no need to tarry…

I’ve been trying to put this into words for more than a week…

Last Sunday I had the privilege of worshiping from the piano, under the leadership of our good friend, Wade Williams.  Michael and I were in Atlanta for the week, and we finished up our time there at Perimeter Church’s Sunday service in the chapel.

For many reasons that I don’t have time to explain here, it was a beautiful and meaningful time of worship. Wade and Michael playing their guitars together, it was exquisite music from their instruments the likes of which most of us musicians only dream of playing. I just chimed in on the keys here and there.

I hope I don’t forget those moments any time soon….

But, sitting at that piano, next to that stain-glassed window with the cross at the center, I was reminded of one of the first times I ever heard Wade lead worship at Northshore Fellowship in the Woodland Ave. sanctuary.  His mellow voice sang a song that I had never heard before.  It is a worship service that is etched in my memory.

This is the song:

Come, Ye sinners, Poor and needy.
Weak and wounded, Sick and sore.
Jesus ready, Stands to save you.
Full of pity, Love and power.

I will arise and go to Jesus, 
He will embrace me in His arms.
In the arms of my dear Saviour, 
O, There are ten thousand charms.

Come, Ye thirsty, Come and welcome.
God’s free bounty glorify.
True belief and true repentance.
Every grace that brings you nigh.

Come, Ye weary, Heavy-laden.
Lost and ruined by the fall.
If you tarry ’til you’re better.
You will never come at all.

It was a pivotal moment for me as a believer. Standing next to my husband, singing out full-voice mid the congregation I realized in a completely fresh way this one thing:  Jesus is prepared to receive me, no matter the shape I’m in or what I’ve done. Whatever the burden, I can go to Him.   His irresistible grace draws me close.  And that same grace  provides relief when I believe and repent.   What a freeing moment it was in my life!

The picture from last Sunday of the piano next to the cross is a beautiful illustration of my heart’s desire.  It is my prayer that I hover near the cross, and that my life and my music points people to Jesus.   For there is one truth I’m learning more and more each day :  “In the arms of my dear Savior, oh, there are ten thousand charms.”