Every now and then I listen quite closely to the lyrics of country music hits and realize there’s a message worth sharing.
“Tough People” has been working its way up the popularity charts for several months. Singer/songwriter Drew Baldridge paints a powerful picture of tough people going through tough times.
These truly are tough times and we need a physical, mental and spiritual toughness to make it through whatever lies ahead!
The lyrics talk about tragic events that we cannot control, which often occur in the lives of normal ordinary folks just going through life doing their best to be good citizens.
Then, without warning their lives are turned upside down. Natural disasters, illnesses, school shootings and war all rear their ugly heads.
Some certainly succumb to these evil forces, yet many others demonstrate their toughness and courage in the heat of such battles.
Baldridge doesn’t go all that deep into the ingredients of their toughness, but I can’t help but bring this discussion full circle to include where I’m certain most find the inner strength to carry on through such difficult times.
The inner strength I’m referring to is found in a personal relationship with the God of the Universe. He not only creates all, but He intimately oversees all.
While in the Desert of Judah while hiding from King Saul, David wrote these insightful words — in Psalm 63:1-5 — to his Heavenly Father: “Oh God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water. I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory. Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands. My soul will be satisfied as with the riches of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise you.”
You see, King David, considered to be a man after God’s own heart as proclaimed by the Prophet Samuel, trusted he would eventually be delivered out of his difficult circumstances.
In a like manner, all who claim God as Savior and Lord in essence have the heart of God since the Holy Spirit dwells in their very being.
That’s the strength I believe gets tough people through tough times! We all face hardships that will test our faith and our God is certainly watching over us.
Perhaps you are going through tough times and don’t know where to turn. May I boldly suggest you turn to Jesus?
In Matthew 11:28-30 we are told, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”