Robin occasionally gives me a jab with her elbow as we’re singing songs at church because I often change the words to the hymns that we’re singing. There are several reasons for this.
Sometimes I sing the song as a personal prayer so I change all the pronouns like we and us to I and me. Other times I change the pronouns because I am speaking to the congregation (Ephesians 5:19). Sometimes I change the words because they are archaic. King James might have said, “Thy” and “Thine,” but they are not a part of my every day language. Then there are times when I change the words because I just don’t like the emphasis of the song. One of those songs is, “There is a Habitation” where the chorus goes, “O Zion, Zion, I long thy gates to see…”
I like the music, but it sounds like the words are directed to Heaven—the words sound like we are worshipping Heaven. Yes, it’s the place where God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit resides, but it is just a place and it’s not worthy of our worship. Besides, if God wasn’t there, it’s not a place I want to be. Without Jesus, the Father, and the Holy Spirit, heaven would look like any other godless place—a place without light.
On the other hand, I like Paul’s perspective and emphasis. Paul tells us that we have benefits and rewards. But he also says it’s for those who “long for His appearing” (II Timothy 4:8). Jesus should be our longing, desire, and our real reward and goal. This is why whenever we’re singing the chorus to, “There is a Habitation,” I’m usually singing, “Oh, Jesus, Jesus, I long Your face to see; Oh, Jesus, Jesus, when will I dwell in Thee?” I would not be surprised if there are others that are singing the song the same way I am. After all, as God Seekers, isn’t it our ultimate dream to be found in Him?
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