As Willowdale Chapel is in a sermon series entitled “Refresh,” I was contemplating what refreshes me. Many activities came to mind – a nice afternoon nap, walking in nature, a good conversation with a friend, laughter – but one that stood out was music. 

Listening to Christian music refreshes me. It continually presents me with truth and points me to Christ. Music has a way of weaving its way into our minds. Ever gotten a song stuck on your head – wanted or not?! It’s powerful. It can tell a story, elicit emotion and sometimes touch places that are hard to reach any other way.

I especially love hymns. Hymns just have so much meat to them. Each verse is different and ties into a powerful chorus. Hymns often take us on a journey and a song that does that so well is one of my favorites – "In Christ Alone" – written in 2001 by Keith Getty and Stuart Townend. 

It begins by declaring who Christ is – my hope, my light, my strength, my song, Cornerstone, solid ground, firm foundation, love, peace, Comforter, All in All. 

The song then describes His birth, death on the cross for our sins, resurrection from the grave, and everlasting life for those who believe. It’s the Gospel. Someone who isn't a Christian could sing this song and know all they needed to receive salvation. I love that. 

I can’t help but raise my hands in praise whenever I sing this song. I’ve sung this song during many seasons of my life, and it never fails to touch my heart and evoke emotion. 

The song itself puts it so well that I don’t need to add much more! 

Here’s a two-part exercise using this song that I hope brings you some refreshment. 

First, read the lyrics aloud and meditate on them. Really take in the richness of the words and message. Breathe deeply as you reflect on who Christ is, His humble birth, His death and triumphant resurrection, and our hope of heaven. 

In Christ alone, my hope is found
He is my light, my strength, my song
This Cornerstone, this solid ground
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm
What heights of love, what depths of peace
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease
My Comforter, my All in All
Here in the love of Christ I stand

In Christ alone, who took on flesh
Fullness of God in helpless babe
This gift of love and righteousness
Scorned by the ones He came to save
'Til on that cross as Jesus died
The wrath of God was satisfied
For every sin on Him was laid
Here in the death of Christ I live

There in the ground His body lay
Light of the world by darkness slain
Then bursting forth in glorious Day
Up from the grave He rose again
And as He stands in victory
Sin's curse has lost its grip on me
For I am His and He is mine
Bought with the precious blood of Christ

No guilt in life, no fear in death
This is the power of Christ in me
From life's first cry to final breath
Jesus commands my destiny
No power of hell, no scheme of man
Can ever pluck me from His hand
Till He returns or calls me home
Here in the power of Christ I'll stand

Secondly, give the song a listen. It may be a familiar song so it can be easy to gloss over the significance of the truths declared, but try not to do that. Really listen and ask God to let the truths sink deeply into your heart. Take time to contemplate. What did you notice? What stood out? Was there something new revealed? 

Music can refresh the soul. How about you use the two-step exercise above with a favorite song that refreshes you? Look up the lyrics and the background story, if you can find it. Often learning about how the song came to be makes it even more meaningful.  

I’d love to hear what songs refresh you, so leave some of your favorites in the comments! 

ABOUT OUR BLOGGER

Danielle (Dani) Rupp grew up in a small town in Ohio and is a true Buckeye fan, though she tries not to be obnoxious about it. In 2011 she came to PA to earn her Master of Social Work degree. After graduation Dani accepted a position as a mental health therapist for children and adolescents in Coatesville. She was a nanny for several years as well. During that time she lived in Kennett Square and attended Willowdale Chapel. She returned several years ago from South Asia where she learned to tolerate spicy food and cross the roads without being hit, as well as volunteered with International Justice Mission in their Aftercare Department. In her free time, Dani enjoys going on mission trips/traveling,  running, reading, and connecting with loved ones—preferably over coffee and a sweet treat.

Room at the Table, Women's Brunch

Please join us on Sunday, August 27 at both of our campuses for a women's brunch to kick off our Fall 2023 groups. You will have the opportunity to explore the various groups offered for women this fall, meet leaders and women in our various groups, and ask questions and learn about ways to connect. Registration closes August 22.

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