He Is Risen. He is Risen Indeed.

For as long as I can remember there are certain times where I will hear certain songs and lyrics and be completely floored. Overwhelmed with the meaning and understanding behind the song.

It is easy to get stuck in that place of going through the motions as a Christian. Going to church just as something you check off on the list.

And lately, there is a part of me that has felt very much that way. As though I am stuck, going through the motions. Couple that with sometimes missing some of the worship due to a child needing to go potty or needing to nurse an infant and I've felt distant and lost.

I'm being honest. Because it'd be much too easy to sugarcoat it.

I could elaborate here. I could go into the exact thoughts I've had, the questions I've grappled with, along with the struggle I've battled. Most all relating back to losses and trying to make sense of it. Wondering why, when so many people get on their knees begging and praying and expecting miracles, the Lord takes away. I'm not only referring to my own loss of my mom, but other friends losses.

Parents, spouses, babies, friends.

And then feeling selfish, and guilty, for even wondering such things. Because I know that He gives, and He takes away.

Today, as we left church and drove to my dad's. J and I sipping coffees while three of the four kids snoozed on the way. This song came on the radio. And while I've heard it many times before, today, something inside of me clicked.

2 Corinthians 4:17-18
For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

...Eternal glory that far outweighs them all...

Because of Good Friday and because of today, Easter Sunday, we will get to see that eternal glory someday. Eternal glory that outweighs all the pain, the struggling, the suffering.

Jesus has overcome
And the grave is overwhelmed
The victory is won
He is risen from the dead

And I will rise when He calls my name
No more sorrow, no more pain
I will rise on eagles' wings
Before my God fall on my knees
And rise
I will rise
-Chris Tomlin

Today, I was reminded, by a song on the radio, no less, that I will rise.

Isaiah 40:31
But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

That He is there and all I need to do is hope in Him and He will help me through this season, much like he's helped me through every other season in my life.

I will rise when He calls my name.

Because He is risen.
He is risen indeed.