Wonderful Grace of Jesus

"Wonderful grace of Jesus, greater than all our sin...Wonderful the matchless grace of Jesus,Deeper than the mighty rolling sea;Higher than the mountain, sparkling like a fountain,All sufficient grace for even me;Broader than the scope of my transgressions,Greater far than all my sin and shame;O magnify the precious Name of Jesus,Praise His Name!"

Anyone who has ever attended Gospel Rally at MACU or has been a student there, is probably very familiar with this song. It's a Gospel Rally staple, so much so that I remember current students having to practice it during chapel in the days before the rally.

We sang this at church yesterday and while singing, the events of last week kept playing through my mind. I realize that I am not currently attending MACU, nor did I know the student who died in the shooting, but my heart has been breaking in sadness and shock. It's a little unnerving to think that a place I once called home (for four very good years) became a crime scene within mere minutes. It's a little unnerving to know that a place I once thought to be so safe, is not so safe anymore. It's different now. Change is good, but this change, will most definitely take time to process. It was truly a blessing to attend last week's memorial, and to be able to share hugs and encouragement with those at MACU. MACU, and the current students/staff and impacted families are on my heart and in my prayers.

But back to the song. It's amazing to me, that even in the midst of tragedy, God's grace rings out, boldly, as the song proclaims. God can and will overcome EVERYTHING, and in the process will aide His followers to do the same. How blessed we are. I can't imagine a greater gift.

Last week God led me to Psalm 32. I loved it so much I'll likely post on it again soon, but verse 7 stood out like a blinking sign in the middle of the night.

"God's my island hideaway,
keeps danger far from the shore,
throws garlands of hosannas around my neck. " (MSG)

"You are my hiding place;
you will protect me from trouble
and surround me with songs of deliverance." (NIV)

What a beautiful message! God is our refuge and our place to go when we're scared, lonely, sad...whatever it may be. And to top it off He protects us and surrounds us with deliverance!