I have a lot of great memories from Sunday school when I was a kid. The teachers were always sweet, we memorized a lot of Bible verses, I accumulated dozens of coloring pages of shepherds and angels over the years, the games were ridiculously fun (especially if running was involved) and story time was mesmerizing as a six-year-old (anyone else remember the felt boards?) One aspect I have recently been thinking about, however, are the songs that we sang. The tunes were super catchy, the lyrics straightforward and often repetitive, and there was usually shouting, hand motions and clapping involved. I've realized they were also great building blocks for understanding God's truth, and maybe it wouldn't hurt for adults to reminded of those building blocks every once in a while as we sometimes get overwhelmed by the more complicated parts of life and faith.
1. Jesus Loves Me
Like most kids' songs the lyrics are simple, but it's the simplicity that is so powerful. It proclaims the truth of God's love for his children and points back to his Word for reassurance. The older we get, I believe the more prone we become to focus on our past regrets and mistakes, our shortcomings and flaws. We focus on how we could be better, should be better or how we aren't good enough. We forget that we are loved despite our brokenness, that "we are weak, but He is strong." Jesus' love for us is a truth we cannot be reminded of enough.
2. He's Got the Whole World in His Hands
Nothing feels more unpredictable and out of control than the world right now. Tragedy after tragedy leaves us reeling. We try to feel more in control by clenching all the different pieces of our own lives. We hunger for stability, peace and assurance. We wonder where God is. This song is a reminder that the world is not out of God's control, that our lives are not unnoticed or uncared for by him. We may not understand why he allows heartbreaking things to happen, but we can be assured that he is God and he is good and that he has promised life to those who follow him no matter what terrible thing might try to shake the world. We are in his care.
3. Jesus Loves the Little Children
Not only does Jesus love the little children, he loves "all the children of the world." Christ's love surpasses all differences: race, language, culture, etc. Far too often I think we become too focused on our own little corners of the world and the hardships we go through, and forget that Christ cares just as deeply for those on the other side of the planet as he does for us. Not only should this be a call for us to follow his example and love in spite of any difference we might encounter, but it also means we should care about what is happening to people around the globe and not ignore their suffering because of their distance.
4. The B-I-B-L-E
As kids we stomped our feet and shouted that we stood alone on the Word of God. For how many of this is that statement true? I personally have struggled with devoting myself to spending time in God's Word every day. This song is a reminder that Christ and his Word must be our foundation. It is our guide for living a life dedicated to following him. Not only that, but we cannot waffle between pursuing God's wisdom and trying to do things our own way or the world's way.
5. I've Got Joy (Joy, Joy, Joy) Down in my Heart
"Yeah!"
The love of Jesus is absolutely astounding and breathtaking. He died for us and has made us new. He has promised us eternal life. His Holy Spirit lives inside of us. Where is our joy? Far too often we allow ourselves to become burdened by worries of this world and forget how to be joyful for the wondrous gift God has given us. Shouldn't we be excited instead?
Don't get me wrong: I know life is hard. Every day we are the witnesses or victims of hardship. I'm not saying we should have wide smiles painted on our faces and gloss over the painful things with a grin. I'm saying that even when those things happen to us, we should turn to the hope of Christ and not let ourselves be made bitter by our circumstances. Jesus is alive and he loves us. Let's live in a way that demonstrates that to others.
