Lift Your Gaze
Though the night is raging, He is greater
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This piece was inspired by an old friend and business acquaintance of mine who has gone on to do some amazing work. She's an author, speaker, publisher, and founder of an organization that ministers to women in need.
I see her social media posts occasionally and a recent post caught my attention. I'm not sure why, exactly, but it inspired me to look deeper into her work and to create this piece. Thanks, Kim.
Lift Your Gaze
[instrumental intro]
[Verse 1]
The waters rise, they pull me under
Waves of pain, the storm and thunder
I’ve been staring at the breaking
At the hurt, at the aching
But a whisper breaks the silence
“Come to Me, find rest from violence”
[Pre-Chorus]
I hear You calling through the flood
Your voice is stronger than the blood
That cries from every scar I’ve known
You’re still upon the throne
[Chorus – big choral entry, soaring]
Lift your gaze, lift your gaze
Higher than the wind and waves
Look to the One who never changes
Jesus, the Name above the storm
Lift your gaze, lift your gaze
See the King who heals and saves
Though the night is raging, He is greater
Lift your gaze, lift your gaze
Lift your gaze!
[Verse 2]
I’ve walked through fire, I’ve known betrayal
Felt the weight of every failure
But You say, “Child, I’ve walked it too
Every wound I bore for you”
Now Your scars are singing over me
“It is finished, you are free”
[Pre-Chorus – softer, building]
So I surrender every fear
I lay my broken heart right here
Your love is louder than the grave
Your power parts the waves
[Chorus – even bigger, full choir and band]
Lift your gaze, lift your gaze
Higher than the wind and waves
Look to the One who never changes
Jesus, the Name above the storm
Lift your gaze, lift your gaze
See the King who heals and saves
Though the night is raging, He is greater
Lift your gaze, lift your gaze
Lift your gaze!
[instrumental solo]
[Bridge – half-time, atmospheric build into full rock explosion]
El Shaddai, Jehovah Jireh
You’re the God who’s always higher
When the deep calls out to deep
Your mercy runs to me
I will not drown, I will not break
For every promise that You make
You keep, You keep
You keep!
[Final Chorus – massive, keys soaring, choir in octaves]
Lift your gaze, lift your gaze
See the dawn beyond the waves
Every chain is falling, glory rising
Jesus, You’re the King forevermore
Lift your gaze, lift your gaze
Sing it loud through every pain
All of heaven’s roaring with us
Lift your gaze, lift your gaze
Lift your gaze!
[Tag – choir echoing]
Lift your gaze…
Higher, higher
Lift your gaze…
Jesus, Jesus
Lift your gaze!
[Outro – guitars ringing out]
No storm can ever separate us
Your love will never fail
I lift my gaze… I lift my gaze.
[instrumental outro]
"Deep Waters: Lift Your Gaze" is about hope and healing. It is a beacon of light to those who are going through difficult times. This Christian non-fiction book is unique as it combines solid biblical teaching, sweet prophetic poems, and powerful intercessory prayers. It also provides a rare opportunity for personal reflection through each chapter's application questions and accompanying prayer journal.
The first section unpacks the nature of trials since we all experience them, each one is unique, and no one is exempt from them. This portion dives into the common questions of "why me?" and "why are trials so hard?" It unveils the hard truths that sometimes God doesn't remove the season of suffering from his children. Instead, he gives us enough grace to joyfully rise above our tribulations and praise him in advance of our physical deliverance.
The reasons we experience trials are covered in the next section. Sometimes we endure a season of difficulty because we have made mistakes, been a victim of betrayal, or experienced a loss, illness, or even death. This book provides solace in knowing that God is with us during our darkest storms and will never leave us or forsake us, despite our circumstances.
The third section gives us a specific framework on how to biblically respond to affliction. It reminds us to look to our God, who goes ahead of us in our battles, fights for us and tells us which armor to don. This segment also provides practical strategies to lift our gaze to our God, and not focus on our enemy or agony.
Lastly, regardless of the reasons, situation, or our pain, "Deep Waters: Lift Your Gaze" helps us lift our gaze to our greatest need--access to a holy God through the cross of Jesus Christ. Everything else, including our agony, pales in comparison. This book is a neon sign pointing to God as our source for hope during trials. As we permit his peace to reign in our hearts, we can lift our gaze to our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ and experience his joy in amid our trials.
This is original work is produced by AK Darvinson with a combination of observation, critical thinking, insight, heart, compassion, passion, creativity, and technology. All rights are reserved. Free sharing is encouraged. Commercial use via license only.
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