Man there is such a richness to life at times. And not just the "ohh I feel happy all the time" sort of buzz. That sort of attitude, dressed up in christian jargon that says stuff like "learn to walk in the abundance of God" seems shallow, fluffy and oh so western.

I think there is something about God being found in all of the emotions of life; joy, grief, loneliness, pain, laughter, in every circumstance. I would contend that when we decide to follow Jesus, He begins to amplify the width and depth of emotions that we feel, and perhaps even the frequency with which we feel them. He doesn't just make it all "happy". That has being my experience, especially in the last three of years, and at these times of deep joy or deep pain it feels like we are drinking deeply from the well of life. I think it is really sad that we try to avoid grief, brush over pain, and try to rush through emotions that aren't the "feel good" ones. It has being my experience that God does His deepest work in those places. Perhaps it is better to really sit in that place a little longer, and reflect a little more. And its not just a personal thing. I wonder whether we are meant to feel more deeply the experiences of the people around us. Certainly in churchy type work - perhaps its everywhere if we look for it - one minute you are celebrating with a friend, the next commiserating with another. Its good to deeply engage with that stuff.

We sung my Great Aunties favourite hymn, one she requested in her last hour alive, at her funeral today. The words are well worth reading, well worth reflecting on. If you want to have a listen to it, check it out here.

Be still, my soul: the Lord is on thy side.
Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain.
Leave to thy God to order and provide;
In every change, He faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul: thy best, thy heavenly Friend
Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.

Be still, my soul: thy God doth undertake
To guide the future, as He has the past.
Thy hope, thy confidence let nothing shake;
All now mysterious shall be bright at last.
Be still, my soul: the waves and winds still know
His voice Who ruled them while He dwelt below.

Be still, my soul: when dearest friends depart,
And all is darkened in the vale of tears,
Then shalt thou better know His love, His heart,
Who comes to soothe thy sorrow and thy fears.
Be still, my soul: thy Jesus can repay
From His own fullness all He takes away.

Be still, my soul: the hour is hastening on
When we shall be forever with the Lord.
When disappointment, grief and fear are gone,
Sorrow forgot, love’s purest joys restored.
Be still, my soul: when change and tears are past
All safe and blessèd we shall meet at last.

This entry was posted by Sam, on Monday, September 17, 2007. You can leave your response.