Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit. 2 Corinthians 3:17-18

Devotion

Recently, a few of us on staff went on a songwriting retreat. Our goal was to write worship songs for our church, lyrics and melodies that will truly help people find and follow Jesus. We believe God has called us to write songs for our Crossings community. It’s been a joy to experience the songs he has given to us to bless so many. 

If you think about it, songs are really just Scriptures and prayers put to music. For centuries, God has used spiritual songs to edify the church and open our hearts to a deeper understanding of who he is.

As we began talking, praying, and diving into the Scriptures, one specific word kept jumping off the page: Behold.

To "behold" something is so much more than just a casual glance or a quick look. It means to look intently, to fix your eyes, and to gaze steadily. It’s a deliberate choice to focus so deeply that you allow God to make a lasting impression on your mind and heart. To behold the Lord is to give him our full, sustained attention, letting his image be pressed into our very souls. 

With a deeper understanding of what it means to behold the Lord, we began to write these lyrics:

We are here gathered together. This feeling of reverence with a Holy fear. 
Breathe on us, show us your glory. You offer your favor to the least of these.
Hearts awake, lifting in wonder. We bow down before you. Jesus, our King. 
Spirit move, cover your people. You’re bringing revival, oh Spirit of God. 
Holy Presence of God, would you come and settle on us? 
We behold You. We behold You.

Our prayer for this song is that it would be more than just a melody we sing on Sundays. We want it to be a practice for our community. In your quiet time this week, I want to encourage you to practice beholding the Lord. Let’s be a people who aren’t in a rush to move on to the next thing, but who are willing to wait and linger in his presence. As we behold him together, let’s trust that his Spirit is doing the work of changing us—from the inside out—into his image.

PRAYER

Dear Lord, forgive us for the times we hurry through your presence. Today, we choose to stop and behold you. We fix our gaze on your glory and invite you to press your image onto our hearts. As we linger in your love, transform us from the inside out. May we be a people who reflect your beauty and walk in the freedom that only you can give. In the name of Jesus, amen.

Josh Edington
Pastor, Contemporary Worship - OKC

Resources

• Listen to We Behold You by Crossings Worship Collective.

Read More Devotions

Explore other devotions like this one any time at crossings.church/devotions.