When I pause to reflect on my connection to God, I frequently find myself being drawn to the words of a hymn. Those words often inspire a prayerful conversation with God. At the Ash Wednesday service, we sang “Just as I Am.” In 2021, I shared a reflection about this familiar hymn. As I re-read my words, I realized the soul-searching questions I wrote about are still with me today.
One Dark Blot
“Just as I am and waiting not, to rid my soul of one dark blot” caused me to ask, “what is a dark blot for me today, and what will I do to cleanse it from my soul?” My job is to ask God to help me recognize my daily “dark blots” and ask God to give me the willingness to let them go.
Many a doubt, within, without
“Just as I am, though tossed about with many a conflict and many a doubt, fightings and fears within, without,” this raises the question, what fear is taking me away from trusting God? To let go of those fears and doubts, I am reminded of God’s reassuring words in Isaiah (41:10), “Do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you.” I ask God to help me trust Him in all life’s challenges.
Relief
“Just as I am, thou wilt receive, wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, and relieve, because thy promise I believe.” What a great reminder! When I turn to God, I receive the gifts of pardon, cleansing, and relief, and am filled with hope as I experience God’s love.
Perhaps this Lenten season, you might find a few words from a hymn that speak to you; you might have a soul-searching conversation with God.
Lord, help us avoid stumbling through our dark blots, doubts, and fears. Teach us to turn to you in prayer, to receive your unconditional love, and to grow in our faith. Amen.