Success!!

I got to lead staff worship this morning for the last time. Tear.

Yes, tis sweet to trust in Jesus, just from sin and self to cease;
Just from Jesus simply taking life and rest, and joy and peace.
Jesus, Jesus, how I trust him. How I've proved him o'er and o'er.
Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus. O for grace to trust him more.

Verse 3 is my favorite of that tune.

It's not really the first book you think of when you want to pick up the bible and find encouragement but 2 Chronicles 26:

-Uzziah was sixteen years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem fifty-two years. His mother's name was Jecoliah; she was from Jerusalem.  He did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, just as his father Amaziah had done.  He sought God during the days of Zechariah, who instructed him in the fear of God. As long as he sought the LORD, God gave him success. -

 Success is not prosperity. Maybe it's not even happiness. It's seeking the Lord to truly glorify him, not even the great "things" that he accomplishes through us. That's hard in ministry often when we see God working in other people's lives because of something we did or said (Uzziah's ultimate fate illustrates this). Success is simply seeking him. Humble reliance.

Maybe it's been the way that I've been rocked a little in the past few weeks but I have noticed a different hunger in my soul of which I am so grateful for. It's like I need to taste the word some each day. As much as I enjoy all music and art I need to hear songs of praise each day.

Maybe despite myself, I'm finding success.