It's easy to sing familiar songs in church and not really think about the words, so I sometimes find it helpful to take a song or hymn with particularly rich words and spend a few moments reflecting on it. One of my all-time favourites is 'Before the throne of God Above'. It was originally written by Charitie Lees Bancroft (1841-1892), but the modern music was written by Vikki Cook.
It gives such hope as it reminds us of the eternal truth that, as Christians, our life is 'hid with Christ on high'. We can do nothing to earn our salvation, and nothing can rob us of it either. Christ is the one who has restored our relationship with our heavenly Father and that relationship is secure forever. What an encouragement!
Before the throne of God above
I have a strong and perfect plea
A great High Priest whose name is love
Who ever lives and pleads for me
My name is graven on His hands
My name is written on His heart
I know that while in heav’n He stands
No tongue can bid me thence depart
No tongue can bid me thence depart
When Satan tempts me to despair
And tells me of the guilt within
Upward I look and see Him there
Who made an end of all my sin
Because the sinless Saviour died
My sinful soul is counted free
For God the Just is satisfied
To look on Him and pardon me
To look on Him and pardon me
Behold Him there, the risen Lamb
My perfect, spotless Righteousness
The great unchangeable I AM
The King of glory and of grace
One with Himself, I cannot die
My soul is purchased by His blood
My life is hid with Christ on high
With Christ my Saviour and my God
With Christ my Saviour and my GodIf you're not familiar with the tune, you can
listen to the hymn on YouTube.