Social media definitely has its harmful side. No arguments here. But a few weeks ago, God used Instagram (an unlikely source of comfort most days) to lead me to rest in Him.
One of my acquaintances from college, who I just happen to still follow, posted a story featuring a song by Iron City Worship. Iron City is a church in Birmingham and I know a handful of people who go there. (I learned later that Iron City Church and Iron City Worship are not affiliated with each other.)
(Bear with me. I’m going somewhere with this. I promise.)
I found them on Apple Music and gave them a listen. One song struck a chord with me right away.
“How can I say You’re good”
The song opens like this: “How can I say You’re good when life’s a living hell, and I am empty from the pain that You allow.”
I’ve talked about it before — my mom is in a lot of pain in her back and legs. The pain relieved by her surgery in the fall has recently returned, and I’ve been struggling to see the goodness of God within it all.
The song later offers this plea: “Oh Lord, don’t pass me by, for I have nothing left. I’m running on empty. Will You fill me again?”
This song, that I randomly found through an old acquaintance on Instagram, perfectly voiced the sorrow that had been stirring in my heart and gave me words to cry out to God with.
The song continues, “Christ has come. Christ has died. Christ has risen. He is alive.”
This chorus is an apt reminder, both for me in my current circumstances and for all of us in this season of Advent.
“For He has overcome”
Our hope is this and this alone: Christ has come.
The final verse of “Christ Has Come” declares, “Christ will come again. To damn this pain to hell. For He has overcome, and we will reign with Him.”
I know it’s Advent and not Easter, but the two are unmistakably intertwined. To celebrate one is to celebrate the other. Without Advent, there is no Easter. Without Easter, we have no reason to celebrate Advent.
And without Easter and Advent, we have no hope. We have nothing to look forward to past the sorrow and pain of this life.
So whether it’s a lifeline in a tumultuous season or a timely reminder during this Christmas season, remember this promise:
Christ has come. And Christ will come again.
