(Written Feb. 22, 2011)
I opened a forgotten folder on my music archive and stumbled into this old favorite. It seemed to speak of my own sentiments as of the moment.
As our preacher often says, “the Christian life is not difficult, it is IMPOSSIBLE. We can’t do it on our own.” But God has been so gracious, aware of our own weaknesses as human beings he provided us with everything we could possibly need. Christ said, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9)
We cannot live the Christian life in our own strength. We will always be weighed down by our fleshly responses to certain circumstances that seem to bring out the worst in us. But Philippians 4:13 reminds us, “For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.”
As I look at my situation in my own perspective, it seems hopeless. I seem to be stuck in a cycle of disappointments and discouragements. I realized that it is because of my own independence from God and reliance on relationships and people as my source of JOY.
Somehow, I lost sight of the REAL source of Joy. GOD.
I hope we will always keep in mind that people can hurt us, disappoint us and betray us. Loved ones can forget us,
lovers can change, friends can turn their backs on us, relatives can break their promises BUT God is the same yesterday, today and forevermore.
As a recipient of such unconditional love, I would like to love the way He does. I have been guilty of succumbing to my own thoughts of retaliation and outbursts of anger. Many times I have reacted in an unloving manner.
I discovered that I still have a choice not to do those.
I’m a work in progress as each one of us is.
May we always be quick to listen and slow to become angry.
You have heard that it was said, “Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.”
But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you (Matthew 5:43-44).
So help us, God.
P.S.
Stained Glass Masquerade lyrics
Is there anyone that fails
Is there anyone that falls
Am I the only one in church today feelin’ so small
Cause when I take a look around
Everybody seems so strong
I know they’ll soon discover
That I don’t belong
So I tuck it all away, like everything’s okay
If I make them all believe it, maybe I’ll believe it too
So with a painted grin, I play the part again
So everyone will see me the way that I see them
Chorus:
Are we happy plastic people
Under shiny plastic steeples
With walls around our weakness
And smiles to hide our pain
But if the invitation’s open
To every heart that has been broken
Maybe then we close the curtain
On our stained glass masquerade
Is there anyone who’s been there
Are there any hands to raise
Am I the only one who’s traded
In the altar for a stage
The performance is convincing
And we know every line by heart
Only when no one is watching
Can we really fall apart
But would it set me free
If I dared to let you see
The truth behind the person
That you imagine me to be
Would your arms be open
Or would you walk away
Would the love of Jesus
Be enough to make you stay
Chorus (x2)
But if the invitation’s open
To every heart that has been broken
Maybe then we close the curtain
On our stained glass masquerade
Is there anyone that fails
Is there anyone that falls
Am I the only one in church today feelin’ so small
a Spectator 