Life Through the Lens: Like a bridge over troubled waters

This post was contributed by Kevin Schrapel.

In 1970, a new song took the world by storm: Bridge Over Troubled Water by Simon and Garfunkel.

The opening words:

When you’re weary, feeling small
When tears are in your eyes, I’ll dry them all
I’m on your side, oh, when times get rough
And friends just can’t be found
Like a bridge over troubled water, I will lay me down
Like a bridge over troubled water, I will lay me down

“Bridge over troubled water” is a gospel phrase that Paul Simon took from a gospel group.

It was in a Baptist church hymn.

He liked the phrase, and he used it.

The writer of Psalm 50, verse 51 in the Bible is quoting a loving and caring God when he writes, “call on me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honour me”.

Feeding 5000-plus people with five small loaves of bread and a couple of fish is portrayed as a significant miraculous action of Jesus which, seen in its entirety, it was (Matthew 14:13-21).

But in reality, what he was doing was providing food for individuals who were probably going to get hungry – a part of everyday life.

In Mark chapter four, verses 39-41, there is the account of Jesus sleeping in a boat during a storm.

Those with him are scared.

They wake him up and, with a few words, he miraculously calms the storm.

At times it may sound like Jesus only cares about what we might think of as “big” concerns.

Jesus is just as interested in what may seemingly be inconsequential, day-to-day problems.

You feel tired?

Jesus slept.

You feel sad?

Jesus cried.

You think no one cares?

Jesus knows the feeling.

The car won’t start?

Okay, Jesus never drove a car, but he sure knows about disappointment; read his life story in the Bible.

“My kids won't listen to me.”

Read about how his followers didn’t always listen or learn; but he still called them his friends.

Troubles will flow through our lives.

Sometimes they will barely cause a ripple; other times they will threaten to drown us.

Remember, Jesus is the one who promises to make a way to get to the other side.

It may not be today, but keep talking to him and you will reach the other side.

It’s his promise.

Have a great week.

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