A note from artist Mark Ahenda on today's Worship at Home Music:
Sometimes, sitting with sadness is enough.
Worship is often a joyful experience. We sing out praises to the God who saves us, who delivers us, who delights and amazes us. We clap our hands with joy. We may sit in quiet contemplation, but with a reverent and contented spirit. Worship like this is good and true, but it is not the whole of the human experience.
If there's one thing I've been learning during this time of global crisis is that we don't have to be seeking happiness and joy all the time. It's nice to say that we're looking for joy in the little things, but sometimes I can't find them and I'm just sad. Some days I wake up and nothing makes sense and I feel a depression that I can't pinpoint. I'm just sad.
But I think that's okay. We don't always have to find joy. In fact, the scriptures are full of people who could only see their grief and anguish. The Psalmists cry out to God, the prophets tear their clothes and weep. Jesus himself sits in the garden in agony, crying for help. And sometimes, there is no answer. No quick pleasantry, no easy answer, no hand reaching down to lift their spirits.
May we take comfort today in knowing that our God is not above our sadness. It is okay to lament, to grieve, to feel the full depth of human emotion. That's why I chose this piece of music as my worship today. It is heartache and longing and confusion and and rage and loss and everything that I am struggling to put into words. Sit with me, and let's simply Be. Tears and all.
-Mark