Butterflies and Rainbows

Sharing deep thoughts with a passionate young woman who is more like family than friend. Listening to her heart as she expresses the need for Christians to be real makes me wonder if we have our own brand of political correctness? With the advent of social media, suddenly everyone’s life is an open book…but are we really brave enough to be totally honest? I think that we have a tendency to want to look good when we know the world is watching. But, our sweet friend expressed it well, “Life is not all butterflies and rainbows.”

If we are trying to impress others by acting like we don’t have any problems, how will we ever minister to those who are struggling? Perhaps if we would allow ourselves to be transparent, those who are hurting would be drawn to our vulnerability. Admitting our failures and shortcomings reveals our need for a Savior. And isn’t that our ultimate goal: To share with others the Good News that “God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.” John 3:17

In the midst of this conversation, we watched a YouTube video with Bono and Eugene Peterson discussing the Psalms. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-l40S5e90KY) They beautifully articulated the need for Christians to be open regarding the difficulties and challenges in their lives. Bono said that the Psalmist was “brutally honest” about his struggles, which is why most of us can relate to the Psalms when we feel downtrodden and discouraged.

“Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise Him again – my Savior and my God.” Psalm 42:11 NLT

I loved hearing Bono quote Psalm 40:1-3 from The Message by Eugene Peterson:

“I waited and waited and waited for God. At last He looked; finally He listened. He lifted me out of the ditch, pulled me from deep mud. He stood me up on a solid rock to make sure I wouldn’t slip. He taught me how to sing the latest God-song, a praise-song to our God.”

We identify with the Psalmist as he expresses his sorrow, but I love the fact that in spite of everything, he always concludes that God is the victor over all of his adversities! This is indeed the message that we should be sharing with the world around us.

“O Lord, I have so many enemies; so many are against me. So many are saying, ‘God will never rescue him!’ But You, O Lord, are a shield around me; You are my glory, the one who holds my head high.” Psalm 3:1-3 NLT