CityAlight – Jesus, Strong and Kind

LYRICS

Reflections

When I first heard this song, I couldn’t help but think of passages such as John 6:35 and Matthew 11:28-30, I can’t help but think of the mercy of Jesus toward me when reflecting on that day when he finally laid down his life for me on the cross. There is a part of me that wishes I could’ve been there on that day when he died. But there is a much bigger part of me that wishes I could’ve been there on the third day when it was discovered that the tomb was empty, when the news was spreading – Jesus has risen from the dead. In the counseling office, the implications of an empty tomb are innumerable.

This song contains several rich references to the security we have in knowing Jesus, and experiencing relationship with him in such a way where we trust and believe that he is indeed our ultimate hope, our true strength, our great and mighty shield. This is why I think this song is helpful in the context of the counseling process when working with individuals who struggle with feeling fearful or lost in life. This song sings deep truths we need to regularly remind ourselves of. I see it often – people unsure about the future, unsure about themselves and unsure if they are making the right decisions, etc. Fear and that sense of lostness is pervasive and it doesn’t really matter the age.

The other themes of thirst and weakness are also salient topics in counseling. Important career endeavors, astute academic accolades, position, authority and power in the workforce are all vying for the attention of our hearts and minds. They seek to preoccupy our thoughts so that we concern ourselves with the next level forward or the next position upward. We often miss it, that the way up is the way down. So, all too often, folks who make their way to counseling are worn down from working harder and harder for things that they slowly realize do not satisfy. There is a mixture of sadness and disappointment, and it’s not always easy to discern exactly where we need to surrender what may ultimately turn out to be an idol of the heart.

This is why we need more than an good counselor – we need Jesus who is strong and kind. Despite much of our pretense of strength in life, most of us are much more insecure than we let on. But let me say clearly — that is okay. Meaning, it’s okay to be insecure in yourself because Jesus will be your security and your strength. You do not need to pretend to be someone you’re not, and hope that others respect you or like you. Jesus’ love is truly enough.

If you have found yourself alone in life, feeling abandoned and disconnected from others, or questioning whether you have the strength to move on, or you’re not sure if you even want to do what it takes to move on; if you’ve ever felt lost, confused, disorganized or unsure if anyone is trustworthy or have no where to turn, then let me offer this counsel.

What Jesus offers those who struggle

1. Jesus offers you life by his death. He keeps your hope alive by the fact of his resurrection. Therefore, you can turn to him and he will welcome anyone who comes to him in faith. Your struggle may not “disappear” overnight, in the strictest sense; however, he will enable you to carry on no matter what happens.

2. Jesus is good and faithful. You can rest assured that he knows all about your fears, weaknesses, that sense of lostness, aloneness and brokenness; he is fully attuned to those deep soul-level thirsts that drive your life. Because he is fully knowledgeable about you in these areas, he will also be found to be good and kind in response to you when you finally come clean and lean into him. With him, there is no fear.

3. Jesus is always available, day or night. Unlike our friends and family (or even our therapist) who may not around when we need them, Jesus is here. He is always available to those who struggle, no matter how much the struggle, no matter how deep the struggle and no matter how persistent the struggle.

Questions

Listen to this song, meditate on the lyrics and ask yourself:
1. Are you aware or do you believe that Jesus knows you perfectly and is able to help you with your biggest problems?

2. Is it really possible that Jesus can be your shield in the midst of your worst fears and doubts? Why or why not?

3. Do you ever feel weak, insecure and unsure about yourself and your life? If so, then are you ready to rest in his strength and his kindness?

4. Are you tired of running to other things for satisfaction only to be disappointed? If so, then are you ready to run to Jesus?