I both really like this song but also really dislike this song.

The reason I like this song is because it really describes how I feel when I’m overwhelmed by everything going on my life (a little bit like right now). The first verse and chorus actually describe me pretty well when I’m down. But when I’m down, I also call myself stupid because tons of other people are going through much worse things, which is why the second verse resonates with me too.

However, what I really dislike about the song is the solution it offers to “these times”. The only comfort that can be offered is that the difficult times will pass. Maybe there’s a reason for it, but maybe not. But for sure, they’ll pass. Yeah, that’s comforting. If you wait long enough, you’ll just go numb and stop caring and feeling bad. That’s a great solution!

But there’s no real solution here. It’s just an empty hope…

I prefer Rush of Fool’s solution in their song “Escape”: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YF—Ej8r5QU

Or better yet, God’s solution in His word.

¹⁸ For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.

-Romans 8:18

²⁶ Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. ²⁷ And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. ²⁸ And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

-Romans 8:26-28

That’s infinitely more encouraging and assuring than “just wait it out.” For joy in Christ, I can lift my face when I am overwhelmed. And for joy in Christ, I will be able to endure even greater suffering, even to death if He so wishes.