Alleluia Anyway

I had originally planned to send this out just as a message filled poem. But as I thought and prayed through it, I felt the nudging to share a bit more. 

For many folks, this time of year is difficult. For one reason or another depression and disillusionment tend to be deeper and stronger during the Thanksgiving and Christmas season. 

Then throw in the political divide, the cultural issues, the economy, unemployment, wars and the remnants of the pandemic and all that has attached itself to those issues and concerns. 

Thus, many people are struggling, hurting, fearful, down, depressed, in a tough place.

If you find yourself there. 
In that place. 
Stop. 
Get help. 
Pray. 
Find someone (a friend, a pastor, a counselor, the suicide prevention hotline 800-273-8255) to talk with, share with, pray with…

And then, be strong and courageous... and Alleluia Anyway.

"I thank God for the mountains. I thank Him for the valleys. I thank Him for all He’s brought me through. For if I never had a problem. If I had never had to worry. I’d never know what faith in God could do! Through it all, through it all. I’ve learned to trust in Jesus. I’ve learned to trust in God.” – Bill Gaither

“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 
- 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” 
- Philippians 4:6-7 NIV

Alleluia Anyway
Anger rages deep within like a brewing storm
A madness able to do the unthinkable
Peace swallowed and squelched by the flames of rage
Wondering what can quench this fire.
Alleluia Anyway

Sadness so deep no tears will flow
Pain so stinging it cuts like a knife
And bleeds like a shot to the belly
Wondering what can ease the pain.
Alleluia Anyway

You are higher than the highest mountains
Deeper than the ocean floor
You are the light that defeats my darkness
Glory, Honor and Praise belong to You

Alleluia
Alleluia
Alleluia Anyway

Darkness so thick and confining there is no way out
And nothing can penetrate the rich blackness of the night
Fear so gripping it paralyzes, so numbing that nothing is felt
Wondering where and if the light will shine.
Alleluia Anyway

Mountains steeper than the highest heights
The ocean deeper than a valley trod
Gazing to the mountains and wondering
Where will my help come from?
Alleluia Anyway

Yet my heart cries out to You, the maker of heaven and earth
And from where my help comes
The passion of my praise echoes through the hills
And rides the ocean breeze

You are higher than highest mountains
Deeper than the ocean floor
You are the Light that defeats my darkness
Glory, Honor and Praise belong to You

Alleluia
Alleluia
Alleluia Anyway

“I lift up my eyes to the mountains—
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord,
the Maker of heaven and earth.
He will not let your foot slip—
he who watches over you will not slumber;
indeed, he who watches over Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.

The Lord watches over you—
the Lord is your shade at your right hand;
the sun will not harm you by day,
nor the moon by night.
The Lord will keep you from all harm—
he will watch over your life;
the Lord will watch over your coming and going
both now and forevermore.” 
- Psalm 121 NIV

Keep the Faith… Carpe Diem