Hey Church!

“I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears.” (Ps. 34:4)

We plan to sing a new song this Sunday called “Trust in God.” The lyrics of the bridge come directly from Psalm 34: “I sought the Lord and He answered…” And while many of you can list a number of ways that God has delivered you in the past (e.g. from sickness, sin, or sorrow), we should remember that there are also some among us who strain to endure their “long fight of affliction” and whose victory feels like a far-off dream.* 

Imagine how difficult it must be for one who is weighed down by a depressed mind, a bitter heart, or a grieved spirit to say, “Rejoice! I am delivered!” Solomon said, “Whoever sings songs to a heavy heart is like one who takes off a garment on a cold day, and like vinegar on soda.” (Prov. 25:20) Paul likewise instructed: “Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.” (Rom. 12:15) How, then, can one who suffers sing, “I sought the Lord and He answered me and delivered me”? 

I imagine the answer will vary from person to person (and season to season), but here are three ideas to consider.

1. Sit and take it in. Borrow hope from your brothers and sisters who have been delivered. Try to rejoice for their deliverance, even as you wait for your own. 
2. The biblical prophets often wrote of future things in the present tense. For example, Isaiah wrote about the future-coming Messiah, “But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities.” God has promised to strengthen and uphold you, to comfort those who mourn, and to give you a glorious inheritance. Cling to those promises in faith as though they are as good as done. 
3. Go all-in, “Braveheart” style. Remember that one scene from the movie? “They may take our lives, but they will never take our FREEDOM!!!” Maybe this is your William Wallace moment. Take the devil by his lying throat and sing to him all about your victory in Christ. He’ll hate it and it will be glorious. 

This all presumes you make the decision to come to church this Sunday. So, come! Bring your pain, your cynicism, your doubts, your brokenness, and your whole self just as you are. Let the Spirit and the Bride minister to your mind, spirit, and heart. Listen to the new song below (“Trust in God”). And even though I am secretly hoping you choose to go all-in, “Braveheart” style, if that is not within you (yet!), come anyway and let us help you find your courage to hope in Jesus again.