Earlier today on Bellshill Salvation Army Band’s Facebook page I shared the devotions I shared at our band practice last Wednesday evening. I’d like to share those devotions with you tonight.
In need of grace
In need of love
In need of mercy raining down
From high above
In need of strength
In need of peace
In need of things
That only You can give to me
Chorus
In need of Christ the perfect Lamb
My refuge strong the Great I Am
This is my song my humble plea
I am Your child I am in need
These words are from the song ‘In Need of Grace’ by Ross King. The song tells us how it is. In other words it does try to dress anything up. It doesn’t pretend we’re stronger, steadier, or more sorted than we really are. It simply tells the truth, that we are people in need of grace, of love, of mercy, of strength, of peace. Naming our need honestly is often the first step toward renewal.
The song reminds us that the things we long for most deeply are things that only God can give. We can search for peace in routine, strength in determination, mercy in other people’s approval, but none of these can fulfil our need.
We’re reminded in the chorus that Christ can fulfil our need: Christ Himself is our refuge, our Lamb, our Great I Am. Returning to Christ as our source is where transformation begins.
The song has been written in such a personal way, it becomes meaningful to the listener: “This is my song, my humble plea… I am Your child, I am in need.” Finding the words of the song so personal is a positive, and not something we should be ashamed to say, because in the bible it tells us that God draws near to the humble, lifts the weary, and fills the empty. Our need doesn’t disqualify us, it positions us to receive.
Maybe today that’s the invitation we need to hear, to stop pretending we have to bring strength we don’t have, or peace we can’t manufacture. Instead, we should come as children, open, honest, and ready to receive what only God can give.
The good news is God delights to meet us in our need, not our perfection.
The Distinct Dot 