Don’t Let Wounded Souls Drift Away…

Dave Burchett

Drift Away from Dobie Gray cycled up on my music playlist this week.

Day after day I’m more confused
So I look for the light in the pouring rain
You know that’s a game that I hate to lose
I’m feelin’ the strain, ain’t it a shame

Those lyrics cause me to reflect on the millions of emotionally lonely and hurting people during this weird and trying season. They are definitely feelin’ the strain. I see the fear and angst from so many on social media. I know that many feel alone. Where is God? Where is His community? Where is the light in the pouring rain? Sometimes our faith community can feel discouraging and distant. We all know that people will let you down. Perhaps they are carrying burdens unknown to you and me. But many others do care. And God cares deeply about your pain. If you are feeling alone I encourage you to cry out to God and reach out to others for help. This week some folks reached out to me and I was honored and blessed to share their journey. Those of us who are in a good place right now can pray that the Holy Spirit will lead us to those who are hurting and/or give them the freedom to reach out to us. When we love others sacrificially it really helps wounded souls to navigate this storm. Paul described how that looks.

Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them. Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all! (Romans 12:9-16, NLT)

Saint Francis of Assisi is said to have observed that we should “preach the gospel at all times…if necessary, use words.”  I have personally witnessed the power of letting the gospel message flow out of loving actions and not out of condemnation and judgement.

Sorry for the detour. Back to Dobie Gray.

Oh, give me the beat, boys, and free my soul
I wanna get lost in your rock and roll and drift away

I guess all of us are looking for something to free our souls. I have found that in Jesus. We can look at the same evidence for faith and reach a different conclusion. Eventually it comes down to a step of faith. I examined the issue and decided that God exists. Then I examined what that means in my life. I came to believe that Jesus is the Son of God who came to redeem me.

A final note to anyone who finds this site and believes that all Christians are judgmental and mean. Not gonna lie to you. Some are. Jesus is still working on all of us. But if you want a place of grace filled and honest discussion I hope you will become a regular here. We have much to discuss.

My latest book, Waking Up Slowly, can be used as a 21 Day Journey to become more connected with God, one another and yourself.

Waking Up Slowly_Cover

No performance demands…just grace suggestions based on God’s Word. Would you join me on that journey? Click here to check it out.