Morning Minute — 02/22/2011
On my way to work this morning, I passed by a housing development that had the name of “Bay Meadows” on the entrance. I had to laugh a little bit, because I was pretty sure that the housing development was … Continue reading →
On my way to work this morning, I passed by a housing development that had the name of “Bay Meadows” on the entrance. I had to laugh a little bit, because I was pretty sure that the housing development was not next to a bay and most likely had no meadows in it! In fact, I would say it’s likely that the developers felt that the name they chose was more attractive than the name of “Grassy Patch Out In The Middle of Nowhere”.
It’s funny how we can use words to paint a picture that isn’t really reality.
For instance, if someone asks you, “How are you?” you may have a standard response of, “Fine.” In fact, you might really be fine…but there is a strong chance that you aren’t really “fine” – that you are dealing with some significant things, but you either don’t want to face them or you just don’t want to talk about it. So, we will often use that single-word response to just simply cover up a mountain of hurt that we might be enduring.
Sometimes we play the “cover-up” game without even saying a word. Our heart might be broken or we may be going through some deep level of sorrow, but we will put on a big smile and pretend everything is okay on the outside.
The truth is, though, that in life we often go through a roller coaster of emotional states. We are complex, and life is frequently difficult. It’s normal to go through a myriad of emotions and feelings, even in the same day. And no matter how hard we try to “mask” the true state of our heart, it doesn’t change how we are feeling.
I was reminded of one of my favorite hymns this morning — “It Is Well With My Soul”. The words of the full hymn, and a summary of the story behind it, are as follows:
When peace like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
Refrain:
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.
My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!
For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live:
If Jordan above me shall roll,
No pang shall be mine, for in death as in life,
Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul.
But Lord, ’tis for Thee, for Thy coming we wait,
The sky, not the grave, is our goal;
Oh, trump of the angel! Oh, voice of the Lord!
Blessed hope, blessed rest of my soul.
And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul.
— Horatio Spafford
This hymn was written after several traumatic events in Horatio Spafford’s life. The first was the death of his only son in 1871 at the age of four, shortly followed by the great Chicago Fire which ruined him financially (he had been a successful lawyer). Then in 1873, he had planned to travel to Europe with his family on the SS Ville du Havre , but sent the family ahead while he was delayed on business concerning zoning problems following the Great Chicago Fire. While crossing the Atlantic, the ship sank rapidly after a collision with a sailing ship, the Loch Earn, and all four of Spafford’s daughters died. His wife Anna survived and sent him the now famous telegram, “Saved alone.” Shortly afterwards, as Spafford traveled to meet his grieving wife, he was inspired to write these words as his ship passed near where his daughters had died.
(See Wikipedia article: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/It_Is_Well_with_My_Soul )
Sometimes, we need to take the time to be honest with ourselves…honest with others…and honest with God about how we are feeling. The answer of “Fine,” doesn’t often cut it. It’s OK to admit that we’re struggling, that we’re experiencing a difficult time, that we’re going through what feels like a tumultuous storm in our lives. But, because of God’s incredible mercy and grace, He reminds us that – as Christians – our “finish line” isn’t the grave. As Mr. Spafford penned, “The sky, not the grave, is our goal.” Maintaining that perspective is often critical to making it through each day.
The Bible records Jesus as saying this:
Matthew 6:33-34 (HCSB)
33
But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you.
34
Therefore don’t worry about tomorrow, because tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
It’s so easy to worry about things, to get caught up in an emotional “firestorm” that can consume our days. But remembering “That Christ has regarded my helpless estate, and hath shed His own blood for my soul” and that He will take care of our needs will serve as a source of strength and comfort in the midst of the darkest times of our lives.
So, while the name “Bay Meadows” may rarely describe your life, through Christ it can be well with your soul.
Have a blessed day today,
–Pastor John