Redbuds

From the looks of things, it is Redbud Week in Nashville this week. Have you noticed the purple blooming branches poking out among other trees along the side of the road and in neighborhood yards?

Yesterday I had another frustrating time getting my car repaired, so I wasn't in the best of moods as I was driving back to work. But the sun was shining and the sky was blue and all along the interstate, the pretty redbud trees were in bloom. I decided that I was going to choose to be thankful for the redbud trees and try to let go of my anger and frustration about the car repair.

I think it worked, at least for a little while. And I continued to try to refocus my thoughts as I drove home after work from thinking about my worries and anxieties of life (we all have them) to thinking about God's beautiful creation and how he gifts us with so much color dotted all over our landscape as Winter turns into Spring. He is my Redeemer and He makes all things new (Rev. 21:5)!

As I drove to Bible study in the evening, I was listening to our church CD and repeated the song, "I Will Glory in My Redeemer" several times, letting the truth of the lyrics wash over me:

I will glory in my Redeemer
Whose priceless blood has ransomed me
Mine was the sin that drove the bitter nails
And hung Him on that judgment tree
I will glory in my Redeemer
Who crushed the power of sin and death
My only Savior before the holy Judge
The Lamb who is my righteousness
The Lamb who is my righteousness

 I will glory in my Redeemer
My life He bought, my love He owns
I have no longings for another
I’m satisfied in Him alone
I will glory in my Redeemer
His faithfulness my standing place
Though foes are mighty and rush upon me
My feet are firm, held by His grace
My feet are firm, held by His grace

I will glory in my Redeemer
Who carries me on eagles’ wings
He crowns my life with lovingkindness
His triumph song I’ll ever sing
I will glory in my Redeemer
Who waits for me at gates of gold
And when He calls me, it will be paradise
His face forever to behold
His face forever to behold
Credits: Words and music by Steve & Vikki Cook © 2000 Sovereign Grace Worship (ASCAP)