This is a guest post by Colton Price. Colton is “a grateful believer in Jesus. He is honored to be chosen to leads God’s people in worship weekly and treasures the time he is able to spend serving Christ and His church.” You can contact him on Twitter and on Facebook. If you are interested in writing a post for us, visit our Guest Post page. You can also view other guest posts by clicking here.
All of us are fortunate in a vast amount of ways. Whether we actively believe it or not, Christ allows us to take the next breath. That’s right, the God of the universe designed it so that our bodies automatically take breath; even while we are unconscious in the depths of sleep.
The church that I attend experiences biblical community in a style that we call “lifegroups”. They are small groups of people that meet in the community at some point during the week to develop relationships, study the word, and engage the lost on mission. What we have been talking about in my lifegroup and what has been blowing me away recently is that we are completely dependent on God. I cannot do anything of my own will or power. I do not have what it takes. What is so awesome though is that we are so incredibly blessed, especially to be living in a country where we can gather and meet about Jesus without the fear of persecution. Even all the little things that we take for granted in daily life have been given to us by God.
Sometimes I find myself (despite my relationship with Jesus) becoming beat down or solemn. I become self deprecating or critical of others. How many times have we said to ourselves that things just “aren’t going my way” or it’s been “one of those days”? Sometimes when I show up at church I just need a reason to sing…Sometimes when I’m driving in my car I need a reason to sing. Sometimes when I come to worship The One in any form…I just can’t.
Now granted there could be a number of factors that influence being down trodden or not 100%. However, Jesus suffered the most excruciating death known to man; not only was he left hanging from a tree to die, but he also endured hours of physical punishment and torture before he was able to die on the cross. (Luke 22:63,64) Jesus had the ultimate reason to feel bad and forget about focusing on His Father. What’s really cool about the example Jesus gave is that even in the midst of the worst day ever, he was still loving others even to the point of bringing in a new brother in Christ to the Kingdom! (Luke 23:39-43) How cool is that! Jesus was so focused on His father in heaven that he still had the clarity to love others so much.
There is a really great song by “All Sons and Daughters” of their album Season One. It is titled “Reason To Sing”. The whole song resonates with me on a deep level, and I would encourage you to listen to it.
The bridge, however, sums up where the victory comes:
“Will there be a victory
Will You sing it over me now
Your peace is the melody
You sing it over me now”
I am not saying that we never have a reason to experience hurt or pain. That is not what we are promised as Christ followers at all. (James 1:2-4) However we do have a hope that transcends beyond the effects of worldly sorrows.
It is when we consciously place our faith and trust in Christ. When we consciously live our lives to give Him the praise, glory and honor. (Philippians 4:6-8) When we ask Him, our father in heaven gives good gifts to His children. It is only then when the peace that passes all understanding can move in to our hearts and push out the self pity, self loathing: the SELF. We must surrender daily to the power of the Holy Spirit.
Jesus is the Reason to Sing.
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