• Home
    • Gathering Guidelines
    • Ways to Give
  • Prayer Corner
    • Share a Request
    • Memorial Tribute >
      • Hetty Postma
      • Edna Kirby
      • Norman Hunter
      • Ina Rottier
      • Dennis Brommeland
      • Norris Thompson
      • Irv Wood
      • Ann Vander Kooi
      • Jack Demorest
      • Yde Vander Kooi
      • Ainsley Rose Wollf
      • Dick Mayer
      • David Rusnell
      • Bob McKay
      • Guy Deschatelets
      • Chloe Kroeger
      • Ida Barisoff
      • Gerard Zandee
      • Nick Dikur
  • About Valley
    • Annual Reports >
      • 2022 Annual Report
      • 2021 Annual Report
      • 2020 Annual Report
      • 2019 Annual Report
      • 2018 Annual Report
    • Membership Information
    • Who We Are
    • What We Believe
    • How We Are Governed >
      • Constitution & Bylaws
    • Where We Are Going
  • Ministries
    • Leadership Team >
      • Nomination Committee
      • Benevolent Ministry
    • Finance and Property >
      • 2023 Budget
      • Current Quarterly Report
    • Missions >
      • Missions Guidelines
    • Caring and Connecting
    • Christian Education >
      • Library
    • Worship >
      • Heritage House
  • What's Happening
    • Bulletin
    • Links
  • Photos
    • Annual Celebration >
      • 2022
      • 2021
      • 2020
      • 2019
      • 2018
      • 2017
      • 2016
      • 2015
      • 2014
      • 2013
      • 2012
      • 2011
      • 2010
    • 30th Anniversary
    • 25th Anniversary
    • Follow the Duck 2014
    • Mexico 2013
    • Follow the Crown 2013
    • "The Bridge"
    • 20th Anniversary
  • Messages
    • Archived Messages 2023
    • Archived Messages 2022
    • Archived Messages 2021
    • Archived Messages 2020
    • Archived Messages 2019
  • Blog
  • Contact Us
    • Directions
    • Directory
VALLEY CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH

A Unique Worship Experience

2/18/2023

1 Comment

 
Recently, while waiting to be transported to the Operating Room at Kelowna General Hospital, I found myself sitting quietly, looking at the person I most love in this world, and listening to worship songs.  Janice and I had talked at length, we were both in a good place and the music I was listening to brought a measure of calm to my spirit.
 
At one point I listened to Don Moen’s rendition of the great hymn, ‘O God Our Help in Ages Past’ and the words of the psalmist came to mind: He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress; my God, in Him I will trust.” (Psalm 91:1-2)
 
Michael W. Smith sang, Draw me close to you, never let me go, followed by ‘My Redeemer is Faithful and True’ by Steven Curtis Chapman, and then Kristen Getty singing, Still, my soul, be still and do not fear, God is at your side. When that song ended it was time to be moved to the OR. 
 
The nurse who was taking me, commented, “you don’t seem anxious” and asked if I had any concerns.  I could honestly say I was at peace about the surgery and was just concerned for Janice; waiting is sometimes the hardest part of such a journey.
 
I am grateful for the excellent care I received from the staff at KGH.  The first night was rough but once the pain was under control I was able to rest.  On that second night, I put my earbuds in and pulled up the playlist I was listening to earlier.  The songs brought to mind the words of Scripture and even though I was ‘half asleep’ I was caught up in a wonderful worship experience.
 
You’re all I want, You’re all I’ve ever needed
You’re all I want, help me know You are near (Draw Me Closer – Michael W. Smith)
 
Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. (James 4:8)
 
It is good for me to draw near to God; I have put my trust in the Lord God. (Psalm 73:28)
 
All that I long for is found in Your heart
You are everything I need (You Are Everything – Brian Doerksen)
 
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. (1 Peter 5:7)
 
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28)
 
I remember hearing the words of the worship chorus we sometimes sing at Valley, He is able, more than able, to accomplish what concerns me today (He Is Able – Rory Noland) and the words of the Apostle Paul came to mind:  Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think… to Him be glory.  (Ephesians 3:20-21)
 
What a good God You’ve been to me
Your goodness and Your grace, everyday I see
 
What loving God You’ve been, what a faithful God You’ve been
What good God You’ve been to me (What a Good God You’ve Been – Tommy Walker)
 
Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. (Psalm 23:6)
 
Still, my soul, be still and do not fear, God is at your side
God, You are my God and I will trust in You and not be shaken
 
Be still, and know that I am God. (Psalm 46:10)
 
God is our refuge and strength,
A very present help in trouble. (Psalm 46:1)
 
When I am afraid, I put my trust in you…in God I trust and am not afraid. (Psalm 56:3-4)
 
My soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him.
He is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. (Psalm 63:5-6)
 
As I look back on the road I've travelled,
I see so many times He carried me through;
And if there's one thing that I've learned in my life
My Redeemer is faithful and true.
 
And in every situation, He has proved His love to me
When I lack the understanding, He gives more grace to me
(My Redeemer Is Faithful and True - Steven Curtis Chapman)
 
You will find peace and rest when you…depend on me. You will receive the strength you need when you stay calm and trust in me. (Isaiah 30:15)
 
Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. (Isaiah 41:1)
 
This is what the Lord says--
    “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
    I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
You are precious and honored in my sight…I love you.
Do not be afraid, for I am with you. (Isaiah 43:1,4-5)
 
I found out the next night that at one point, I was singing along with Steven Curtis Chapman:
 
My Redeemer is faithful and true
Everything He has said He will do
And every morning His mercies are new
My Redeemer is faithful and true
 
One of the nurses said I had perfect pitch!  I think she was just being kind!
 
It was truly an unusual worship experience in which the power of song and the truth of God’s Word ministered to me in a wonderful way, bringing rest to my body and soul—a gift from my good and gracious God.
 
I know, you too, have had your own unique worship experiences, a song or text that spoke to you at a particular time in your journey.  I invite you to share your experience via a response to this posting.
1 Comment
Karen Macor
2/19/2023 10:39:52 pm

https://youtu.be/ihrUIPfvTh8
I Speak the name of Jesus (God of possible)

Reply

Your comment will be posted after it is approved.


Leave a Reply.

    Author

    Ken Clarke has been the Pastor at Valley since 2007. He lives in the Oliver area 
    with his wife Janice. They have three adult children, Lisa, Scott & Tiffany (Riley, Charlie), Andrea & Jason (Noah, Luke).

    Categories

    All
    Christian Living
    Christmas
    Church
    Creation
    Easter
    Finishing Well
    Leadership
    Mexico
    Most Viewed
    Nature Of God
    Our Stories
    Parenting
    Prayer
    Relationships
    Worship

    RSS Feed

    Archives

    March 2023
    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012
    October 2012
    September 2012

4312 Black Sage Road Box 1235 Oliver, BC V0H 1T0 250-498-4829 valleyccc@hotmail.com