You know, life is hard. For many of us, life is really hard. Especially when things don’t work out like we planned. For example, this past week I was to be in Canada for my annual canoe trip to Quetico (the Canadian Boundary Waters). But with the border closed, the four of us rented a cabin and did some fishing on Lake of the Woods. Of course, we had a great time, but it was not what we planned.
There are so many things that don’t go according to plans. For some of you, this COVID stuff is really throwing you off course. Or to use some water imagery think of your life gently going down a peaceful river. That’s what you want. But then, due to that situation, that decision, that disease, that loss, that mistake, that problem . . . it feels like you have entered into some rough waters. Think of going down rapids and it’s getting harder and harder to maneuver or steer, but you are doing your best. And then “wham” that big dreaded thing occurs and it feels like you’ve been tossed overboard. And you are simply grasping for something, anything to help you. And now that “thing in your life” can feel so big and you wonder if you are even going to make it. And it all seem overwhelming except for one thing . . .
My life flows on in endless song; Above earth's lamentation,
I hear the sweet, though far-off hymn That hails a new creation
No storm can shake my inmost calm, While to that rock I’m clinging
Since Christ is Lord of heaven and earth, How can I keep from singing?
Now here’s the part about believing and having a faith. In the midst of a flowing river when it all seems like you could be swept down a current and maybe even lose your life. There’s a big old rock right in the middle of the river of right in the middle of your chaos. And that rock that is something you can cling to. And no matter how fast the water is moving around us, or how “sunk” we feel . . . that big ole rock somehow says, “It’s going to be OK.”
Through all the tumoult and the strife; I hear that music ringin’
It sound and echoes in my soul; How can I keep from singin’?
No storm can shake my inmost calm, While to that rock I’m clingin’
Since Christ is Lord of heaven and earth; How can I keep from singin’?
That rock is the presence of God. And there are many ways to describe it . . . sometimes its like small whisper like Elijah heard in the first reading. Or sometimes it’s like a firm grasp like Peter felt when he was sinking in the gospel. Sometimes it’s like a safe place to go to, like Elijah needed when we felt so alone and frightening in the first reading. The scriptures are filled with many images of safety, of comfort, or calm.
Paul said told the Romans in the second reading, “I have great sorrow and constant anguish in my heart.” For he feels like a big disappointment. And who among us, have not felt at one time or another that we are a disappointment? I surely have. That is, that we didn’t do it right. That we failed . . . again.
It wasn’t easy for Paul, so why should we expect something different for ourselves? This reading is from chapter 9, and Paul goes on to say that even when he (and others from Jewish history) didn’t get it right . . . that is, like he’s swimming in chaos (my interpretation). He says (in verse 16) that we all will find relieve, and hope, and something we can cling to . . . not because of our own doings, but because of God.
What though the tempest round me roar, I hear the truth it liveth
What though the darkness ‘round me close, Songs in the night it giveth.
No storm can shake my inmost calm, While to that refuge clingin’
Since Love is Lord of heaven and earth, How can I keep from singin?
So maybe it’s time to stop singing your “poor me” song. Maybe it’s time to stop blaming everyone else for your bad situation. I get it, it’s bad. It sounds like you are drowning. And you don’t know how you are getting through this.
But how can you stop from rejoicing? How can you stop from singing: thanks and praise. Whatever it is . . . you don’t have to figure it out. You don’t have to have the answer, or the the solution. God’s got this. God’s got you. But don’t expect an earthquake, or a fire, or big winds, or some “big miracle.”
But do expect the presence of Christ that says the same thing that was said to the disciples, terrified in the midst of their storm on the water, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.”
The peace of Christ makes fresh my heart, A fountain ever springin’
All things are mine since I am his, How can I keep from singin?
No storm can shake my inmost calm, While to that refuge clingin’
Since Love is Lord of heaven and earth. How can I keep from singin?