Here we are at another entry into my worship diary. I thought you might have a better understanding of who I am if I told you some of the very beginning.
In my first blog post, I shared a bit of my upbringing. For those that missed it – I explained that I grew up in a Christian home and went to a Christian school and did all the Christian things… When I thought about that – I realized that some of you probably think that I’m just another person professing Christianity and it was probably “enforced” on me. Well, I can understand that point of view but let me tell you my version.
My parents came to salvation in their early adult lives. Quite miraculously, I might add. My mom grew up in a staunch Tamil household and well, after encountering the love of Jesus – she came to salvation. Fast forward a few years later – I ended up on Earth. My parents did everything they felt necessary to give me a good, solid upbringing. So yes, I was placed in a Christian school in the South of Johannesburg. Not the biggest school, not the sportiest or academically prestigious but a Christian school. (For the record, a Christian school is just like any other – except we pray on occasion, have some bible lessons and sing Christian songs).
So there I am a grade one boy (about seven years old). I remember this one assembly – we had a Prophet come to share a message with us. To be honest, I cannot remember a single thing that the bearded elderly man had to share until he asked us to raise our hands if we wanted to accept Jesus into our hearts… I had NO hesitation. I wanted Jesus in my heart. My whole life was already centered around this Jesus, so yes – this seemed like a good thing to do. We prayed a simple prayer but before I knew it, I was facedown in awe of God’s presence in the room. Granted it is now twenty odd years from that moment – but I don’t remember us going back to class that day. I remember God moving so powerfully and touching people all over the room – there were tears, there was joy and there was a sense of belonging.
I was young, probably did not understand a lot but I cannot deny the realness of that moment. That was the day that I surrendered my life to Jesus. The day I said – Jesus, You are my savior.
I lived a bit of a confusing life from that point – I was somewhat of a double agent. I loved Jesus BUT I wanted people’s approval more – so even though I met Jesus – there was a lot I had to grow in (that’s a story for another day). Even though the journey had only begun and I would still have so much to experience, I had this surety that Jesus would take care of me, that He would be there for me and that I was going to heaven.
At that point, these lyrics became real:
“Blessed Assurance, Jesus is mine!… This is my story, this is my song – Praising my Savior all the day long!”
Much love,
Hayden Hayl’
Interesting Fact: Blessed Assurance is a famous hymn written in 1873 by Fanny Crosby. A blind songwriter and poet who wrote more than 8000 hymns and gospel songs. Blessed Assurance is a hymn that has cut through generations and its legacy shines bright by being sung worldwide in churches today. It’s a powerful declaration of the security we have in Christ. Are you a song writer? Never underestimate your music – it can be used powerfully to glorify the name of Jesus!
A Worship Diary 