Life, in all its fragility, is at times beautiful, with moments of profound joy.
The world is a theatre of God's glory; creation sings.
Yet, it is also true that simultaneously, life for many is tragic and filled with deep sadness. The world is a warzone; creation groans.
At times, in a single moment of existence, beauty and brokenness, joy and sorrow coexist as the existential reality within an individual's life.
True Christian worship, both corporate and individual, takes into account both the beauty and the brokenness, and must resist the urge to always be upbeat and romanticize the world and downplay the harsh reality that many endure.
Yes, we rejoice— at times, joy is tangible, but we must not leave aside the power of lament to articulate reality as it really is.
Do not Romanticise Reality,
But look it straight in the eye.
And behold the nightnarish evil that many endure.
Don't dodge or look away,
But lament,
And grieve,
The kingdom is calling.
Don't dodge or look away,
But listen.
And love,
The Kingdom is Calling.
Do not romanticise reality,
But look it in the eye,
And commit yourself to justice and peace.
Hold the hand of the hurting,
Wrap your arms around the broken,
Hold their gaze, and whisper
‘This is not the way it was meant to be’
Speak truth to those corrupted by power,
Stand up to the oppressed,
Hold their gaze and whisper.
‘This is not the way it is meant to be’
Do not not romanticise reality,
But rest a while in extravagant love.
Bathe in his kindness,
Receive his healing.
Do not romanticise reality,
But know that hope is on the way.
For he will transform reality,
There is not a hurt that he will not heal.
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