I’ve always loved religious music. From many different beliefs, it tends to uplift and focus our thoughts upwards, on our “higher” selves and that in turn helps us to focus our goodwill outwards to those around us. The music of Mormonism is, naturally, the religious music that speaks the most to my heart, since it’s the music of my background, my heritage, and my faith.
In recognition of the fact that sacred, worshipful music plays such a large and beautiful role in our lives and that we are surrounded by so much of God’s natural handiwork in this choice land that we live in, we’ve decided that on the first Sunday of every month, we’re going to share a picture of one of our favorite scenes as well as one or two of our favorite, most uplifting verses of religious songs in hopes that we all can benefit from the beauty and the spirit of the Lord.
“Restore, my dear Savior the light of Thy face;
Thy soul-cheering comfort impart; and let the sweet longing
for Thy holy place bring hope to my desolate heart.
He looks! and ten thousands of angels rejoice,
and myriads wait for His word; He speaks! and eternity,
filled with His voice, re-echoes the praise of the Lord.”
– “Redeemer of Israel” by William W. Phelps
Over the years, this has become one of my favorite hymns. It was originally presented as a poem included in the first issue of The Morning and the Evening Star, which was published by William Phelps in Independence, Missouri. I love the narrative of a people who have been lost being found and redeemed by their Savior, rescued from their spiritual wilderness and brought safely to Zion, the dwelling of the pure in heart. These particular verses really spoke to me this month as we sang them. It’s so easy in the business of our day to day life to lose sight of the place that Christ has in our hearts. Sometimes I get so wrapped up in the things that are going on around me that when I have a moment to pause and reflect on my faith in Him, it grounds me. It helps me to keep an eternal perspective and to remember that so much of the things that cause me stress and anxiety are temporary conditions, whereas God holds an eternal perspective of me and at the end of the day, His love for me is what truly matters.
The photo was taken on Kolob Mountain, which is a little slice of heaven near our home. Kolob in Mormon theology represents a place closest to the eternal throne of God. Anyone familiar with this area will most likely feel that the mountain is aptly named.