"For Such a Time as This"

I know it probably has a lot to do with being sick, but I've had some feelings lately that I can't really put a label on. My heart has just felt heavy, my spirit overwhelmed. I've been keeping a journal of thoughts, and I've been praying and reading a lot of scripture, looking for peace. Today, as I was looking for a blank CD, I stumbled upon a long lost concert choir CD from 2004 -- 8 years ago! Can it be that long? It wasn't our professional one, just an archival CD with several low-quality recordings of live performances. I was honestly curious to see what was on it; I didn't recognize many of the titles listed on the CD skin.

What a wonderful trip down a very forgotten memory lane! I loved listening to each track, gasping as I found myself remembering intricate melodies and words that haven't so much as tickled a neuron in almost a decade. But as I listened to the following song "For Such a Time As This", my feelings changed from nostalgia to reassurance. They are such beautiful, enheartening words, set so naturally to a pensive melody. It fed my soul. The artwork is Brian Kershisnik, and the subject matter was equally as meaningful to me. Do you know what it is?

For such a time as this,

For times of drought and shallowness,

Of wild and dusty wilderness,

Plant us deep in wonder, God,

Humble in thy holy word.

In wonder planted deep,

In marvel at Creation's play,

At starlit night and sunlit day,

Root us well in gratitude,

Awestruck by beatitude.

By thankful wonder fed,

Like oak trees reaching high and broad,

And rooted fast in Thee, oh God,

Grow us in compassion full,

Christ the firstfruit of us all.

Compassion green and bless

Our lives to rampant fruitfulness,

For crying out at wickedness,

May we fruits of justice bear,

Harvest of Thy love and care.

May all our lives bear fruit,

Not from our will but to us due,

But all our fruitfulness from You,

Hearts of justice, hearts of peace,

Just for such a time as this.

~Wayne Watson