Get Up out of That Grave
God rescued me from the grave, and now my life is filled with light. Job 33:28 (NLT)
Personally, I think that running deer are magnificent to watch. Every muscle is stretched as they effortlessly bound across the field. Even though the terrain might not be flat, their hooves hit the ground evenly and they keep going with a great deal of grace. Twilla Bennett (All God’s Creatures) shares a wonderful story about her worship experience.
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The weather was perfect for a venture into the country. I was listening to Maverick City Music’s “I Thank God” when I heard these words, “Get up, get up, getup—get up out of that grave.” As the song grew in momentum and volume, I pounded my hands on the steering wheel and grooved to the beat. It was a moment of worship—of freedom that I had not felt in a long time.
As I sang, I casually looked out of the driver’s window on my left and gasped.
There in the snowy field next to me, a deer was running at full tilt, leaping across the hills. The song continued, with the bridge repeating, “Get up…" I looked back at the road, then over again to the field. The hooves of the deer were indeed landing exactly in time with those words and the beat of the song. “Get up, get up, get up…” I sang along and grinned.
It was as if God Himself chose to celebrate with me.
I teared up. He has rescued me from myself. Bad decisions, anger, and more stole me away for a time from the person He created me to be. The goodness and never-ending forgiveness of our loving Father forever changed my life. Celebrating that freedom makes me want to jump around, thanking God for His hand in mine. Would He celebrate this moment with me? Yes, He would, and yes, He did. The joy was palpable.
I will rebuild you, my virgin Israel. You will again be happy and dance merrily with your tambourines. Jeremiah 31:4 (NLT)
Heavenly Father, thank You for inspiring us to worship You. We get caught up in our own little world and forget to express our praise and love for You. Help us to sing duets with You. AMEN.
Photo: Michael Johnston