Monday, November 26, 2012

Home


I have a new favorite song to add to my list. I have to overlook the poor grammar, the fact that it’s sung by a guy with a double name, Philip Phillips, and that he’s an American Idol winner, but at least he doesn’t go by Philip2
The song is Home, a fun little song to comfort a spouse/girlfriend/fiancee’ having doubts and fears about the future. Here are the lyrics:
Hold on, to me as we go
As we roll down this unfamiliar road
And although this wave is stringing us along
Just know you’re not alone
Cause I’m going to make this place your home

Settle down, it'll all be clear
Don't pay no mind to the demons
They fill you with fear
The trouble it might drag you down
If you get lost, you can always be found

Just know you’re not alone
Cause I’m going to make this place your home
Aside from the fact that I, as a husband and father, want to be able to be the comforter and the steady, reliable constant in the life of my family, I believe this song highlights a deep felt need at the heart of many of the decisions we make as humans. This song speaks to our need to belong, to be cared for, to have an unmovable foundation to rely on when our circumstances and future seem to be in chaos.
I don’t know about you, but that seems to be a common experience in my life.
Too often, my response to chaos is to be carried along by the wave, subject to the fear of not knowing what the future holds. But in the midst of the uncertainty and the crowd of voices fighting for our attention, THE Constant, THE Unmoved Mover, THE Wonderful Counselor, THE Mighty God, THE Prince of Peace quietly reminds us that we are not alone, that He is here with us in the chaos like a mooring firmly anchored in His eternal character.
And He has given us a picture of this comfort. Emmanuel, God with us, was born, lived a sinless life, died, and rose again to make eternal life available to us, and much like Philip Phillips, he offers us this comfort:
Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. And where I go you know, and the way you know.
John 14:1-4
Unfortunately, the Christmas season is one of the most chaotic on our calendar. I am making it my personal goal to take some extended, intentional time out of the chaos to dwell on the comfort Christ offers as the fulfillment of these words from Isaiah 9:6-7:
For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, To order it and establish it with judgment and justice From that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.