Complicated Hope

“No one gets through life unscathed.”

I have said this any times.  Usually as a justification for the tough times that are surrounding me or someone I love.  I’ve used it as an explanation as to why there is so much hurt in this fallen world and why some days I just wanna hide in my bedsheets.

In those nasty, dark, scared times, music comforts me.  It’s lyrical melodies soothing the storm inside me and lyrics pointing me to a deeper meaning than this current suffering.

My love for music encompasses so many genres – my playlist includes rap, hip hop, classical, southern gospel, 80’s Christian Rock – and 80’s Rock.   Yet in certain seasons of life, I find myself turning to different artists.  I think this is mainly because they write from similar pain or joy that I seem to be experiencing at that moment.  Sometimes, it’s just the melodic line that haunts my mind draws me to sit in it’s refrain.

For the past few years, I turn to David Crowder frequently.  “Neon Steeple,” “Neon Porch,” and “American Prodigal” are from a unique genre of “Foktronica” and it’s artistry and roots in the Appalachian harmonies feel like I’ve come home.   He writes simply yet profoundly.

Today, I’m listening to “I Am” from “Neon Steeple.”  http://www.klove.com/music/artists/crowder/songs/i-am-lyrics.aspx
“I am holding on to You

I am holding on to You

In the middle of the storm

I am holding on

I am.”
I declare that I AM holding on to the HOPE that is Jesus Christ.  I hold to the PROMISE of Life Abundantly.

And yet…

There is another meaning –

HE is holding on to me.

HE sees my storm.

HE will not let me go.
My determination to follow Christ pales in comparison to his commitment to never, ever, ever walk away from me.

And if I let go.  If I rest in that knowledge, HE will hold me and carry me.

I don’t have to try quite so hard.  HE holds me tight.
Where are you struggling to hold on to Jesus’ promise?  Can you let go?  Can you let go enough to Trust that HE is more committed to you than your human frailties can even begin to imagine?    “Rest, child,” he declares.  “I got you.  I”m holding on to you.  In this storm and through tomorrow’s peace – my grip on you will not lessen.”