Unforced Rhythms of Grace

“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with mewatch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”“
-Matthew 11:29 (The Message)A few years ago, I was at an Easter service. A big-name Christian band was the “special guest music” after announcements and before the message. As I sat baking in the sun, the band appeared from off stage and took their places.

You must understand — I’m a musical cynic. Especially live. I feel like I’ve seen it all. Unless you’re my favorite band of all time, I tend to sit back with my arms crossed thinking, “C’mon. Do something I haven’t seen/heard before.” So here comes this band — a “Dove-award winner” — and I cross my arms. “Oh, right. Ooooo. A Dove award.” The guitar began to play a simple progression. “I know this song….” My eyebrows furrowed as I tried to place it. And then — right on cue — the lead singer took his wireless mic to the front of the stage and began his 20-second sermon — complete with dramatic pauses: “Ya know…the meaning of Easter…is a SPEcial one…Easter is about…sacrifice…” I had to keep from rolling my eyes. I was hoping Simon Cowell was around somewhere. And then just before the singer had stepped down from his soapbox, I figured out the song — “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For” by U2. “Ahhh…this is a good song.” And then the panic set in. “Wait a minute. This is a big service with lots of unchurched people. This is a big Christian band from Nashville. U2’s spirituality is a wonderfully debated topic in many Christian circles. How could they be playing a U2 song?” And before he had finished the first verse, I already knew what was coming for the last…modified, happy-Christian lyrics.

“And noowwwww I’ve fouunnnddd what I’m looking for.”My eyes closed, my chin dropped down to my chest, and my musical cynicism took one more step into permanence.

* * *Why do we always need a happy ending? Why is it so important, that at church, we can’t sing a song that has “questioning” lyrics — and leave it alone? It’s so crucial we end on a positive note, that if that band hadn’t ended the song with that verse, they would never be asked back. The band knew the song and decided it was not very Christian-like…they needed to make it…correct. Go onto iTunes and listen to most Nashville-based, run’o’the mill Christian artists. Find a song that starts out with some doubt or confusion or pain. Now find the last verse. 20 to 1 the songwriter has figured it all out. All is well in happy Christian music land.

Don’t believe me?”You’ve been lost in the wind
And the rain of a storm at sea
The waves crashing over your back
And you’re crying out for me

But as the ocean rages
I am sleeping in the boat
But I have a plan, I’m holding your hand
And I’m keeping you afloat “(my apologies to Caedmon’s Call for using them. Up until they lost Derek Webb, they were a great band)

Now, it’s not in every song, I understand. But there’s this sense in modern-day Christianity that every negative should be followed by a positive. No one wants to hear that you’re suffering unless you follow it up with a “…but I’m praying about, and I know God will see me through.” We can’t even sing a song about not being able to find peace here on earth (see U2 song above) without tacking a cheery slant on the end.I hate to tell you, church, but life doesn’t work that way. Sometimes it takes longer than a 3 minute pop song to hear the voice of God.

There have been moments in my life that have left deep, crooked, disgusting scars…and years have past, but still nothing has returned to its previous state. We have this attitude that people will “come around” if given enough time. Life will return to normal once they get a new job, or get into a different school, or find a new bride. Sometimes it does. But sometimes it doesn’t. I know in the depth of my heart that the Lord will see me through this — I really do trust Him…but that doesn’t change my hurt. Before I experienced great loss, I had the same attitude. I never had time to listen. And even when I did, I felt the need to finish up the conversation quickly — finish it off with some colorful paper and a big bow: “Mmmmm. Wow, that’s tough. I’ll definitely be praying for you.” And I’d smirk and smile — maybe a pat on the back — and I’m off.

Why do we feel the need to fix it? Why can’t we just sit and be still? Read Psalm 22. Now imagine those that hurt, the needy, the doubtful. They come into our church. They find you at lunch. They sit on the curb alone. And they say: “I call to God all the day long. No answer. Nothing.” (verse 1, The Message). Can’t we be patient? Can’t we cry alongside them? Can’t we give them time? Let the hurt hurt. Let the questioning question. Be gentle. Be compassionate. Despite what you think or have experienced, you have no idea what that person is going through.

But if you take the time to pour love onto the hurting, God will use you as a messenger. A messenger that shows God’s softness — His peacefulness. “When [Jesus] looked out over the crowds, his heart broke.” (Matthew 9:36)Does your heart truly break for those around you? Be quick to listen. Offer a kind word when asked, but don’t force it. And in all things: love. Love with the same love that was shown to you on the cross. Be merciful because you’ve been shown mercy. Be patient because God is endlessly patient with you.

Sometimes it takes 30 verses of doubting to reach one verse of declaration:”Our children and their children
will get in on this
As the word is passed along
from parent to child.
Babies not yet conceived
will hear the good news
that God does what he says.”