I'm So Glad Jesus Lifted Me (ELW 860, verse 3)
Devotion
When I was in trouble, Jesus lifted me.
When I was in trouble, Jesus lifted me.
When I was in trouble, Jesus lifted me,
singing glory, hallelujah! Jesus lifted me.
Music connects strangers. We met singing together in the Chapel of the Incarnation in the Olson Campus Center at Luther Seminary. Music has been an incredible gift in our lives for it helps us express joy and sorrow in our worship of God. Have there been hymns that have spoken to your life at just the right time?
This familiar spiritual reminds us of one important fact: Jesus is the one doing the lifting. Everyone tries to fix the unfixable; but our efforts often only end in sadness and frustration. Why won't that person change? I'm doing everything in my power to change them. It makes sense in our heads that we can't change people, but still we keep trying.
In whatever way today is putting an impossible weight on your chest, let Jesus do the lifting. Consider what choices are God's choices and what choices are our choices. Sometimes, it is tough to distinguish. As you prepare for worship this weekend, know this: Rest easy! Let Jesus do the lifting.
Prayer
Help me let you lift my spirits and concerns this day. Amen.