I have seen this happen over and over again in Mexico, Spain, Japan, Germany and many other places that I have lived in or visited over the years. But then, during the same service, the local church will sing a song that was originally written in their language, and I am struck by how much more powerful the words of the song are (even if I can't always explain why in English). After singing something that just didn't seem quite right, these songs seem to just capture the entire congregation in an unexplainable yet incredibly worshipful experience.
Yesterday, during the Palm Sunday service at the local Baptist church here in Mosbach, Germany, we sung one of my favorite German praise songs, "Anker in der Zeit." I was immediately struck by such a powerful sense of God's love and provision for us. And I love the fact that it focuses on the fact that there is joy in the midst of pain and an unshakable, unwavering hope even when we cannot see clearly or do not understand why.
So, in the midst of questions and ambiguity, pain and struggle, I choose to trust and rely on Him to provide for all of my needs (even if that provision looks nothing like what I was expecting). We are often tempted to believe that faith in God will result in getting everything we want and answers to all of our questions. But the reality is that when I am focused on Him, His desires become my desires, and I interpret my circumstances and the things that happen in my life in a completely different way. I am also reminded, once again, that I am not the main character in this story. He is the center of the story, and the purpose of my life is to glorify and bring honor to Him. If He can use the questions, pain and struggles of life to draw me closer to Him and to draw others to Him through me, then they are well worth every single tear and every moment of uncertainty and pain.
I am blessed once again in this Easter season to be reminded of God's love for us, and the true meaning of life. And I love the fact that His love for us is the same, regardless of which language we speak or what words we use to praise Him.
The English translation below is very rough and doesn't quite capture the power of the song, but here is an attempt to translate it for those of you that do not speak German.
Anker in der Zeit
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7FwMNeWoXpk
There is an unconditional love, which carries everything and never leaves and an unwavering hope, which surpasses any test of time. There is a light that shows us the way, even if we do not see anything now. There is certainty of our faith, even if we frequently do not understand.
There is reconciliation even for enemies and true peace after the quarrel, forgiveness for the worst sins, a new beginning at any time. There is an everlasting kingdom of peace. In our midst it lives already: a slice of heaven here on earth in Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
He is the center of the story, He is the anchor in time. He is the source of all life and our goal in eternity, and our goal forever.
It is the wonderful healing, the last salvation in time of need. And there solace in pain and suffering, eternal life after death. There is justice for all, for our everlasting loyalty a reward. There is a feast forever with Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
He is the center of the story, He is the anchor in time. He is the source of all life and our goal in eternity, and our goal forever.
