By Thursday at the choir practice, not only do you feel relief to be around people of like mind, but nearly shout ‘hallelujah’ on hearing one of Sunday hymns is “And can it be”. You feel it’s a confirmation and encouragement He has, and is setting you free from darkness, and is the One Judy declared lights up your life!
On Sunday you sing that hymn lustily before taking communion. In church, passing the bread and wine down rows, is very different to gathering friends and family around a table as Jesus did. Later walking home in the dark you remember the heavenly worship. There was no sandwich of hymns, notices, prayer and sermon, but a heartfelt lifting of voices in praise and delight of who He is, and who He can be in you.
A desire rises to sing out a lilting melody you heard in heaven. You look around. The streets are empty, shops are closed, and only an occasional car goes by. Quietly, you sing the words you have remembered and then unexpectedly continue in a language you don’t know. You had been baptised after accepting Jesus on the Alpha course, but baptism in the Spirit, and singing in tongues, has not been mentioned by anyone since. You let the Holy Spirit take your voice, and release the words and song of praise in your heart. In the midst of that there is a sense of someone near. You stop, listen and look around. Assured, the street is empty you continue walking and singing. That same feeling of not being alone causes you to pause under the next lamp post. There isn’t anyone about. In glancing down you realised that the street light is reflecting two separate shadows, yet you are completely alone. When you walk around the post the two shadows remain, yet there is definitely only one of you! Puzzled, you continue down the road, half humming and half singing and halt at the next lamp post. That light produces the same result, two shadows for your one. Deep within something rises, it’s not fear, but awe. God is with you! His Word says He will never leave or forsake you. You sense His pleasure in your offering and continue singing beyond the street, in the bathroom, kitchen and lounge. He is in you, He is for you.
Word: “Again, a new commandment I write to you, which thing is true in Him and in you, because the darkness is passing away, and the true light is already shining. 1 John 2:8 (NKJV)
Worship: “ Singing in the Spirit” Ray Watson -The Secret Place 5 mins