Featured song: Breakfast Table, by Chris Rice, from his 2005 album, Amusing.

I attended a funeral yesterday for a uncle that I’ve not had much opportunity to see in the past few years. He had lived a long life, but as with everyone, the body finally wore out and he had to leave us. In the service held for him, I was again reminded that living in this world was never promised to be problem free. Jesus specifically told us about this, in John 16:33. I like the way the Message Bible has put it:

I’ve told you all this so that trusting me, you will be unshakable and assured, deeply at peace. In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties. But take heart! I’ve conquered the world.

The word “difficulties” here is translated as “tribulation” or “trouble” in other versions. In the Amplified Bible, it is clarified to mean “tribulation and trials and distress and frustration”. That pretty much covers all of the things that might come my way!

This might refer to the problems I had getting through my day at work today, or dealing with conflicts within my family, or the test I have to take in that class that I am struggling with. Or it might be dealing with the loss of a family member to death. In all of those situations, Jesus says that He’s been there already, and He has already won. Referring again to the Amplified Bible, Jesus says, “I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.”

Not only has Jesus gone ahead of me and taken captive all of these problems and losses I will face, but He has given me comfort in the situation. 

I have posted a number of songs in the past that dealt with heaven, and the joy I anticipate with being there someday. Here is another one, which gives me comfort as I await my time to join my friends and family in heaven, when God sees fit to end my time here. It is sung as by a husband to the wife he has lost, but can apply to anyone we love who has gone one before us.

Was it a million miles to heaven
Too far to hear my lonely song
Or is it just my imagination
I hear you humming along
I only hold you in my dreams now
I wake up with cold and empty arms
Lord help me get through
This long night without you
And soon as the morning comes
Soon as the morning comes

Save me a seat at the breakfast table
Save me a dance around the Milky Way
And save me a thousand years
To whisper in your ears
All I’ve wanted to say
Save me a smile and an angel’s feather
Save me a walk down the streets of gold
And baby, we’ll change our minds just like old times
And maybe we’ll just fly away
Or maybe we’ll stay

My lucky doll, you’re in heaven before me
You were my taste of heaven here
Remember we loved to talk about it,
We couldn’t wait to get there
So you go on and find your way around now
But remember I’m here missing you
Do me a favor and say hey to Jesus
And tell Him I’m missing Him too
Tell Him I’m missing Him too

Then save me a seat at the breakfast table
Save me a dance around the Milky Way
And save me a thousand years
To whisper in your ears
All I’ve wanted to say
Save me a smile and an angel’s feather
Save me a walk down the streets of gold
And baby, we’ll change our minds just like old times
And maybe we’ll just fly away…

Save me a seat at the breakfast table
Save me a dance around the Milky Way
And save me a thousand years
To whisper in your ears
All I’ve wanted to say
Save me a smile and an angel’s feather
Save me a walk down the streets of gold
And baby, we’ll change our minds just like old times
And maybe we’ll just fly away…

Oh, maybe we’ll fly away, we’ll fly away

‘Cause I miss you, I miss you, I miss you, I miss you
Baby let’s fly away
We’ll fly, we’ll fly, we’ll fly,
And we’ll have forever
We’ll have forever and ever

I can’t wait to see you
I can’t wait to hold you
I can’t wait to see you
I can’t wait to hold you again

You were my taste of heaven
We’ll have forever
I can’t wait to see you
I can’t wait to hold you