Trust in God
I felt a little sad when reading this post. I do understand a bit where he’s coming from. Sometimes we can feel we’re not in a position to sing certain songs to God. However, I feel the root of his problem is deeper than this single issue.
I struggled a little with my reply, but I pray it speaks to Jon (the post author).
I’ve mentioned before that some people find certain worship lyrics too difficult to sing. Usually because the words are asking more of them than they are willing to give to God. How do we help people in this situation? It would probably depend on why they aren’t willing to surrender that particular area of their life.
Maybe it’s because they don’t feel worthy, or maybe it’s because they feel they are doing alright without God interferring with that particular area. There’s probably a dozen other reasons.
To avoid hurt, put all your trust in God. People will let you down. The church will let you down. God will never let you down.
April 23rd, 2007 at 7:32 pm
I think the nature of his post was more of an indictment on the lyrics of the worship songs we sing today more then anything else. And as worship leaders we should be sensitive to that. Worship songs that draw on the image of God as boyfriend, everything is happy, everything is perfect, are not real. I did like your reply about Pslams on the thread and thought you were right on with that. When you read the psalms you feel the brokenness and desperation of a person crying out to God. I also understood your point about hoping to be like the songs you’re singing about. There’s room for both, but we’ve got to keep everything balanced, true to life, and real.
I do however take exception with your statement - “It would probably depend on why they aren’t willing to surrender that particular area of their life.” Sometimes people struggle with areas of their life for a lifetime - it’s not a matter of willingness or want to. I do recall someone struggling with a thorn in the flesh and God saying something like his Grace was sufficient.
Enjoy the journey
April 23rd, 2007 at 8:22 pm
Hey Rich,
Thanks for taking the time to read and reply.
God’s grace is sufficient, I totally believe that and I’m not even sure I have surrendered my life 100% at this moment in time, but my point is - I want to. I want to be closer to God. I want to be used by Him. I want his plans for my life to become reality.
In some cases, people know that certain areas of their lives are currently obstructions to God’s plans for them. Can God fulfil his plans in us if we continue to feed those obstructions? He may want to, and will as soon as we let Him, but until we do, our free-will will prevent Him working in our lives as He chooses.
I’m still learning and open to correction!
Thanks again.
April 23rd, 2007 at 8:37 pm
Me too
April 24th, 2007 at 8:17 pm
Since you agreed with me on another comment board I figured I would stick my head in and say hi.
April 25th, 2007 at 12:29 pm
Hi TotalT, welcome! Good to see you.
April 25th, 2007 at 1:46 pm
I read the post you referenced and commented on his blog as well. I think he’s got some valid points and it’s a great discussion. I do agree that there is an overtone of hurt in much of what he said, but as I read through the other posts on the blog I understand where that comes from.
I agree that surrender is a very difficult thing. It’s like forgiveness in a way…it has to be done daily and it’s never ever complete. I still cling very tightly to some things in my life that I know I shouldn’t. Some day I’ll find the courage to let them go. Until then, I rely on grace and unconditional love from God and the rest is a journey that I embark on each morning.
We are each created uniquely and therefore each have unique struggles.
April 26th, 2007 at 5:23 am
Hi snowjunkie,
I have had a variety of responses to my post, and perhaps the biggest thing that strikes me is the warmth that I feel through the various writers, both those keenly share my sentiments, and those who disagree. There are very many people sitting on the sidelines who still want to love God, but have third degree burns all over their bruised and battered bodies - placed there by over-zealous fundies who have somehow let the letter become greater than the spirit.
The result of these comments has certainly softened my heart, and caused me to reflect more on where my heart is.
Thanks,
Jon
April 26th, 2007 at 10:39 am
“because they feel they are doing alright without God interferring with that particular area”
So true. I was stuck there for a while- and in many ways I still am.
April 26th, 2007 at 4:09 pm
I enjoyed the discussion jon. I won’t deny that it made me think. I even brought the topics up at our housegroup last night and we talked about them at length.
I’m glad it has made you reflect as well. Hopefully we’ll all come out the other side better off. I pray you find fellowship with other christians where you are happy and are able to grow.
Stay real.
April 26th, 2007 at 4:12 pm
Hey TotalT, I think we all have areas in our lives that can sometimes get in the way. It’s getting the balance right that is the difficult part. As long as our hearts are right we’ll make it!
April 26th, 2007 at 4:17 pm
Hi divinescribble, thanks for popping along. Yes we all are unique - that’s for sure! If we desire to surrender, God will work with us. He is patient.