Sometimes songs are a great way to lifting your spirits. Everyone listens to different types of music and each person has a different reaction when they hear something. For example, I know many people who work out to hip-hop or rap music, but I find that style irritating.
Overall, music is connected to our emotions. In the old testament there are entire portions dedicated to songs. In Lord of the Rings, J.R.R. Tolkien wrote songs that the characters sing on their journey. In the bible we are commanded to give praise and one of the most common forms of doing that is through song.
When I am feeling down or uninspired I like to listen to this song. Its chorus links my heart to scripture that remind me to be hopeful. So, I though I’d take and moment and share.
CROSSING THAT BRIDGE, WITH LESSONS I’VE LEARNED
Psalms 143:5
I remember the days of old;
I meditate on all Your works;
I muse on the work of Your hands.
God never said life would be easy. It is a learning experience every time we go through something hard. No matter what pain we go through, God still rescues us in his time. We learn when we face trials and learn from them we become more like Christ. It is when we give in that the devil wins and steals our joy.
So, when we “remember the days of old” we look back and think where we would be without those trials. Our lives could be in an utter mess if God didn’t have us live through those tough moments. When we face our next bridge that needs crossing we should face it with the lessons we have learned from our past. Pause and thank God for helping you grow and muse on his works. Then crossing your next bridge will seem simpler and easier because of the lessons you learned through living with Christ.
PLAYING WITH FIRE, AND NOT GETTING BURNED
Daniel 3:15-17
I will give you one more chance to bow down and worship the statue I have made when you hear the sound of the musical instruments.But if you refuse, you will be thrown immediately into the blazing furnace. And then what god will be able to rescue you from my power?”
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty.”
Remember Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego? They stood strong in the face of being burned alive. Their faith was so strong that they risked a long and painful death in order to stand up for God. They believed in God’s power to save them and knew that they were in his hands. They were playing with fire and did not get burned. Their faith upheld them and God sent an angel to stand beside them in the hot furnace. When I hear this lyric in the song I immediately think of this classic story.
I MAY NOT KNOW WHAT YOU’RE GOING THROUGH
1 Corinthians 2:11
No one can know a person’s thoughts except that person’s own spirit, and no one can know God’s thoughts except God’s own Spirit.
I think we presume to know too much about what other people are thinking. We sometimes assume that we understand, but really do not. Only God knows what is inside another person’s spirit. The only spirit you can ever truly know is your own and God will always know your spirit better than yourself.
I think it is healthy to remember that we actually do not always know what other people are going through. Even our closest friends may have struggles that we never find out about. That is why we must always pray for each other no matter the circumstances. Investing in each others lives is essential because even though each of us may have different struggles, we all belong to the same loving God and he understands our every thought and desire.
BUT TIME IS THE SPACE BETWEEN ME AND YOU
I don’t have a specific scripture for this line. It is only a reminder for to me to be on the look out for people who may need Christ in their lives. You never know when you’ll run into someone and be able to witness or invest in them. It is only a matter of time before these moments happen, so we must always be on the ready to be bold about our walks with Christ. The only things that separates us from them is time.
NOTHING ELSE MATTERS
This is actually a line from the end of the song. Kind of an echo that reminds me that nothing else matters other than Christ. The economy, bad relationships, sickness, poverty, and the list goes on. These are all consequences of a sinful world, but none of it matters because the power and love of Christ is so great. We must remember not to become short-sighted and forget who is really in control of the world. Christ has a plan that redeems all of us from the pains of our lives. Sometimes it takes a little faith and patience, though.
PRAYER FOR THE DYING
Matthew 5:44
But I say, love your enemies!Pray for those who persecute you!
One final thought is on the title of this song, Prayer for the Dying. We are called to pray for not only each other, but our enemies as well. I don’t trust politicians and know they do not have my best interests, but I try to pray for them and trust God influences their lives. The same goes for the people who hurt me in my personal life. All of these people need Christ. They are dying because they do not have Christ in their lives. So, take a moment and think of those that may be spiritually dying and pray for them.
Off The Cuff Christian 