You Were on the Cross

This entry is going to seem really long but it's only because I've included the lyrics to a song that has been rolling around in my heart and mind lately. My belief is that if you're a human and you're reading this you'll be able to identify with what the artist is saying. I found myself quite humbled when I first truly listened to the song. I thought of all the times I struggled with disappointment or a feeling of loneliness in the midst of God's refining. I thought of my reaction to God in those low moments and much of the time there was an accusatory hint to my approach to Him. Somewhere on the lines of "How could you let me go through this alone?", "Why are you taking away these hopes and/or dreams I have?", or "Why have you abandoned me when I need you most?". I love this song because it's such a poignant reminder that all those times I accused God of abandoning me, the reality is He knows what I'm experiencing because of Jesus' life on this earth and the abandonment Jesus experienced as He suffered on the cross while His Father looked the other way. Jesus isn't called our Great High Priest for nothing. He knows. He gets it. He's fully aware of how it feels to live in this fallen world and He hasn't, in fact, abandoned us. Better yet, He's created a way out of the fallen-ness of this world without having to leave it. He created victory over our sin, shame, broken hopes and dreams when He suffered that cruelest of all abandonment from His own Father. He's simply waiting for me to stop depending too much on the broken humans around me and do the hard work of coming into His presence and waiting on Him to meet me where I am. Please know that I'm not advocating for trying to work out all things on your own. I'm fully aware of the necessity of a supportive Church community and feel if you're not in one you're not only handicapping your own ability to make it through the tough things of this world but you're also opening yourself up to believing lots of lies of the enemy. Just reminding you that community is full of broken humans who will let you down and that it's necessary to place your first hope in Christ. That's the end of that sermon. Now read the lyrics and if possible find the song to listen to:)

"You Were on the Cross", Matt Maher

Lost, everything is lost
And everything I've loved before is gone
Alone like the coming of the frost
And a cold winter's chill in my stony heart

And where when You when all that I've hoped for,
Where when you when all that I've dreamed,
Came crashing down in shambles around me?
You were on the cross.

Pain, could you take way the pain?
If I find someone to blame, would it make my life seem easier?
Alone, all my friends are asleep
And I can't find anyone to stay awake with me.

Where were You when sin stole my innocence?
Where were You when I was ashamed?
Hiding in a life I wish I never made.

You were on the cross. My God, my God.
All alone, all alone.
You were on the cross. You died for us.
All alone, all alone.
You were on the cross, victorious.
All alone, all alone.

You were there in all of my suffering.
And you were there in doubt and fear.
I'm waiting for the dawn to reappear.