In late 2014, I stumbled across an article written by the ever talented Annie F. Downs called Stop Singing Oceans. While this initially may seem like a controversial attack on everyone's favorite worship song by Hillsong United, Annie makes a convicting point about understanding what the lyrics that we sing truly say- specifically, the bridge of the song which is a prayer of being led where we trust fully and bravely, despite what life may through at us.
In the article, she states "Nothing in those two lines of lyrics is going to feel good when you are going through it. You are singing, with your hands raised high, for God to make you uncomfortable… and then you feel the nudge- the nudge to buy a coffee for a homeless man or confess a sin to your small group or share about something that happened in your past, and you don't do it. I don’t either. And every time I hear that song, I feel convicted for the way I sing it but refuse to live it."
How true is that?
This past week, I was hit by this idea as I sang this very song in worship. I realized that I tend to only be concerned with obeying God when it's on my terms. I value my contentment over my responsibility to selflessly serve Christ. But that's not what true Christianity is about, is it?
What if truly following the Lord means going outside yourself, going outside your comfort zone, in obedience despite the risk of discomfort?
I highly doubt it was comfortable or easy for Jesus to die on that cross for us. I don't deserve that kind love through pain, but God sure does deserve everything I can possibly give Him.
In light of this realization, I have been attempting to focus more on how I will serve Him, despite potential inconveniences that may exist. Sure, it's only been a week of implementing this concept in my life, but in that short amount of time, God has remained faithful and given me such peace in times of hard decisions or anxiety.
I don't want to live a life of faking it 'til I make it. I want to sing "Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders" and have that be my whole-hearted prayer. I want to sincerely be able to ask for God to make me uncomfortable and for the Holy Spirit to guide me as I strive to serve Him, no matter what. Am I there yet? Absolutely not. But one day, I sure hope to be. Baby steps.
At the end of her article, Annie challenges readers by depicting what life looks like where trust is without borders, saying "It is wild. And unpredictable. And dangerous. Also? It’s exhilarating and life-giving and exactly the kind of brave people God wants us to be. But. If you are only singing the song and not living the life, stop singing Oceans."
I sure don't want to stop singing it.
