Nothing like a good ‘ol country song to put things in the right perspective! To tell the truth, I have been in a bit of a funk lately myself, but a couple of weekends ago I was mowing the yard with Pandora in my ears when I heard this song for the first time. I grew up as a military brat, so the whole “suck it up and press on” mentality was instilled a long time ago! This song isn’t a “Christian” song, per se, but it is a good reminder that things aren’t going to be all sunshine and roses and that life will hit you hard. In thinking about this song, some scripture stood out to me:
Lyric:
“Got a call last night from an old friend’s wife
Said I hate to bother you
Johnny Ray fell off the wagon
He’s been gone all afternoon
Well I know my buddy so I drove to Skully’s
And found him at the bar
I say hey man, what’s going on?
He said I don’t know where to start”
Scripture:
Romans 12:15 – Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.
Gal. 6:2 – Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
Prov. 18:24 – A man who has friends must himself be friendly, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
Lyric:
“Sarah’s old car’s about to fall apart
And the washer quit last week
We had to put momma in the nursing home
And the baby’s cutting teeth
I didn’t get much work this week
And I got bills to pay
I said I know this ain’t what you wanna hear
But it’s what I’m gonna say”
Scripture:
John 16:33 – “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”
Zech 8:16 – These are the things you are to do: Speak the truth to each other, and render true and sound judgment in your courts;
Eph 4:15 – Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.
Lyric:
Sounds like life to me it ain’t no fantasy
It’s just a common case of everyday reality
Man I know it’s tough but you gotta suck it up
To hear you talk you’re caught up in some tragedy
It sounds like life to me
Scripture:
Phil. 4:6-7 – Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Math 6:33-34 – But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Father, I pray for those who are simply overwhelmed by life right now! We know that You are ultimately in control and love us more than we will ever be able to understand in our finite, human minds. Holy Spirit, lead and direct us back to Jesus when we start to stray! All glory and honor to You, Savior!
Barnabas Man 