Revelation in the Bleachers

The LORD is compassionate and gracious,                                                                                slow to anger, abounding in love.                                                                           He will not always accuse,                                                                                                          nor will he harbor his anger forever;                                                                      he does not treat us as our sins deserve                                                                                     or reward us according to our iniquities.                                                          For as high as the heavens are above the earth,                                                                         so great is his love for those who fear him;                                                         as far as the east is from the west,                                                                                             so far has he removed our transgressions from us.                                           As a father has compassion on his children,                                                                                  so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him;                                      for he knows how we are formed,                                                                                                  he remembers that we are dust.                                                                                                                                                          Psalm 103:8-14

Although I haven’t posted song lyrics on my blog before, and it’s been around thirty years since I wrote this, something’s telling me to share it today…

               Revelation in the Bleachers

                              (That’s the Kind of God He Is)

Dressed in sky-blue satin and sequins sparkling bright,                                                                A winter ballerina glides across a stage of white.                                                                            As judges, sitting stony-faced, inspect her form and style,                                                            With trembling lips and bashful eyes, she tries her best to smile.

But it only takes a moment on two tiny, wobbly feet                                                                      For dreams to shatter on the ice and spills to spell defeat.                                                            And as she ends her dance, her cheeks are glistening in the light.                                             I say a silent prayer, then run to tell her it’s all right.

I wouldn’t kick her when she’s down or scold her when she cries;                                            I’ll help her to her feet, dry the tears from her eyes.                                                                      And God won’t leave her when she fails; I remind her that she’s His,                                        ’cause that’s the kind of God He is.

So how could I imagine that the LORD would love me less                                                           When I stumble in some way, when I fail to do my best?                                                             But just as, when the storm had passed, my little daughter smiled,                                           It gives me joy to know that I am still my Father’s child,

And He won’t kick me when I’m down or scold me when I cry;                                                   He’ll help me to my feet, dry the tears from my eyes.                                                                     And He won’t leave me when I fail; I know that I’m still His,                                                       ’cause that’s the kind of God He is:

He won’t kick you when you’re down or scold you when you cry;                                             He’ll help you to your feet, dry the tears from your eyes.                                                             And He won’t leave you when you fail; He’ll tell you you’re still His,                                         ’cause that’s the kind of God He is.

– Ann Aschauer

Note: This song was written from the perspective of a follower of Jesus Christ, who died to atone for our sins, and who gives us new life when we believe in Him. If you are not a believer, are only “sorry” when you get caught, or have no intention of changing, I can’t help you.  – But He can. I hope you will consider His claims today.

Prayer: LORD, thank You for Your infinite patience toward those who believe in You. We know that as long as we live in this fallen world, we will struggle with sin. Help us to keep short accounts with You and allow You to pick us up when we stumble. Rather than wallowing in self-condemnation, help us to follow You more closely and grow in our spiritual walk. In Jesus’ name, Amen.