Thrive

I put my iTunes on shuffle and came across an old Newsboys song. And by “old Newsboys”, I mean with Peter Furler, Phil Joel, Jody Davis, Jeff Frankenstein, and Duncan Phillips.

Thrive

Down here in the valley

Every shadow You see

Has its own story

Down here in the valley

Every puddle of mud

Comes from tears and blood

And it's so hard just to get warm

That the chill turns into despair

Will You lift me up with tender care?

Will You wash me clean in the palm of Your hand?

Will You hold me close so I can thrive?

When You touch me, that's when I know I'm alive

Down here in the valley

Nothing's able to grow

'Cause the light's too low

Folks spend their days

Digging 'round for diamonds and gold

'Til they just get old

And they don't know anything else

They don't know they're breathing bad air

But I'm tired of living like this

And my soul cries out, "If You're there...

Call me up to Your side

Draw me up to Your light

Let it blind me

Lord, refine me

Refine me out of my mind

The second to last line caught my attention: Will You hold me close so I can thrive?

Psalm 119:73 (The Message)

With your very own hands you formed me; now breathe your wisdom over me so I can understand you. When they see me waiting, expecting your Word, those who fear you will take heart and be glad. I can see now, God, that your decisions are right; your testing has taught me what's true and right. Oh, love me—and right now!—hold me tight! just the way you promised. Now comfort me so I can live, really live; your revelation is the tune I dance to. Let the fast-talking tricksters be exposed as frauds; they tried to sell me a bill of goods, but I kept my mind fixed on your counsel. Let those who fear you turn to me for evidence of your wise guidance. And let me live whole and holy, soul and body, so I can always walk with my head held high.