Ghosts of the Past
Dedicated to Jennifer (Kuzmic) Siddens
Philippians 3:13-14
Preview:
| Choral score: | $25.00 US | |
| Accompaniment track: | $10.00 US |
Jennifer was our accompanist for a few short months in the fall of 1990. It was difficult for her to stay, however; her family was hunting for a new home church and eventually decided not to stay at Valley. During that time, however, Jennifer contributed to a special chapter in our history by supporting us from the keyboard quite competently. In particular, I remember that the strength and quality of her ring and little fingers impressed my very much when I heard her play for the first time.
“Jennifer” has two meanings: “white phantom” and “white wave.” The former is present in the title; the latter is found in the accompaniment. A historical sidebar is that the accompaniment for this song was originally targeted for “In The Race,” but for some reason didn’t feel right – so I kept it at hand, and used it here.
Ghosts come, ghosts taunt,
The ghosts of my past visit and haunt,
They remind of ungodly things I have done,
and try to drag my eyes off God’s holy Son.
But when ghosts of the past come to cause me distraction,
Rescue me, Lord, from my panicked inaction,
Whether they flatter or recall disgrace,
Drive them away, Lord! Drive them away, Lord!
Cause me to focus, Lord, on Your face!
Ghosts come, ghosts taunt,
The ghosts of my past visit and haunt,
They flatter my ego with vict’ries I’ve won,
and try to drag my eyes off God’s holy Son.
But when ghosts of the past come to cause me distraction,
Rescue me, Lord, from my panicked inaction,
Whether they flatter or recall disgrace,
Drive them away, Lord! Drive them away, Lord!
Cause me to focus, Lord, on Your face!
I have not yet laid hold of the prize,
I have not attained unto my Lord.
Forgetting what lies behind me I press forward,
I press toward the goal of my calling in Christ,
And putting aside the old self and its evil
I put on the new self renewed by my Lord.
But when ghosts of the past come to cause me distraction,
Rescue me, Lord, from my panicked inaction,
Whether they flatter or recall disgrace,
Drive them away, Lord! Drive them away, Lord!
Cause me to focus, Lord, on Your face!
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