High and lifted up
Jesus Son of God
The Darling of Heaven crucified
Worthy is the Lamb
Worthy is the Lamb

In 2000, Darlene J. Zschech  penned the lyrics to Worthy is the Lamb, now a Christian worship favorite. The word darling in English refers to one dearly loved and cherished, a favorite. The phrase itself is not found in scripture but refers to the preciousness of Jesus’ life, mentioned in Psalm 35:17. As we sang it recently in church, I heard the phrase “darling of heaven” differently. It struck me that not only is Jesus heaven’s perennial favorite, but over time has become my darling.

Maybe He is yours, as well.  

Here is a story illustration: I listened to a friend describe the season she was currently in. It was not an easy time for her as a new mother. She did not provide much detail, but I sensed she was challenged by the turbulence of this season in her life.

I am enjoying a good place, however – feeling joy for the first time in about twelve years. Sustained joy from a deep place, not momentary happiness one gets from a wedding or a grandchilds birth. As she spoke, I realized how good it is to feel happy again. I actually forgot how it felt to be joyful. Sounds odd, but it’s true. 

I commiserate with my friends struggle. I know it well. All I could offer her was a warm touch, coupled with a heartfelt promise to pray for her.  And I have. 

Navigating Turbulent Times

Upon going our separate ways, I realized my secret for navigating those turbulent years lie in training myself to praise God for who He is.  We have heard a thousand times to praise Him in the storm, but I’m making a distinction between praise and worship. Often we give thanks for physical possessions, which is fine. The deeper discipline of thanking God FOR WHO HE IS –appreciating the attributes that make Him Almighty — is true worship.

Many times during the past thirty-eight years I choked out songs to the darling of heaven with tears streaming my cheeks. Soaked tissues testifed to my heartbreak, need of Him and gratitude for His nearness. This is where inner strength comes from. 

I challenge you to perfect this spiritual discipline in your relationship with Jesus, if you’ve not already done so.  Worship keeps your eyes focused and your heart secure, while cementing you into a pillar-like structure impervious to the winds of change. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever (Hebrews 13:8). 

He is worthy. No one else can open the scrolls of heaven. Worthy is the lamb.

Worthy is the darling of heaven! 

Listen to Worthy is the Lamb by Darlene Zschech. 

PS: Other bloggers have been impacted by this phrase, too. Dave at 50 Years On wrote about this The Darling of Heaven and so did Doosuur Malu at The Darling of Heaven, Crucified . 

HAS THE PHRASE “DARLING OF HEAVEN” IMPACTED YOUR HEART? Tell me about it. 

Categories: Devotionals Intimacy with God Overcoming Praise and Worship Worship

Tagged as: a sacrifice of worship Darlene Zschech Darling of heaven darling of heaven crucified intimacy power of worship worship worship as a discipline worshipping God Worthy is the Lamb

Kathryne

Christian author and inspirational speaker of truth that makes the darkness tremble. Author of two non-fiction books at https://linktr.ee/TattooedKing