I Have A Shelter
When I think about the difficult and trying times of my life, I reflect on certain songs that ministered to me in the lowest of valleys and strongest of storms. Perhaps you have read some of them in Collin Hansen’s new book that was released. In those times, there have been three things that have helped sustain me: the book The Valley of Vision, which is a collection of Puritan prayers, and the Psalms which I find myself often praying, and a few select worship songs which I sing over my weary and afflicted soul. For instance, one particular verse the Lord has used to comfort me is the last verse of “In Christ Alone” which says:
No guilt in life, no fear in death—
This is the pow’r of Christ in me;
From life’s first cry to final breath,
Jesus commands my destiny.
No pow’r of hell, no scheme of man,
Can ever pluck me from His hand;
Till He returns or calls me home—
Here in the pow’r of Christ I’ll stand.
Another song has recently been made available by Sovereign Grace Music called “I Have a Shelter” which you can actually download for free from their website. This is a song, much like others in my journey, that will help bring me to the feet of Jesus, and by His grace, bring me home to heaven. Here are the lyrics, and I pray they will be a great encouragement to you as they have been to me.
I have a shelter in the storm
When troubles pour upon me
Though fears are rising like a flood
My soul can rest securely
O Jesus, I will hide in You
My place of peace and solace
No trial is deeper than Your love
That comforts all my sorrows
I have a shelter in the storm
When all my sins accuse me
Though justice charges me with guilt
Your grace will not refuse me
O Jesus, I will hide in You
Who bore my condemnation
I find my refuge in Your wounds
For there I find salvation
I have a shelter in the storm
When constant winds would break me
For in my weakness, I have learned
Your strength will not forsake me
O Jesus, I will hide in You
The One who bears my burdens
With faithful hands that cannot fail
You’ll bring me home to heaven
Tags: Comfort, I Have a Shelter, Jesus, Sovereign Grace Music, worship
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May 6, 2008 at 1:50 pm
I have also been drawn to the Psalms during the valleys of my faith. The inspired songs of God’s providence and Covenant faithfullness are the only true anchor for my soul. And as you ahve pointed out the modern God-centered and Biblical hymns are also a great salve for the wounds of this world.
Sadly enough, many of the songs our generation grew up on can hardlyl be considered God-centered or Biblical. I am thankful that God is raising up theologically sound hymn writers in our day and age to lead God’s people in Christ exalting worship.
But, I still long for the day when, as in centuries past, the greatest of theologians and preachers were those writing hymns for the church. Thank you for the post and for pointing my attention to Sovereign Grace Music.
By the way, I took your advice and started a blog for myself and my family. I would love to have you take and look and chime in from time to time. (justinwheeler.wordpress.com)
I also heard that you were going to be spending a few weeks in Athens upcoming. Joey and I would love for you to come and share with us and our church if your schedule is not too full.
May 6, 2008 at 10:00 pm
I Have A Shelter is a GREAT song. We are going to teach it to our people in a few weeks.
zach
May 7, 2008 at 3:08 am
We’ll be singing “In Christ Alone” at my ordination.
“No pow’r of hell, no scheme of man,
Can ever pluck me from His hand”
It just gets me every time, that line. (It must be something special because it’s a song written after 1800 that I like.)
As a side issue, “In Christ Alone” is one of Britain’s Top 10 Hymns, as voted by the public for the BBC’s Songs of Praise. Here’s Stuart Townend’s response to the top 10:
http://stuarttownend.typepad.com/stuart_townend/2006/10/songs_of_praise.html
May 7, 2008 at 10:44 am
Timmy,
The Psalms are truly an amazing source for comfort, strength, and encouragment during the difficult times. I would also agree that select worship songs have the ability to minister to us in times of need, particularly those that are theologically sound… haha. I downloaded “I Have a Shelter” and really did enjoy it. I was wandering, since I’m fairly unfamiliar with Sovereign Grace Music, which of their albums you would recommend. Do you have any specific favorites?
Thanks,
Tyler
May 7, 2008 at 10:57 am
Justin,
Glad to see that you have started a family blog. I got your message and will be calling you back shortly. It would be an honor to bring God’s Word if we can work it out schedule wise.
Zach,
I agree totally. Very well done, both lyrically and musically.
Phil,
Yes, those lyrics have been a mainstay for me. I am grateful for the gifted songwriters coming out today who are rich in theology and rich in experience as well.
Tyler,
Well, my favorite for the past year or so has been The Valley of Vision. I think it is a great place to start:
http://www.sovereigngraceministries.org/Resources/Music/ValleyOfVision.aspx
I also have really enjoyed Upward:
http://www.sovereigngracemusic.org/albums/category/sovereign_grace_music/upward_the_bob_kauflin_hymns_project
Hope that helps my friend. Enjoyed lunch the other day thoroughly. That milkshake was a good call.