Affirmation

One of my passions is Celtic music. The song below is based on the tune “Danny Boy” and the words were written by Brendan Glass. Although not a Lenten hymn per se, I think its message is quite appropriate to Lent.

As you reflect on the words of this song, think about who the you in your life is and on what occasions you personally needed “to be raised up” or affirmed.

“You Raise Me Up”

When I am down and oh my soul, so weary;
When troubles come and my heart burdened be;
Then, I am still and wait here in the silence.
Until you come and sit awhile with me.

You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;
And I am strong when I am on your shoulders;
You raise me up . . . to more than I can be.

There is no life—no life without its hunger
Each restless heart beats so imperfectly;
But when you come and I am filled with wonder,
Sometimes, I think I glimpse eternity.

You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;
And I am strong when I am on your shoulders;
You raise me up . . . to more than I can be.

Who has raised you up? Has it been your spouse, child, a co-worker, friend, or God? Or has it been a combination of these? Have there been times when you were discouraged and someone affirmed you? Are there times when someone listened to your concerns and understood? Has someone “walked with you” through a time of crisis? Have you felt the power of prayer “raising you up” as you dealt with a concern? As scripture says in 1 Thessalonians 5:11, “Therefore encourage one another and build up each other.” So today and in the coming week, thank someone who has listened, supported or affirmed you. But most of all thank God for God’s never-ending love and forgiveness.

-Jim Sweeney
(former SUMC member, now living in Plymouth, MA)