I am impacted this morning concerning the anguish I oft times encounter on Facebook. Recently a friend wrote simply, “Lord I need you!” Nothing slams into your heart and mind with such immediacy. To observe the anguish of another’s life, and in empathy long to fix the problem. Goodness, I have felt that way even when it happens to an enemy.

This morning I begin hearing the praise; “In the cross. In the cross. Be my glory evvvveeerr. Till my raptured soul shall find. Rest beyond the rivvveeerr.” As I sang, the song began to open until the words took on an interpretation I had never considered.

The rest beyond the river references victory over present struggles as much as it references the magnificence of the life to come. I begin singing with renewed energy! “In the cross. In the cross. Be my glory ever! Till my troubled soul has found. Rest beyond ‘this’ river! My heart began to pound with praise and thanksgiving.

That sense that I am in a holding pattern, is essentially a lie. Even as tears roll and despair seeks a foothold in my mind. I am being carried beyond the river. Beyond the torrent of the present storm.

Truly an ‘hundred-fold in this life’ moment!

I have an answer to the grief and frustrations of my heart; as well as the heart of another. The privilege to stand in the place of prayer for myself and anyone who may need me too. Prayer, the single, most powerful, most effective solution available to us all! “Lord, we need You!”

Viva the love that does not let go! Viva the sacrifice that was made just for you and for me! Viva the trust in my heart that knows, rightly so; that victory is always mine!

“In the cross. In the cross. Be my glory ever! Till my troubled soul has found. Rest beyond ‘this’ river!

(In the Cross, Frances J. Crosby, Willam H. Doane, 1869)