I cannot name many Christian bands that resort to the use of swear words in their praise lyrics. In fact, I can only think of one off the top of my head - Kings Kaleidoscope. For those of you who do not know, Kings Kaleidoscope is a phenomenal Christian band from Washington. Their music is seriously my favorite for two reasons: the lead singer's voice is gold, and the band pulls their lyrics and song ideas directly from the Bible. As a PK (Pastor's Kid), I'm all for theologically-sound music.

Rather than give away the meaning behind "A Prayer", the song that uses a certain f-word, I highly encourage you to go listen to it on their 2016 album Beyon Control. (Do you agree with his use of strong language? Be sure to listen to the full song and comment below!) Instead, I want to highlight another Kings Kaleidoscope song, "Light After Darkness" from their 2014 album Becoming Who We Are. For some reason, this song is one I can listen to several times in a row and still not be sick of it. Chad Gardner, the lead singer, sings about all of the good things that come after times of trouble, but he points out that God is good all of the time. Here is a little taste:

"Sight after mystery, peace after pain

Joy after sorrow, calm after blast,

Rest after weariness, sweet rest at last."

Can you feel the peace washing over you with that last line?

Later, the chorus praises God as the "promise of peace on my pathway to faith". I love the parallelism between this song and the story of Jesus. Before Jesus came, our world was spiritually dark; though God was with the Hebrew people, He was not yet available to everyone. Then, He sent His Son to bring "peace on earth and good will to men." Jesus is the "light after darkness" and the promise of peace for our weary souls. When God makes a promise, He does not break it. Look at His promise to Noah after the Flood, His promise to Abraham to bless him with children, and His promise to the world in the form of a baby boy. In the midst of the evils of this world and in the midst of the chaos that is finals, Jesus promises to fill us with peace. We know that when we seek Jesus, this promise is fulfilled.

I am easily overwhelmed when I think about all of the work I need to accomplish. I'm trying to be involved in the theatre community, make beautiful latte art at a coffee shop, and be a full-time college student; the stress hits hard and fast. So, when I hear about Jesus being the "promise of peace", something in my heart just sighs from relief. I feel my shoulders lift. I want to sing out of joy! Why do I need to worry? Jesus literally promises us that His burden is light (Matt. 11:28-30); He tells us that our worry is for nothing because He is so much bigger than the problems in this world.

Here is the bottom line: Jesus is fulfilling our need for peace in our busy lives.

But, wait! There's more! He not only promises peace in our lives here on earth but also eternal peace with Him in heaven. We have no need to worry ever again because He is with us and is in control. To a girl whose current reality is built on worry and anxiety, peace sounds like a million bucks, and Jesus is giving it to me (and you) for free. I don't know about you, but I am ready to accept that offer. Goodbye, anxiety; hello, Jesus and His promise of peace.