The Never Ending Gifts

The familiar melody blasted from the speakers, bringing us all to our feet as Mac Powell stepped to the microphone. I could hardly believe I was watching Third Day, my favorite band, at the California State Fair. I smiled as I glanced over at Bob, my daughter Danielle, and my son-in-law Mike. What a glorious night.

We clapped our hands and shuffled our feet to old familiar songs and new ones I hadn’t heard. But when the music stopped and Mac started talking, I knew the best part had come. I can always hear the songs on the radio. I came to the concert to hear the stories behind the songs and the things God had put on Mac’s heart.

Mac went on to tell of a man who’d suffered loss, come to the end of himself, and then driven his car deep into the forest where he planned to end his life. As he sat in the depths of despair, the man turned on the radio to listen to one last song, but couldn’t find a single station.

Finally, one signal came in strong and loud—and the Christian song playing gave him hope to go on after all.

Then Third Day played the song that man heard. “There is hope for the helpless, rest for the weary, and love for the broken heart. There is grace and forgiveness, mercy and healing—you’ll find him wherever you are. Cry out to Jesus. Cry out to Jesus.”

Memories of times in my life when I’d felt helpless and alone echoed in my mind. Thank goodness I had Jesus to carry me through. When life wore me down or anxiety drained my strength, I’d found rest in my Savior. My chest warmed with thankfulness for God’s complete love for me, and for the healing He’d done and was still doing in my emotions.

Those warm feelings rose an octave higher as I heard Mac’s voice echo through the fairgrounds, proclaiming God’s love to anyone who would hear. The thought that someone in this neck of the woods might find the hope Jesus gives made my heart beat with joy.

Since my last blog post, I’ve been thinking about what it means to rejoice “in the Lord,” like Philippians 4:4 says. That night at the fair, my joy seemed to soar at the thought of what Jesus has done in my life, and at the possibility of others receiving the abundant life God gives. If I want to have more joy in my life, I think I need to do more praising and proclaiming.

In the youtube clip below, Mac Powell pours out his heart about the message in “Cry Out to Jesus,” then sings the song. I hope it blesses your heart like it blessed mine.