"Yes"

A warmer breeze thaws out the freeze,

And makes the snow all melt,

From colder climes and better times,

I have the Spirit felt.

And when I think that I might sink,

Beneath the bitter cold,

I hear His voice above the noise,

And feel His love take hold.

He says His yes to my distress,

And chases ‘way my pain,

His love can heal and makes me feel,

I can go home again.

Into those arms no more alarms,

He speaks His grace to me,

Says I am here and makes it clear,

That He will always be.

That cowboy lost, it’s no coin toss,

Or better luck you need,

But God above with saving love,

With truth your soul will feed.

To be set free, He’ll help you see,

The trail that you should take,

Adventures wild, you’re God’s own child,

And nothing you can fake.

The canvas blank, it’s Him we thank,

For the masterpiece,

The wind that blows and always shows,

From burdens He’ll release,

The healing flame, in Jesus’ name,

Will burn away the dross,

Refining fire and pure desire,

Replaces all our loss.

So saddle up, He fills our cup,

And overflows the rest,

Our Savior true, knows what to do,

God’s highest and His best.

“For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by me and Silas and Timothy, was not ‘Yes’ and ‘No,’ but in Him it has always been ‘Yes.’” (2 Corinthians 1:19, NIV)

Some people believe that what God mostly says is “No.” This verse and others like it emphasize something else. It says that what God has always said to us is “Yes,” and that Jesus is God’s ultimate “Yes” to us. That doesn’t mean He has not said “No.” Certainly the “thou shalt nots” are important. But God says yes to us while saying no to the behavior that is killing us. Think of a blank canvas that He wants to paint, or guide our hands as we paint. God’s yes says let me make your life a masterpiece. Think of a wind-swept boat with baggage washing overboard. It’s the Spirit removing all the things that we don’t need. That’s God’s yes telling us He can relieve every burden. Think of a fire that pours down from the Lord and becomes a healing flame. God’s yes says He’ll consume everything that harms us. Say yes to the one who says yes to you.

Lord, help us to hear Your yes and say yes in return, in Jesus’ name.

Art by Bill Ownen, used by permission. Thanks, and God bless. (cowhorsegallery.com)