A Better Message

We get the message. The subliminal messages of the media makes it pretty clear to us what our society expects and prefers.   You are familiar with its message -- we have to be fit, bubbly, and sexy. Movie after movie, television show after television show gives us the message that good looks, a winning smile, and a bubbly personality will serve us well. We’ll find good jobs, good mates, and happy families. We get the message. It’s loud and clear. If we have these things, life will be good, but what if we don’t meet these expectations? Then who am I? 

At a recent worship service, we were blessed with the lyrics from the Christian song, “Come as you are” by a Christian group that calls themselves, A Pocket Full of Rocks. The lyrics of this song gives us a different message, a message that may leave us feeling differently about ourselves than the messages we’ve gleaned from the media that surrounds us day after day. Here are the opening lyrics to this “Come as you are”.

 

He's not mad at you
He's not disappointed
His grace is greater still,
than all of your wrong choices
He is full of mercy and he is ever kind
Hear his invitation, His arms are open wide

This song reminds me of a Psalm that has helped me through more difficult times.  The times when we've felt unworthy, imperfect, or alone. This psalm speaks to us when we have been bullied or scorned or the times that we've been overlooked or ignored. The times when a best friend hurts us with words or actions or those times when we're so confused, and we don’t know where to turn to find a warm embrace, a word of love or the voice that says to us do not worry for you will not have to make this journey alone. The words from Psalm 139 hold me close to God when the rest of the world seems to be pushing me away. “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; I know that full well. Psalm 139:13-14. 

I am fearfully and wonderfully made…I know this full well. The message is clear. May we find strength and peace in knowing how much God has carefully, thoughtfully, and lovingly created our very being and may we hear this message above else. 

Prayer:

                God I am fearfully and wonderfully made! You created all of me and you love me for all that I am. Today, my spirit will sing to your glory for your arms are open wide and you welcome me into this new day. Amen.