My father was our choir director growing up. I tend to think he was pretty good at it too. My parents were both professional musicians, and I grew up surrounded by music. When I came back to Christianity, some of the hymns I’d been hearing my entire life took on new meaning. “They Cast Their Nets in Galilee” is one.
They Cast Their Nets in Galilee
They cast their nets in Galilee Just off the hills of brown;
Such happy, simple fisherfolk, Before the Lord came down.Contented, peaceful fishermen, Before they ever knew
The peace of God that filled their hearts Brimful, and broke them too.Young John who trimmed the flapping sail, Homeless, in Patmos died.
Peter, who hauled the teeming net, Head-down was crucified.The peace of God, it is no peace, But strife closed in the sod.
Yet, brothers, pray for but one thing—The marvelous peace of God.
Here were the apostles, minding their own business, fishing, making a living, and doing fine. Then along comes the most amazing man they’ll ever meet. Not just any man. God, in human form. He is standing before them, beckoning them. And without question they turn and follow him.
Never again would life be easy. Prosecuted and persecuted they spent the rest of their lives trying to communicate even just a glimmer of who the Lord was, and why He came.
Only John died of old age. Yet, he was still alone. Banished to Patmos. And we’re supposed to pray for that?
Yes. Yes, we are. The Lord doesn’t make any promises that our lives on earth will be easy. He only promises to never leave us alone. The reward we’re after is not here. It is in the approving gaze that will one day be ours when we look at our Father and at His Son and we hear “Well done, good and faithful servant.” And yet, we’re often not good and not faithful. At those times it is God who is faithful to forgive, uphold, and see us through, even then.
Ultimately the suffering of the apostles wasn’t for nothing. They teach us so much about pain and sacrifice, and the value of it. Their sacrifice has echoed over 2000 years, and gives believers strength even now. Which is why I can say that I know God has a plan. Even if I can’t see it. Even if it hurts. Even if I wish it was different. There is a bigger picture. And no suffering we endure for our faith, our beliefs or our God is without worth and value.
The peace of God, it is no peace, But strife closed in the sod.
Yet, brothers, pray for but one thing—The marvelous peace of God.
Thank you, Dad, for the gift of liturgical music.
thank you for another well written article
what an interesting hymn you opted to comment about … and the lessons this hymn is referring to need to be pointed out
as an older individual, I can tell you that life does not always have to be super duper hard for a Christian … there are many times of joy (that I know you know)
again, thank you for sharing your heart and your mind with us
“as an older individual, I can tell you that life does not always have to be super duper hard for a Christian … there are many times of joy (that I know you know)”
THIS means a lot to me. Its easy to forget the joy. I feel like I’ve experienced so much heartache in the past few years- losing my first child, losing my dad, difficulties in my marriage, depression, OCD, eight moves in eight years… its easy to forget the JOY of all the amazing BLESSINGS that have come from God.
{{{ Cally }}}
my dearest one … there are many trials in the life of a Christian … there truly are … I understand the loss of a child, I understand the loss of a parent/father-in-law/mother-in-law/brother-in-law/grandparents/aunts I have been very close to/ uncles I have been very close to … and on and on and on …
at one point we were losing 1-2 relatives a year for about a six year period … and, yes, they were ALL Christians
I can understand the stress, excitement, and joy of moving several times
Let me say that the depression & OCD you may be experiencing or have experienced may be related to all the stress you have experienced …
In my life I have noticed that our Lord & King puts a fire under me to FORCE me to move in another direction.
You have written that, in the past, you were ensnared in patriarchy. PRAISE OUR LORD … HE TOOK YOU OUT!
Not only did He take you out, but He has provided a way for YOU to help other women to get OUT and, thereby, help families.
There IS joy in life. There IS fun in life … even for the Christian.
Look around you on this blog … look at the support our Saviour has raised for YOU!
talk about awesome!!!!
As an older person, may I suggest that you schedule some Goof Off time for just you and your family? I know that our family thrives on it.
Our Family Goof Off Time can look very different all the time … it may be taking long walks, watching Bob Hope/Bing Crosby movies, listening to a PG Wodehouse audiobook whilst enjoying a snack tray consisting of everybody’s favorite foods (yeah … so sometimes it isn’t healthy … who cares???? it’s Family Goof Off Time!), attending reenactments (French & Indian War, War of Independence, etc.), doing word games, etc.
The important bit is to take the time to clown around and Goof Off with one another.
There IS joy …
{{{ Cally }}}
please KNOW that you are in my prayers dearest
Please don’t think that I have forgotten that there is much joy to be had in this life. God is good and I have much to be joyful and thankful about.
But when I came to Christ I did so through a Christian movement that really sold us on the idea that everyone has a God-shaped hole in their life, and that if you just believed, everything would be good.
I’ve heard pastors say that it’s not okay to grieve a loss because that person is with Jesus now and other such things making sorrow or suffering something that has no room in our faith.
But I believe that sometimes it is those periods of suffering in which we grow most spiritually. And it is those times of suffering which make us appreciate our joy so much more.
Our faith is more than a pop song, but one that will see us through everything. And that gives me a real peace.
Anne – It doesn’t feel right for me to address what you’ve been through. I’ll leave that to the ladies here. But know that I do care.
I would like to echo what you’ve said (“But I believe that sometimes it is those periods of suffering in which we grow most spiritually”). I don’t remember who the author was, but I recently read a book in which the author said essentially the same thing. He said that as wonderful as the mountain top experiences are, those are not the times when your relationship with and understanding of Christ seem to grow the most. The most growth seems to come from the valley times.
Anne – may God continue to heal your heart.
Anne wrote: “Please don’t think that I have forgotten that there is much joy to be had in this life.”
oh my … I truly NEVER meant to imply that … honestly
I agree that we do grow through suffering … I know that I have … but I simply cannot live on a diet of pain … I need and require my Family Goof Off Time as well as my alone time
Anne wrote: “I’ve heard pastors say that it’s not okay to grieve a loss because that person is with Jesus now and other such things making sorrow or suffering something that has no room in our faith.”
oh my how dreadful … how sad … obviously, I do not think that way at all … even though my relatives will be with our Lord … even Jesus wept
what I have noticed as I age is that at times I have incredible peace (which I absolutely DEMAND when going through a trial) and at other times I do not … obviously our Lord has different ways of dealing with each of our differences … what these things have taught me is to be aware of my thoughts and my feelings but to trust in God even though things around me appear to be falling apart …
this is why I look for joy where & when it can be found
{{{ Anne }}}