The Worship Quote of the Week for (09/27/2005):

Worshiping God after a Hurricane How does a Christian worship God in the wake of Katrina?—and then Rita? Does the massive display of destruction and human sorrow draw you to the God of creation, or does it cause you to argue with the Almighty? Today’s WORSHIP QUOTE is a new hymn text by a young pastor in Iowa who spent some time last week ministering to hurricane victims in Biloxi, Mississippi. The hymn parallels some of the “argument with God” that we read in the Book of Job. We sang these words in church last Sunday morning, using the tune TERRA PATRIS (“This Is My Father’s World”). Give it a try. THE FURY OF THE WIND, THE RAGING OF THE SEA The fury of the wind, The raging of the sea, How small a whisper do we hear Of our God's majesty! The thunder of His pow'r, O, who can understand? Before the fullness of His wrath O, who of us could stand? “Shall man find fault with God?” He asks of man below. “Now, gird yourself to answer Me. And tell Me, if you know: Who made the earth and sea? Who speaks and stars obey? Who plays with creatures of the deep? Who gives the beast its prey?” You, Lord, can do all things, And none can stay Your hand. I uttered what I did not know And could not understand. Before Your greatness, Lord, I fall upon my face. And, by such glory stripped of pride, I cast myself on grace. The raging wind and sea Cause me to flee to Christ, Who bore the tempest of God's wrath To be my sacrifice. Though in the storm I'm blind, I trust my Sovereign's plan. I know that my Redeemer lives And with Him I shall stand. —Eric Schumacher (b. 1976) © 2005 Eric Schumacher Suggested Tunes: TERRA PATRIS by Franklin Sheppard (1852-1930); LEOMINSTER by George William Martin (1821-1881); or PARADOXY by Donald P. Hustad (b. 1918). Here is how the hymn appears on Eric Schumacher’s web log. http://scripturealone.blogspot.com/2005/09/fury-of-wind-raging-of-sea.html Permission granted to reproduce this in non-salable, temporary worship media. All other uses require the permission of the author. ============== UPCOMING WORSHIP LECTURES: STUART TOWNEND AND KEITH GETTY So many of us have enjoyed singing “In Christ Alone” and “How Deep the Father’s Love for Us.” I am so please that composers Stuart Townend and Keith Getty (along with Keith’s wife, Kristyn) will be with us here in Louisville on October 5 & 6. A color flyer with pictures and bios is available by going to www.sbts.edu/icw (click on “Upcoming Institute for Christian Worship Lectures” at the bottom of the page). Please feel free to send the flyer to anyone you know in the Louisville area. ============== Have a great week, Chip Stam Director, Institute for Christian Worship School of Church Music and Worship The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary Louisville, Kentucky www.carlstam.org www.sbts.edu/icw =========================== WORSHIP QUOTE OF THE WEEK: To subscribe, unsubscribe, or view a complete index of worship quotes, please visit http://www.wqotw.org ===========================