In 1988, I got to sing it in youth Choir with the adult choir singing, too! My brother sang with me, our mom was the youth choir director and our granddad was in the adult choir. (Mom was in high demand - or more probably, no one else wanted to put up with us teenagers.)
Today, March 20th, 2016, I got to sing it with the adult choir finally - and even better, my 11 year old daughter was in the children's choir that sang it with us. Some would call that "full circle." It was a song that stayed with me through the years.
It followed me through college. I would hear it in my head and sing it when I missed home.
It rang in my head through each bout I've had with depression, helping me to remember WHOSE I am and WHO I have to turn to.
I sang it quietly after my granddad died and I realized he would not be there for me to look across the choir loft and watch his animated face or hear his booming baritone voice.
I heard it in my heart when I dealt with the loss of a friend to suicide.
I literally sang it full volume all alone by myself when I faced business and financial hardships.
These words have managed to weave their way into what the Pixar movie "Inside Out" eloquently called my 'Core Memories' and as I sang them this morning, I realized it was more than just a tune I can't get out of my head. It was more than the memory of my childhood and the security of my family's arms. It is truly God's love and presence in my life felt through a song.
Surely it is God who saves me.
I will trust in Him and not be afraid,
For the Lord is my stronghold and my sure defense
And He will be my Savior.
The song is called the First Song of Isaiah and was composed by Jack Noble White in 1977. The words are from Isaiah 12:2-6. These beautiful lyrics are, to me, the epitome of strength and courage. Words to remember whenever you need to feel comfort, safe and loved.
Surely it is God who saves me.
Not MAYBE it is God. Not 'I THINK' it is God. Surely. Confidently. Positively.
I will trust in Him and not be afraid.
Trust, fully and know that He's got this - whatever it is.
For the Lord is my stronghold and my sure defense
The dictionary defines 'stronghold' as a place that has been fortified so as to protect it against attack. He is our ultimate protector and is our SURE, complete, trustworthy defense.
And He will be my Savior.
He has already died for us all because He loves us more than we can ever fully grasp. You can't take a step outside of your house or turn on the tv and not see clearly that we all need a savior. He is there - holding out His humble, beautiful, loving arms to wrap us in His love forever.
