On Worship: Surprised By Light

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The idea behind this podcast has been rolling around in my brain for sometime now, but it is because of the time that I was given to study the topic of WORSHIP more in depth during the pandemic that I was able to really have a focus and a vision for Surprised By Light.

Taken from the the hymn written by William Cowper, surprised by light references the effect that the power of God has on a broken and desperate soul as the glory of God and the gospel pierce through the fog and gloom of a sin-cursed soul. We are all sin-cursed souls, but it is the one who acknowledge it and cling to the One who can release them from their bondage that truly experience the surprise of Light that comes from Jesus Christ.

Sometimes a light surprises 
The Christian while he sings; 
It is the Lord Who rises 
With healing in His wings: 
When comforts are declining, 
He grants the soul again 
A season of clear shining, 
To cheer it after the rain

In holy contemplation 
We sweetly then pursue 
The theme of Gods salvation, 
And find it ever new; 
Set free from present sorrow, 
We cheerfully can say, 
Let the unknown tomorrow 
Bring with it what it may.

Tomorrow can bring us nothing, 
But He will bear us through: 
Who gives the lilies clothing 
Will clothe His people, too: 
Beneath the spreading heavens 
No creature but is fed; 
And He Who feeds the ravens 
Will give His children bread.

Though vine nor fig tree neither
Their wonted fruit should bear,
Though all the fields should wither,
Nor flocks or herds be there
Yet, God the same abiding,
His praise shall tune my voice;
For, while in Him confiding,
I cannot but rejoice.

~William Cowper

Article from TGC that references Cowper and this hymn here.

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The music used in this podcast is written and produced by Mike Murphy. The song is Mike's setting of William Cowper's hymn "Sometimes a Light Surprises" recorded for the album O For a Faith. This song is licensed and used with permission from Mike Murphy. 

The music for the song "Sometimes a Light Surprises" used in this podcast was written and produced by Mike and Allie Murphy.