1990 - This song was intended to describe some of our experiences as the Holy Spirit was moving on us in power. It seemed almost like a taboo subject in song writing; I could think of no other songs describing the infilling and healing power of the Holy Spirit. Yet we were practicing this on a regular basis, particularly in the Home Fellowship. Sometimes, God showed up with incredible power and manifestations and other times it was just a gentle presence of the Lord, washing away the worries and cares of the world. There was excitement and the expectation of great things to come each time we gathered. The worship was amazing- not because I was leading it, but because the participation was so strong and the unity we felt was phenomenal! Our focus became very singular- on the person of Jesus Christ as He honored us with His presence. I look back on those days and wonder what changed. I know God hasn’t changed, although I must recognize that He comes in waves and anoints seasons for certain things. Maybe it’s just me that‘s changed and not the collective body. All I know is that I long for those days when we worshiped with complete abandon and nobody worried how long the fellowship lasted. The core group of us always showed up early to pray before hand and many times the meetings continued till close to midnight! That’s why Friday night was perfect back then. We could party in the Spirit until the wee hours and sleep in the next day!
Well I’m gonna shift gears here a little bit and list some of the current events of the year 1990. Do you remember any of these?
• Manuel Noriega surrenders in Panama
• The dissolution of the USSR
• The end of the Cold War
• The beginning of the Persian Gulf War
• US Supreme Court overturns law banning flag burning
• President is George H.W. Bush & Dan Quayle Vice President
• Milli Vanilli admits to lip-synching
• Seinfeld debuts
• Movies: Driving Miss Daisy (Oscar winner) and Dances With Wolves
• Best song: “Wind Beneath My Wings” Bette Midler
• Hubble Space Telescope launched
And now for the lyrics to the song…
POWER AND JOY
Words and music by REGGIE MICHAUD © 1990
Power and joy; Holy Spirit is coming over me
Leaving behind all the worries and cares distracting me
Nothing on my left, nothing on my right
Just His beautiful face coming into sight
When I fall on my face at the foot of His throne
He is lifting me up; He is taking me home
Power and Joy; my Redeemer is looking out for me
Hearing His voice; my Creator is calling out to me
Nothing on my left, nothing on my right
Just the sound of His voice and the touch of His life
From the top of my head to the souls of my feet
I am filled with His light every time that we meet
We invite you in Holy Spirit
Speak Your wisdom now we will hear it
Fill us up with Your healing power
We will surrender in this hour… NOW!
Power and joy; Holy wisdom is flowing into me
Hearing His Word; just a taste of His grace eternally
Nothing on my left, nothing on my right
Just the peace of His touch and the power of His light
At the foot of my God; at the place I have been
I surrender my life; He anoints me again
Nothing on my left, nothing on my right
Just the peace of His touch and the power of His might
At the throne of my God; at the place I have been
I surrender my life; He anoints me again
We invite you in Holy Spirit
Speak Your wisdom now we will hear it
Fill us up with Your healing power
We will surrender in this hour… NOW!