The Christian Life is a Difficult Life.

The Christian life is a Difficult Life.

Wow, I guess that sort of statement won't bring in the crowds will it?  But it is truth.  If we read the Words of Christ, we see that it shouldn't be a shock that our life will be one of suffering.  He says it very plainly.  I doubt many of us truly suffer though.  We love our comfort and because of this we often "soften" God's Word to fit our desires.  We paint a lovely picture of the Christian life to attract others.

 But when we soak ourselves in the truth of Scripture, it is inevitable that we begin to see the dryness of this world, the decay of sin on God's good creation... on us .  As the Holy Spirit reveals God's Word to our minds and hearts, we are no longer blind to our sin, and it causes us to weep in repentance... but this sorrow is a good sorrow. It is a truthful sorrow.  We share in God's sorrow for what has become of His creation.  And if that were the end, how tragic it would be.  But even as we share in the death of Christ... the result of our sin, we share in His resurrection.  Our hope isn't that this life will bring us anything good... our Hope is that Christ is coming again and will raise us up with Him, restoring all that sin has lain to waste.  The trees, the animals, the whole earth will be restored to "good"... and we too, will be restored; back to what is good, and sin will be no more.  This is our joy amidst the sorrow.  We see our sin, but we behold our Savior.  The Christian life is difficult, but it is full of joy; "sorrow and joy intertwined".

Josh Garrels is an artist whose music and lyrics are deep and thoughtful.  He speaks to the suffering of the Christian life in a way that is rare among "Christian Contemporary Music" (blah).  Here are a few of his lyrics, some of which are straight from Scripture:

Desert Father (Jacaranda) 

When we were young 
We walked where we wanted to 
Life was ours 

And now we've grown old 
We go where we’re told 
The Lord’s Spirit calls 

He’s singing 
Follow my road to sorrow and joy 
Be intertwined 

And find 
All things are under my wings 
And rise 
Given time 

Oh my 
Brother sun, sister moon 
All children of light 

Fly around the world 
Let the glory be unfurled 
All things are made new 

We’re marching on 
To a spirit song 
That no man can cage 

In lands of dead wood 
That reject the good 
From our own Father’s hands 

But we run free 
And weep gracefully 
In a world 
Dark and cold 

Hold on 
All you 
Who wait by the blue shores 
For Him 

To part the water 
Desert Father 
Show us a new way 

The impossible dream 
Through the deep and the unseen 
Carry us home