He’s turned my mourning
Into dancing again
He’s lifted my sorrows
I can’t stay silent
I must sing for His joy has come
There’s so much bad stuff going on in the world. I turn on the news and see wars, famines, refugees, suffering… In my own world I see people living with pain and disappointments.
In times of suffering, simplistic answers from politicians, church, and friends ring empty and hollow. I need a way of facing life’s pains with something other than despair.
This old Ron Kenoly song reminds me that true faith is transformational. The Jesus I believe in and trust changes people’s lives, healing the sick, reassuring the uncertain, bringing comfort to the sorrow-full, bringing hope to the despairing.
I read Jeremiah 31 this morning. In the middle of desolation and destruction his God brings hope and purpose because of his character and nature: ‘I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.’
Where there once was only hurt
He gave His healing hand
Where there once was only pain
He brought comfort like a friend
I feel the sweetness of His love
Piercing my darkness
I see the bright and morning sun
As it ushers in His joyful gladness
Sometimes I feel happy and joyful. Life is good. The sun is shining in my world. Sometimes, however, I don’t feel joyful…
I return to Jeremiah 31:’Then young women will dance and be glad, young men and old as well. I will turn their mourning into gladness; I will give them comfort and joy instead of sorrow.’
This isn’t just some vague, hopeful future… somewhere over the rainbow… resolution and contentment one day. This is a God who brings his love, joy and peace into my life so that they live and grow, bringing comfort, joy and healing today.
You’ve turned my mourning
Into dancing again
You’ve lifted my sorrows
I can’t stay silent
I must sing for Your joy has come
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