After the last two days, where a whole song has reached out to me, here it is just two lines from an American Folk Duo that shows me that God can be part of everything I do.
If I mention Simon & Garfunkel in relationship to songs about feeling God’s presence, most people may jump in and say “Ah yes, Bridge over Troubled Water, what a great metaphor for Jesus, the whole song oozes the Love of God”. Whether the writers intended for it to be such, I don’t know, but I would agree, listening to “Bridge over Troubled Water” can be truly uplifting and I have used it in the past as a mini worship song, with Jesus in my thoughts and heart.
But, I’m not talking about this song today.
Today I’m using two lines from the song “America”, to show how much God can reach you when there seems nothing but emptiness.
Without God, Jesus, Church and Fellowship, nothing really ever sits quite right. I know this because in a pursuit for happiness (insert wealth), I had moved my house from the firm foundations to risky ones. And yes, readers, the house did come crashing down……
But in retrospect I had everything and I had nothing, because I had forgotten about God, I had, by my own admission forgotten about him and neglected him. He no longer played a part in my life.
YouTube Video “America” [3:41 min]
The song goes nicely along, detailing the adventures of two carefree travellers exploring America. It seems they have everything they need: cigarettes, pies, money and time. All is good in their world. The narrator takes you through the journey of these two young lovers with everything they want.
It is only in the final verse where things are not all what they seem.
“Kathy, I’m lost” I said although I know she was sleeping
I’m empty and aching and I don’t know why
Two lines that blow apart the whole song from being a joyous search for something new, from people who have everything they need, to a cry for help.
“I’m lost, I’m empty and I don’t know why”
Every time I know hear the song, I smile inwardly. Not because I’m smug, but because I know how close I came to losing so much more then “Stuff”.
I’m no longer empty and aching…..and I know why!!!!
Jesus, help me focus on the things that are important in life. That no amount of Stuff can replace you in my life. Help me keep you at the centre of my life.
Steve Fogo
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