Psalm 46:1 – God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. (NRSV)

On a recent evening, rehearsing with our community church choir, our director had us sing "Help!" by the Beatles. All of us, being "of a certain age", knew the words pretty much by heart. After we had sung it through once, she commented on how appropriate the lyrics are from a Christian perspective.

Take a moment to consider the words that way:

When I was younger, so much younger than today,
I never needed anybody's help in any way.
But now those days are gone, I'm not so self-assured,
Now I find I've changed my mind and opened up the doors.
       – Lennon/McCartney, 1965

Reading and singing those words through a Christian lens was eye-opening, to the point of being shocking. How had I never heard that song that way before?

Many of us, when we were younger or less experienced, believed that we could "do it all", that we could "go it alone", and that we didn't need any help from anyone. We trusted in our earthly selves and in our own self-sufficiency. At some point, hopefully, our eyes were opened, and we came to learn that we are only part of the equation, and that God is necessary if we are to be complete. When our eyes were opened, we had the opportunity to "open up the door" and let God in, with the full assurance that He would come into our lives, love us, and transform us.

Many pop songs — including those of the Beatles — are love songs, and reading the lyrics of this particular song through a Christian lens reflects one of the most amazing love stories of all time: the story of the eternal love affair between God and His creation!

Prayer: God, thank You for waiting so patiently for us to open ourselves to You. Thank You for coming into our lives when we do finally open the door. Please help us to remember that without You, we are not complete, and that we can always call on You and ask for help. We pray that You would continue to guide us as we strive to live worthy, God-filled lives. Amen.

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About the author:

Scott Williams <svw59@outlook.com>
Madoc, Ontario, Canada
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