Refuge and Strength
For week five of our Lenten Musical reflections, we take a temporary break from the Vigil Project to highlight one of the UK’s brightest Catholic Singer/Songwriters – Edwin Fawcett.
Having started through involvement with Youth 2000, Edwin’s ministry is a real labour of love and reveals his commitment to evangelisation and proclamation of God’s Word through music.
Based on Psalm 46, Refuge and Strength is a song that reminds us that our God is indeed with us. The chorus, urging us not to be afraid, is a great comfort, given the many hardships so many of us have experienced. It also reminds us to walk towards Easter with a mindset of a people who have hope – knowing that God overcame even death, through his Son’s sacrifice on the cross. Let us place our trust in God in all things!
Lyrics
God is for us a refuge and strength,
A helper close at hand
In time of distress.
God is for us a refuge and strength
The Lord of Hosts is with us,
The God of Jacob is our stronghold.
Even though the earth should rock,
Though the mountains should fall
into the depths of the sea.
Even though it’s waters rage and foam,
Though the mountains be shaken
by its waves.
We shall not fear.
Be still and know that I am God.
Of this song and video, Edwin writes:
“In September 2017 I went on retreat and, while walking one day, I was captivated by a leaf caught on a near-invisible strand of cobweb, which I ended up filming for nearly 8 minutes.
Rich in symbolism, it seemed to link with my song Refuge and Strength…I hope brings the viewer peace”
(c) Edwin Fawcett 2017
Lord Jesus,
Thank you that you are our refuge. Thank you that you are with us, even when our world is being shaken.
Help us to call to you in all our circumstances and draw close to you at all times.
As we are reminded in this week’s Gospel, may we be ready to die to ourselves, with complete trust, that we may allow ourselves – rooted deeply in you – to rise up and bear fruit.
Amen
This musical reflection is courtesy of Edwin Fawcett
