EACH STEP I TAKE

Some of the songs we sing bring forth varying emotions. The word "emotion" has been defined as "a strong feeling: the emotions of joy, sorrow, reverence, hate, and love." Emotions are primarily subjective. That is, the consciousness of man reacts according to his own thinking. What brings joy to me may not affect you in the same way. In fact, some sing a particular song and get an entirely different thought than I do. His emotions are stirred one way and mine, another. And we may have both missed what the poet who wrote it had as inspiration. I think we can eliminate "hate" as one of the emotions our songs bring forth unless when we sing of how "They Crucified My Saviour" we hate the deed that was done.

"Joy To The World" brings forth the emotion of joy in the participant because "the Lord has come." It's too bad people have relegated it to the Christmas season. Perhaps we should sing it on the fourth of July. We are moved with sorrow as we share the agonies of the Lord in singing "Night With Ebon Pinion Brooded O'er The Deep." We soar to the heights of reverence as we raise our voices to acclaim "How Great Thou Art, How Great Thou Art." "Wonderful Story of Love" and "O Love, That Wilt Not Let Me Go," causes us to attain a higher degree of love as we attune our hearts unto God.

But the one I used as a title, perhaps affects me more, emotionally, than any other. I am moved to tears, as others tell me they are too as we put our trust in words: "Each step I take, I know that thou wilt guide me." He will guide each step I take, through his divine word, that leads me to a place the song calls "home." Perhaps I am moved more than a 16 year old would be for now I am old and stricken with years of traveling about this old earth we now call home. I wish I could get that 16 or 20 year old to realize that he, also, is closer home by each step he takes. Perhaps he would be more careful about where he walks.

I am emotionally drained when the song is finished because I know that I have but little time left and there is so much to do. "The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away" (Psalm 90:10).

"Each step I take, just leads me closer home."

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