Tag: Pat Barrett “Build My Life”

Patterns through Generations

The large trunks sat untouched in the attic for years, gathering dust in a dark corner. Sometimes one of my boys or their cousins would ask if they could rummage inside them on a rainy day. And although my mom was usually a pushover for her grandkids’ requests, the answer about opening the trunks was always the same: No. She didn’t have an interest in being reminded of her painful childhood. 

Recently my brothers opened those trunks and found a treasure trove of old photos and other mementos dating back over 100 years. Among our favorite finds were dozens of pictures of our mom’s mother—the grandmother we never had. She contracted tuberculosis when my mom was six and eventually moved to a sanitarium in hopes of recovering there. Because TB is airborne, my grandmother couldn’t hug my mom or even hold her on her lap. They had to remain on opposites sides of the room during her brief, infrequent visits home. Three years later, my grandmother died in the sanitarium at age 32, leaving behind a grieving, young husband and a nine-year-old daughter. For my mom, the trunks were filled with reminders of what could have been.

With the newly discovered photos, we pieced together parts of our grandmother’s life we’d never known. There were pictures of her on high school sports teams, clowning around with friends, on a trip to see relatives in Europe, and on dates with my grandpa at the Jersey shore. This woman who had always been such a mystery came to life for us. She seemed funny, energetic, fashionable, and just a bit mischievous. We were surprised and delighted to discover the many interests we shared with her—sports, travel, friends, and the beach, to name a few.

The generations that go before us pass down their genetic code, but they also lay foundations and patterns in our lives, both good and bad. We often follow in the footsteps of those who have preceded us, whether we mean to or not. We see this regularly in the Bible, where God’s people follow familiar paths from one generation to the next.

Take, Abraham, for example. Before becoming the father of the Israelites, the Lord called him to leave his home and travel to a different land. He was 75 when he obeyed God by taking his wife, nephew, servants, and belongings to make a new start in the land of Canaan (described in Genesis 12).

In the opening session of Finding God Faithful: A Study on the Life of Joseph, author and teacher Kelly Minter paints a picture of Abraham’s life. She describes his faithfulness to the Lord that laid the foundation for his great grandson, Joseph, who is the topic of her study. Minter highlights five key aspects of Abraham’s life that proved to be true in Joseph’s life as well. Abraham’s and Joseph’s obedience led to an outpouring of blessing for their descendants and for the entire world, including us. 

Here are the key points from Kelly Minter’s first video teaching:

1) When God sets you apart it’s an invitation to relationship with Him.

The call of Abram in Genesis 12:3 showed that God intended to use Him to bless the entire world: “All peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” This is the beginning of the good news stated in Galatians 3:8-9: “Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, and announced the gospel in advance to Abraham: ‘All nations will be blessed through you.’ So those who rely on faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith.”

2) Being set apart will always be in keeping with God’s grand plan of redemption. Joseph was set apart for the blessing of others. Blessing moves through us to bless others.

3) When God sets you apart for a task, He shoulders the responsibility for its outcome. When we respond with obedience, there’s no limit to what He can do.

4) Being set apart is initiated by God but carried out through our obedience.

5) Neither your history nor heritage has to be unblemished for God to set you apart.

Joseph’s story is one of redemption filled with practical wisdom. Through the lens of his life we’ll examine how to deal with difficult family issues and mend broken relationships. We’ll learn how to choose forgiveness and respond with wisdom amidst unexpected challenges and disappointments. Joseph will show us how to give mercy and kindness to the undeserving. And he’ll reveal how a good God and suffering can co-exist. 

I’m excited to learn how these truths played out in Joseph’s life and to see how I can apply them in mine as well. Join me on this journey and let God’s faithfulness breathe new hope into whatever you’re facing.

Abraham established a foundation of faith that we’re still benefiting from today. Let Pat Barrett’s song “Build My Life” remind you of the importance of building your life on the solid ground of Jesus’ love.

Kelly Minter, Finding God Faithful: A Study on the Life of Joseph, Lifeway Press, 2019.

A Solid Foundation

The next time you’re feeling unsteady or overwhelmed, use David’s words in Psalm 62 to regain your footing.

Looking at the realtor’s glossy advertisement, the house seemed to be brimming with potential. It sat on a quiet, tree lined street and was close to good schools for the kids we hoped to have one day. The floorplan was versatile and the large backyard had a panoramic view. But it was the price that initially drew us in. The numbers on the advertisement were far lower than any we’d seen in the area. It seemed too good to be true.

Touring the property with a realtor, my husband and I soon discovered the reason for the low price: the house had a cracked foundation. A large gash in the concrete slab was widening incrementally over time. The garage was shifting in the opposite direction from the house and would eventually pull away from it altogether. Assuring us that it was an “easy fix,” the realtor claimed the money we were saving with the low price would more than cover the repair job. With a bit more research, we learned that contractors hadn’t been able to determine the extent of the problem. They didn’t know if the house would have to be lifted so the deteriorating foundation could be replaced, or if the crack could simply be shored up. This meant estimates of the cost and the time it would take to fix it were rough guesses at best.

The more we thought about it, the less enthused we became. Buying a home on a faulty foundation just seemed like a bad idea. Wary of all the unknowns, we decided to pass on the opportunity and to keep looking. At that point, we learned that when something seems “too good to be true,” it probably is.

I’ve thought a lot about that house and what a metaphor it’s been for my adult life. With each decision my husband and I have made, our goal has been to build a solid foundation in both the physical and spiritual worlds. One of my favorite Psalms written by David captures this idea well: “Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor depend on God, he is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.” (Psalm 62:5-8, NIV)

I’ve returned to this Psalm again and again over the years. I’ve clung to its truth during times of sorrow and stress, especially when family members or close friends have had serious health issues. It’s also my “go to” Psalm when I’m feeling threatened and unsettled by unwanted change or overwhelming circumstances. 

Over the last few posts I’ve been exploring different prayers from Scripture to see what we can learn from them. Psalm 62, however, is more of a pep talk than an actual prayer. It gives the key ingredients we can focus on when hard situations throw us off kilter. It reminds us where our attention needs to be so we won’t be shaken to the core.  In a nutshell, it builds a framework to remind us how to engage God when we’re feeling off balance.

-Find Rest in Him: So often when we’re on unsteady ground we feel emotionally and spiritually depleted. We’re tempted to seek solace in things that lack substance and that ultimately leave us feeling unfulfilled. What’s your default when you’re off balance or running on empty? Stop and think about it for a minute. Do you anesthetize in front of a TV screen? Get lost in a good book? Scroll through social media? Look for an escape through a fun activity? Pour yourself a stiff drink? Eat an entire pan of brownies? Flip mindlessly through a magazine? Go on a shopping spree? Distract yourself with work and productivity? These things aren’t bad when practiced in moderation, but they’re distractions that only soothe you in the moment. None of them will sustain you with the deep rest and reassurance your soul craves. Before going to your usual default for comfort, spend some time with the Lord and ask Him for the grounding and rejuvenation you need.

-Remain Steady on the Solid Rock: The allure of wealth, power, financial security, education, social status, material possessions, health, and relationships makes them seem like reasonable foundations for our lives. With fingers crossed, we hope they’ll keep us steady and secure. And when they fail us, we’re shattered. Conversely, when we build the foundation of our lives on the Lord, He provides a rock solid steadiness that is firm no matter what storms blow through our lives. He provides a refuge and a resting place that withstands chaotic and uncertain times. When you’re feeling unsteady because something you hold dear is threatened, take heart remembering that your feet are firmly planted on the Solid Rock.

-Find Your Hope in Him: We often look for hope in things of the world–the promise of a happy home, a healthy body, a robust financial portfolio, a fulfilling career, or a significant relationship. Our hope rests in circumstances going according to plan as the future unfolds. These desires aren’t bad or wrong, but we’re treating temporary things like they’re of eternal significance. When we take refuge in the Lord, however, we find hope that is secure despite unpredictable circumstances. This hope encompasses something far beyond even the best things our broken world has to offer. That’s what Jesus explained as He concluded the Sermon on the Mount:

“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.” (Matthew 7:24-27, NIV)

The next time you’re feeling unsteady or overwhelmed, use David’s words in Psalm 62 to regain your footing. Ask the Lord to help you find rest in Him. Thank Him for being your solid rock and firm foundation. Celebrate that your hope and security are grounded in Him and aren’t dependent on anything else. Even if your circumstances don’t change immediately, your perspective will

David’s words invite us to be defiant in the face of distress, choosing instead to focus on what we know is true about God. “Build My Life” is a song that captures this audacious hope. Prayers that center on God’s character remind us to rest secure on our solid foundation, no matter what. Listen to this version by Pat Barrett and make it your prayer today.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=smrq6hc-vcU

Weaving God’s Truth into Your Day

In her closing comments of Discerning the Voice of God, Priscilla Shirer urges us not to compartmentalize our faith, but to let it be woven throughout our daily lives. She says, “What you’ve read in your quiet time or heard from your pastor at church the previous Sunday is not disconnected from the happenings of a regular morning, afternoon, or evening. If you’ll consider Him throughout the day, even when it’s a busy one, He’ll weave it all together so you can know His will and ways—as long as you’re actively listening.” (p. 194)
 
One of the best ways I’ve found to keep God’s truth in the forefront of my mind throughout the day is by listening to Christian music. Priscilla comments, “As the worship music speaks of His attributes, I ponder the lyrics and allow them to lead me into personal worship. The music envelops me. I am both overwhelmed and encouraged by an awareness of His presence.”  (p. 184-285) And in the Psalms, David mentions music many times, including this prayer, “You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.” (Psalm 32:7 NIV)
                       
For me, lyrics I hear continually shape my perspective and impact how I see myself and others. They help me to maintain a vertical focus on God and to let His ways inform my attitudes, actions, and choices instead of defaulting to my sinful human nature.
 
Looking back, I see that Christian music began steadily influencing me during a season when I ached with loneliness and longed to be loved and known. It was during my first year away at college. I’d chosen a huge, secular university filled with people who had diverse ideas and life choices. As much as I enjoyed being a student at the school, I felt like a tiny guppy swimming in a vast ocean. I longed to connect with true friends who shared my love for God and who would journey with me through the challenges college held. But finding and making like-minded friends took time—especially in the beehive of activity at a major university. To soothe my aching heart, I started playing an old cassette tape I’d brought from home. It was one of the few Christian albums I owned. Each night, I’d find solace from Amy Grant singing:
 
“In a little while we’ll be with the Father, can’t you see Him smile? 
In a little while we’ll be home forever, in a while
We’re just here to learn to love Him, we’ll be home in just a little while
Days like these are just a test of our will, will we walk or will we fall?
Well, I can almost see the top of the hill, and I believe it’s worth it all.”
 
I would drift off to sleep with those words of comfort filling my mind. Throughout the day, I found reassurance remembering them—especially when I faced difficult circumstances or felt tempted to wallow in loneliness.
 
Since that time, the options for good, Christian music have expanded considerably. And, not surprisingly, I associate many songs with different seasons in my life when I needed hope, encouragement, or direction. 

When our niece lost her battle cancer at the tender age of two, songs like “Your Love is Life to Me” by FFH and “Every Minute That I Breathe” by Jana Alyra helped me to trust God and to recognize that hope in Him stretches into eternity. Life on earth is only a shadow of what’s to come. And when my dad went home to heaven a few years later, it was Amy Grant’s rendition of “This Is My Father’s World” that soothed me with the reminder of God’s sovereignty:
 
“This is my Father’s world/ Oh, let me never forget
That though the wrong seems oft so strong/ God is the ruler yet
This is my Father’s world/ Why should my heart be sad?
The Lord is king, let the heavens ring/ God reigns, let the earth be glad.”
 
It was Francesca Battistelli’s song “This Is the Stuff” that helped me to keep my perspective when our simple home remodel went sideways and became a source of painful, but necessary, spiritual refinement. And Matt Maher’s “Hold Us Together” prompted me to thank God for the people who rallied to support my family during that difficult season.
 
Christian music hasn’t just buoyed me in hard times, but has broadened my understanding of Scriptural truth and showed me how to apply it in my daily life. Rend Collective’s “Build Your Kingdom Here” deepened my understanding of the part of the Lord’s Prayer that says, “Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” I’d never fully understood that God meant for me to participate in bringing more of His kingdom to earth before hearing that song. Similarly, Jason Gray’s song “With Every Act of Love” inspired me with tangible examples of how my actions could further God’s kingdom every day. Josh Wilson’s song “Pushing Back the Dark” instilled me with the courage to shine the light of God’s love in secular environments. It also inspired me to accept the invitation to lead a Bible study for women exploring faith.
 
Listening to Christian music isn’t a replacement for reading Scripture or praying, but a way to reinforce God’s truth as we go about our days. Song lyrics playing in our minds can give us hope, encouragement, perspective, and words for our prayers. They help us to keep the right focus in a world filled with distraction and discouragement. 
 
In the book of Zephaniah, we’re reminded, “The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.” (Zephaniah 3:17, NIV ‘84) Do you let God rejoice over you with singing regularly? You’ll find it much easier to include Him in your day when you do.
 
I often include a song at the end of my blog posts– now you know why. If you’ve never taken the time to listen to one before, then today is your day! I’ve posted my current favorite: “Build My Life” sung by Pat Barrett. The lyrics have become a regular prayer for me. Why not let them do the same for you?
Priscilla Shirer, Discerning the Voice of God, Lifeway Press, 2018.