If the Savior stood beside me
I grew up singing a children's song at church that has guided many of my decisions, but it wasn't until a couple of weeks ago that I found a new, even more powerful way to apply it. Here are the lyrics:
If the Savior stood beside me
Would I do the things I do?
Would I think of his commandments and try harder to be true?
Would I follow his example?
Would I live more righteously if I could see the savior standing nigh
Watching over me?
If the Savior stood beside me
Would I say the things I say?
Would my words be true and kind if he were never far away?
Would I try to share the gospel?
Would I speak more reverently if I could see the savior standing nigh
Watching over me?
He is always near me, though I do not see him there
And because he loves me dearly
I am in his watchful care
So I'll be the kind of person that I know I'd like to be
If I could see the savior standing nigh watching over me.
Copyright © 2007 by Sally DeFord. All rights reserved.
This song may be copied for incidental, noncommercial home and church use. This notice must be included on each copy made.
I had always taken this song to be referring to our actions toward others. I still see it that way, but I realized how much more powerful the words become if we let them refer to our actions toward ourselves.
The realization came in a moment when I felt His presence very strongly guiding me in a situation where I was way outside of my comfort zone. I had taken a leap of faith and said "yes" to a business trip, not knowing how it was going to turn out or whether the investment would be worth it. It was a huge step in trusting Him. While I was there, I felt strongly guided in every step, and I knew that I could make bold choices with Him at my side. My husband shared a recording of my daughters singing this song in church with the other teen girls in our congregation, and the added meaning hit me like a huge wave of loving assurance.
I've put this idea to the test in the weeks following that first experience, and it works. There have been times when self-doubt tries to take over. I remind myself that self-doubt is irrelevant when I accept His collaborative partnership. I don't need to worry about falling short because He is there, having already paid for the difference. I can let others do the same, because He is there to help them, too. It's not up to me to judge or determine what's best for them. He already is.
I know this is just the beginning of this exploration, and I can't wait to see where it leads me. I hope you'll join me by starting your own experiment with it. The invitation is here.
