Faith vs. Feelings

M

any years ago in college, I wrote a song that continues to bubble up when I'm feeling overwhelmed by the circumstances in my life. Sometimes it's hard to look past my feelings and perceptions and anchor my faith in the facts found in God's Word. This song is about that struggle.

Most of the thoughts in this song were inspired by the words of Job&#W0151;but the resolve portion of the song comes from the psalmist, David (Job 23 and Psalm 119 are two key passages from which I’ve pulled the concepts). The melody is haunting in a minor key, but the “resolve” is in a major, hopeful key. Someday I’ll get it recorded and share it again. Meanwhile, here are the lyrics.

Oh Lord, where are you hiding?
My eyes can’t see your face.
I know that you’re beside me,
Sustaining with your grace.

And I know that you are working
To soften my heart
My affliction shall teach me your word.

My soul, it feels so lonely;
My heart, about to break.
My eyes are tired of weeping.
Much more I cannot take.

But I know that you are working
To soften my heart
My affliction shall teach me your word.

(Resolve)

Oh soul, cease your weeping; put away your tears.
For who is a rock save the Lord?
His purpose is to try you, to purge you like gold,
To teach you the ways of his word.

Oh Lord, where are you hiding?
My eyes can’t see your face.
I know that you’re beside me,
Sustaining with your grace.

And I know that you are working
To soften my heart
My affliction shall teach me your word.