Shelter
A couple years ago I was in a prayer room with some friends. We gathered there to spend some time praying together, and in the midst of our prayers came this song. My friend Paul was praying through Psalm 61, and the chorus became a real declaration. "You are my refuge, You are my shelter, You are my Sanctuary, You are… Everything." The song has since become a real declaration of my heart, and has given words to a multitude of situations and circumstance. I pray it continues to fuel very real and potent times of intimacy in prayer.
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Psalm 61For the choir director: A psalm of David, to be accompanied by stringed instruments. 1 O God, listen to my cry!
Hear my prayer!
2 From the ends of the earth,
I cry to you for help
when my heart is overwhelmed.
Lead me to the towering rock of safety,
3 for you are my safe refuge,
a fortress where my enemies cannot reach me.
4 Let me live forever in your sanctuary,
safe beneath the shelter of your wings!
Interlude5 For you have heard my vows, O God.
You have given me an inheritance reserved for those who fear your name.
6 Add many years to the life of the king!
May his years span the generations!
7 May he reign under God’s protection forever.
May your unfailing love and faithfulness watch over him.
8 Then I will sing praises to your name forever
as I fulfill my vows each day.
March 15th, 2008 at 6:57 pm
Wow…….how beautiful. "When I'm weak, too frail to say anything at all…. You come to me….You're so faithful." I feel like this was written for where I find myself walking right now. I guess that's the magic, the beauty of God's music. To each listener….from each different angle and circumstance the Holy Spirit uses the words and music to minister to the very season of the heart. This song brings comfort and confirms my faith. He IS my everything….even in the hard places. Dad and I cried as we listened….especially where Janna comes in…..the harmony is so beautiful and so God induced. Bless you for sharing……and for touching our deepest places. We sure love you both. Mom
March 15th, 2008 at 9:59 pm
thanks for sharing this Chad.
March 16th, 2008 at 1:55 pm
Chad and Janna, I am a huge fan of your incredible talents and how you bring a sweet, and very real piece of heaven to earth. I would call it raw gentleness. I was genuinely moved by this song. Bless you guys…
March 17th, 2008 at 9:52 am
Bro, I've always loved this song. It especially rings true on a day like today when I'm really missing Jayda. Thanks for posting it. Chris
March 17th, 2008 at 10:18 am
bro, my favorite song of yours…hits the deep parts of my heart…the streets are a very volitile place and most days i'm in need of the reminder of God being my shelter, my refuge, a sanctuary…i find myself singing it all the time (when i'm alone) peace, d.
March 18th, 2008 at 8:11 am
Hey brother! Nicely done! He is indeed faithful. Keep up the great work and may the Lord bless you as you do! PS Do I detect some of that new toy in that song????? Blessings! John
March 20th, 2008 at 6:51 pm
this is my favourite song Chad. i have loved it since i first heard it at epic, and was even a little mad at you cause you wrote it before i could(i always tell people it's the 'song i've been trying to write my whole life!' haha…) the words have helped me through a lot – especially in the last year – and reminds me that God is there always….especially when i have nothing left. thanks for always sharing your musical gems Chad! love you and hope to see you soon! cher
March 29th, 2008 at 8:12 am
Love it! I always have. As always the words and music you share are always what I seem to need at just the right time. God is good. I'm very thankful to have friend that can share his heart for God and be a blessing to so many. p.s Janna's sweet voice was the perfect addition.
March 31st, 2008 at 5:11 pm
Chad. I just love this song. Can I download it or something? Hummm maybe I'll just have to pick up a guitar again and learn it. Can you send me the chords?