I’ve been doodling, coloring, and helping my kids paint most of today. It was snowing so we needed something fun and creative and I wanted to make name cards for Easter lunch. It seemed like a good day to stay inside and relax!
I turned on my Rest - Vocals playlist on Spotify and we were singing along while we crafted. The kids ate lunch and headed off to play, leaving me to finish my project. The song “Jesus Strong and Kind” from CityAlight came on and as I colored, I thought about the truth I was hearing.
Jesus said that if I thirst
I should come to Him
No one else can satisfy
I should come to Him
Jesus said, if I am weak
I should come to Him
No one else can be my strength
I should come to Him
Jesus said that if I fear
I should come to Him
No one else can be my shield
I should come to Him
Then the chorus:
For the Lord is good and faithful
He will keep us day and night
We can always run to Jesus
Jesus, strong and kind
As I sang along and thought about the words, I thought about all the things this world offers that we are tempted to “run to” or trust. Financial security, perfect health, secure job, comforting family. While these things aren’t bad and are certainly things to be grateful for, when they become what we seek to keep our lives going or when we trust them to get us through hardships without first crying out to the Lord, we are neglecting our first and strongest line of defense.
No one else can satisfy, no one else can give us strength, no one else can guard us. Only Jesus offers what will ultimately matter — true rest in him. True peace in him. One of the things that struck me anew in these verses is that not only is Jesus strong enough to bear our sins on the cross. He is also kind or loving enough to want to. He isn’t just a nice guy and good example without power or ability to help in our troubles. He is strong AND kind AND loving AND faithful AND….
Why would we seek after anything else when we face trials? Why would we think anyone else can help us how we need help?
If you are struggling with running to God with your trials, I encourage you to read the Psalms which are filled with beautiful pictures of crying out to God when hope seems far and finding strength and mercy.
Photo by Karsten Wurth on Unsplash
Words for Jesus, Strong and Kind:
Songwriters: Colin Buchanan / Michael Farren / Rich Thompson / Jonny Robinson
Jesus, Strong and Kind lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Pty. Ltd., Farren Love And War Publishing, Integrity's Alleluia! Music, Cityalight Music