Day 283 of Giving Thanks

The song that has been playing in my head today has had my heart singing all afternoon and the beautiful harmony and melody of MercyMe is what I am hearing. And the words that played over and over were:

“I can only imagine. I can only imagine.

Will I dance for you, Jesus? Or in awe of You, be still?
Will I stand in Your presence, or to my knees will I fall?
Will I sing 'Hallelujah!'? Will I be able to speak at all?
I can only imagine! Yeah! I can only imagine!”

And after the start of the morning, I cannot even imagine what I would be like without God in my life. A glimpse of the past me was evident, anger and anxiety swept over me like the perfect storm early this morning. I allowed myself to rant and vent – but then I had to STOP, BREATHE and CALM DOWN. As I prayed for guidance for my circumstance, I felt horrible, convicted that I was overreacting. And, even then, I even tried to justify my actions and feelings.

As I tore through my emotions, I felt God grab hold and assure me that it would be ok. These were just feelings and not reality, that all was under control. I wish I could say that was only a few minutes, but I smoldered in my anger for over 40 minutes. I even cried!

Now it is almost laughable. I managed through the situation, calmly, articulately and like an adult. I am grateful that my Father sets me straight, that I can see much more quickly than before that I should change directions. I am grateful for an awesome God, and if my life with Him is so much more than I ever imagined, than “I can only imagine… I can only imagine.”

I Can Only Imagine, by MercyMe

I can only imagine what it will be like, when I walk by Your side...
I can only imagine, what my eyes will see, when Your Face is before me!
I can only imagine. I can only imagine.
Surrounded by Your Glory, what will my heart feel?
Will I dance for you, Jesus? Or in awe of You, be still?
Will I stand in Your presence, or to my knees will I fall?
Will I sing 'Hallelujah!'? Will I be able to speak at all?
I can only imagine! I can only imagine!

I can only imagine, when that day comes, when I find myself standing in the Son!
I can only imagine, when all I will do, is forever, forever worship You!
I can only imagine! I can only imagine!

Surrounded by Your Glory, what will my heart feel?

Will I dance for you, Jesus? Or in awe of You, be still?
Will I stand in Your presence, or to my knees will I fall?
Will I sing 'Hallelujah!'? Will I be able to speak at all?
I can only imagine! Yeah! I can only imagine!

Surrounded by Your Glory, what will my heart feel?

Will I dance for you, Jesus? Or in awe of You, be still?
Will I stand in Your presence, or to my knees will I fall?
Will I sing 'Hallelujah!'? Will I be able to speak at all?
I can only imagine! Yeah! I can only imagine!

I can only imagine! Yeah! I can only imagine!! Only imagine!!!
I can only imagine.

I can only imagine, when all I do is forever, forever worship You!
I can only imagine."