Each December various writers put out their lists of words they think should be retired. Words the author thinks we as a people have overused in the last twelve months. And as my Conference Youth Events Staff t-shirt came in the mail this week I both laughed and sighed, because the shirt included a word I’m ready to retire: virtual. I do actually love this t-shirt. But it’s a reminder of canceled and converted-to-online events from March until now.
I got this shirt because I staffed Breakaway, an event specifically focused on worship. And so I turn to the original worship resource book of God’s people, the Psalms. In Psalm 13 the writer asks “How long must I hear pain in my soul, and have sorrow in my heart…?” This psalmist is talking about literal enemies triumphing over him, and while our enemy is much more figurative, we’re probably equally bummed about it.But the psalmist doesn’t stop with that idea and neither should we. He’s honest before God about his sorrow and his questions, but goes on to say “…I trusted in your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation.” God’s love is steadfast. Let our hearts choose to rejoice in him who remains the same… even when nothing else does.
