Like my physical tank sends hunger pangs when it needs attention, my other tanks send warning signs too. They tend to be more subtle so I need to pay attention in order to catch them. Unfortunately, I sometimes get so busy crossing things off my to do list or running from one commitment to another that I ignore the flares they’re sending up. Before I know it, I’m feeling burned out, anxious or depressed.
That trip to the art gallery was a meal for my soul but sometimes I only have time for a snack. I recently found a bite-sized piece of beauty that I’d like to share with you. It’s a music video by a cappella artist Peter Hollens that’s been making the rounds on social media lately. It’s a stunning version of the old Scottish folk song “Loch Lomond.” Something about listening to this haunting melody performed with such skill and passion awakens a beautiful ache in my soul. It stirs a longing and a hope inside of me. “Deep calls to deep” penned a poet in the Bible (see Psalm 42:7 below). This piece of art is a reflection of the deep beauty and mystery in the universe, and it resonates with the beauty and mystery deep in me.
Psalm 42
so my soul pants for you, my God.
My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.
When can I go and meet with God?
My tears have been my food
day and night,
while people say to me all day long,
“Where is your God?”
These things I remember
as I pour out my soul:
how I used to go to the house of God
under the protection of the Mighty One
with shouts of joy and praise
among the festive throng.
Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God,
for I will yet praise him,
my Savior and my God.
My soul is downcast within me;
therefore I will remember you
from the land of the Jordan,
the heights of Hermon—from Mount Mizar.
Deep calls to deep
in the roar of your waterfalls;
all your waves and breakers
have swept over me.
at night his song is with me—
a prayer to the God of my life.
I say to God my Rock,
“Why have you forgotten me?
Why must I go about mourning,
oppressed by the enemy?”
My bones suffer mortal agony
as my foes taunt me,
saying to me all day long,
“Where is your God?”
Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God,
for I will yet praise him,
my Savior and my God.
From the New International Version of the Bible
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Thanks Matt for this weeks installment! I enjoy almost anything accapella and this was no exception. And yes it definitely refills my tank! Love ya, brother! den
Thanks so much, Den! Yes, Peter Hollens is AMAZING. So glad it connected with you :) Have an awesome week.