Here's a somber rendition of the children's classic "I've Got the Joy" by the band Page CXVI. You may remember the traditional, upbeat version from Vacation Bible Study when you were in 3rd grade. This is not that version. This version is about the joy that persists despite all manner of tragedy; the real joy of knowing that God is God and we are not. The video is based on Romans 8:18-39.
There was something about this latest American tragedy, the Boston Marathon Bombing, and all the hate following it, that pushed my feelings for this world past any possibility of optimism and into bitter disappointment. As a result, I am currently in what is sometimes called "Judgement Day Therapy." I'm looking for the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come, amen, and that is ALL I am looking for because these headlining tragedies keep shoving themselves in my face and I am just sick of it. Clearly, I need more work.
What then do we say to these things? These random acts of violence and other disasters that have become everyday occurrences. We say, "Jesus died for that." And then we pray. Fervently. We pray for the victims, and their families, we pray for the perpetrators (yes, the perpetrators) and their families (yes, those who raised the perpetrators) that they might come to God, we give thanks that we and those we love are not among either party, we ask for the strength to forgive those who have done wrong as God has forgiven us, and we pray that this resulting tidal wave of bitterness will find us with our heads well above the diseased waters, clinging to the only foundation that can ever weather such a storm: Christ crucified for us.
Suggested verse to repeat if it's a difficult day is from Romans 8:26
PRC buddies, remember to breathe!
"The Spirit intercedes for us -------> 5 count inhale
with groanings too deep for words." -------> 5 count exhale
See The Peace He Left with Me for more on happiness in times of trouble.
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