hearts and not give room for anything but Christ’s light of truth.

May this be our prayer this day and always: “Lord, You are victorious over the forces of darkness. They are powerless in Your presence. I choose to stay close by You, my Shield, my Protector. My every breath is in You, and my satisfaction is in nothing else.”

Colossians 1:15-20 is a powerful portion of Scripture displaying Christ’s Lordship. Some theologians wonder if Paul was actually quoting an early hymn of praise because of the perfection of its meter and the repetition of its ideas. Regardless, I have found it to be of great comfort to me when life is tossing me around. He is Lord. This is really all I need to know. There is a perfect, righteous, just King reigning on His throne, orchestrating the details of my life, and working in my heart to carve out a more complete likeness of Himself. This is more than I can truly comprehend and certainly more than I deserve.

Read these six verses afresh today and consider what is presently seeming important to you in light of these assuring truths.

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things have been created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. He is also head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything. For it was the Father’s good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him, and through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, having made peace through the blood of His cross; through Him, I say, whether things on earth or things in heaven.

Paul tells us the Word of Christ is to “richly dwell within us” (Colossians 3:16). As a lyricist and a lover of words, there are certain words I enjoy. Richly is one of them. Here, in Colossians 3, it means abundantly. Doesn’t richly also sound fulfilling? I imagine a piece of dark chocolate cake, rich and satisfying!

To dwell means to influence one for good. We could also think of it as to be at home. Christ’s Word should reside in us, His followers. We should be a home-place where His Truth naturally dwells, making no room for the world or its passions.

Some people might have a passion for dark chocolate cake. Their mouths will water when it’s finally placed in front of them, their forks in hand. We know the Word is our nourishment, but developing a passion for it is a daily and life-long pursuit. When we taste it and see its results (Psalm 34:8), our hearts and minds will be thriving in its wisdom and our passion for it will grow. Our waistlines won’t suffer either!

“Our soul prospers when the word dwells richly.” Matthew Henry

I was listening to music by the Eagles and realized that I recognize many of their songs, but technically only know one line of each! This inspired a prayer based on song titles from that band or those associated with them at some point. As you read, please recognize the humor and understand this does not reflect my personal spiritual journey. Enjoy!

Dear Lord,
Please help me thru the night. What do I do with my heart? All night long I’ve been in a bitter creek. It’s been business as usual with me acting like I’m the center of the universe. I’m desperado for You, for I am a certain kind of fool. My sin is like dirty laundry, and I need Your forgiveness. Do something because I have a frail grasp on the big picture. It’s been a funky new year and I just need to get over it. 

As I slept, I dreamed there was no war, but I awoke and realized I just need to learn to be still. Most of us are sad down here believing there’s a hole in the world. But there’s no good day in hell either. The heart of the matter is I need You. I have a heartache tonight. One of these nights, by Your grace, I’ll awake with a peaceful, easy feeling. I trust Your love will keep me alive. 

Adam and Eve took the long road out of Eden choosing pie berry blossom. You cast them into the rocky mountain way for they were guilty of the crime. Poor Adam, now an outlaw man, thinking of his own rib, the girl from yesterday–he’s a victim of love, and yet must try and love again. Now, forced to eat at the sad cafe of life, feeling out of control and waiting in the weeds, he wonders how long till the nightingale sings again. Feeling like a new kid in town, he must start over. And me, too, busy being fabulous, living life in the fast lane, as if I were born to boogie! 

As a last resort, I now ask You to protect me and my man, who is no ordinary average guy. I know he loves his sexy girl, though I can’t tell you why, and I hope to give him the best of my love, for I realize how life’s been good. You’ve let us sleep under a lover’s moon, but now I’m asking for no more cloudy days. We long to be in the city and need no more walks in the wood. We hear people say, “You belong to the city, so walk away and go live your New York minute with fast company.” We wonder, after the thrill is gone, would we miss the wasted time of country living on the border of cornfields? I can hardly remember our last good time in town. In my mind I’m already gone, so pull me back to contentment.

I will never be the early bird anticipating the sunset grill of each day, but remind me: “You are not alone.” Is it true? Yes, You are with me, so take the devil and give him this tequila sunrise instead. Father, forgive this witchy woman. All she wants to do is dance and chug all night. How long must I endure the journey of the sorcerer? Of him, I don’t want to hear anymore. I’ll go wherever You lead, even take the long run to Hotel California and begin the Hollywood Waltz instead. The train leaves here tomorrow and I’ll board it if You ask that of me.

Till then, keep me from lyin’ eyes. Show me how to take it easy. Help me beat down my pride and no longer take it to the limit, not even one more time. My heart, it’s Your world now. Keep it, lest it turn to stone. One day at a time, I’ll live for You, Lord. For You have told me in Your Word, “Those who wait for You will gain new strength, they will mount up with wings like EAGLES.” Amen

Paul was convinced of his own unworthiness. Since he believed he didn’t deserve anything, there was no trial that could shake his joyful confidence in Christ. He trusted in God’s sovereignty over every circumstance. “But even if I am being poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I rejoice and share my joy with you all” (Phil. 2:17).

It is easy to fall into the trap of believing I deserve this or that. It is partly due to living in a culture where the mindset is “if you dream it, it can be yours.” Some would even say “it should be yours.” A great emphasis is placed on personal rights. I can get impatient just waiting in line. My desire is to be served instantly as if somehow that is owed to me simply because I exist. When frustrated about something, whether big or small, I must ask myself: is this a true injustice?

Christ laid down His every right. And He had every right! He is always the perfect example to follow.

Although He existed in the form of God, [He] did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped (Phil. 2:6).

The Almighty God laid aside His position in order to secure mine. I am His. I am forgiven from the darkness of my personal sin. I need nor want for anything but Him. I’ve been given what I do not deserve.

If we want to avoid a load of trouble and frustration in this life, we simply need to let go of the self-focused illusion that we deserve anything other than punishment for our sin.

Amazingly, we are allowed to dwell in the palm of God’s faithful hand as He orchestrates a beautiful plan for each of His beloved. He knows what every heart needs to be tended or mended. Every affliction is designed to help us rely on the Lord and move away from depending on ourselves. He is ever preparing us for the work we are to accomplish for His Kingdom. Like Paul, let us rejoice!