C-Close to Your Heart-Steven Curtis Chapman/ Matt Redman
(This is written in in part, in light of the recent death of Donna Stengel, a member of my church in Maryland).
I have had the awesome blessing of being apart of the loving community of Mountain Christian Church for nearly 20 years. They have supported me, encouraged me, and been there with me in difficult times.
My family transitioned to the Edgewood Campus of our church six years ago. I have volunteered in Children’s Ministry, Welcome Ministry, and Pastoral Care.
During my time in the Pastoral Care Ministry, I have been part of the card ministry-writing cards of encouragement and support to members of the Mountain community.
One of many sources of inspiration in written letters has been this song. I have sought to remind people of the truth expressed in the song that that they have “hope, an anchor for their souls”. That they also have “truth, compass for the heart”, that God has gone before them, with them, and will carry them though-holding them close to His heart.
So, Mountain family, I encourage you to hold an anchor to Jesus’ hope and truth in this difficult time. God is with us, for us, and will carry us through, close to his heart. He will show himself true, by being the true loving Father He is. We are safe in the arms of Jesus, as Donna ultimately is in the arms of Jesus as I write.
To those not apart of the Mountain family, the same words I give to you. You may be facing loss of a loved one or friend, or the pending death of one. God is with you, God is besides you. You have the hope and truth of Jesus to take anchor in and guide you during this hard time. Trust in the Father’s love even in the middle of the pain and confusion. He is holding all things together, allow him to hold you together too.
Let your heart rest on this one truth: Whatever you are going through, know that you are safe in the arms of Jesus and he will hold you close to His heart.
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