The Advantages of an Open Heart
"O Joy that seekest me through pain,
I cannot close my heart to Thee.
I trace the rainbow through the rain,
and feel the promise is not vain,
that morn shall tearless be."
~ Dr. George Matheson (1842-1906)
The story of how Dr. Matheson came to write the hymn, O Love That Wilt Not Let Me Go, is worth reading. While penning the lyrics, this blind Scottish minister felt divinely inspired:
"My hymn was composed in the manse of Innellan on the evening of June 6th, 1882. I was at the time alone. Something had happened to me which was known only to myself and which caused the most severe mental suffering. It was the quickest bit of work I ever did in my life. I had the impression rather of having it dictated to me by some inward voice than of working it out myself.”1
As I ponder my interactions with Christians who are persecuted for their faith, the assumptions I have held evaporate in their presence. I once believed that it’s easier to praise God when life is “good”; and that, when difficulties beset, the worship I would typically express is then impeded. However, what I have witnessed is that joy abounds for those who worship with open hearts – even in the midst of hardships and tears.
While suffering is ensconced in the human experience, for Christ’s followers, faith does not shatter when adversities obstruct their way. True worship, therefore, does not depend on a lack of suffering; rather, it is fuelled by the believer’s “hope of glory,” which is firmly rooted in the triumphant, confident knowledge of Christ’s victory over sin and death (Colossians 1:27).
When asked about suffering, Rev. Richard Wurmbrand stated: “Even the best of Christians are troubled by the question, ‘Why does an Almighty God send, or at least allow, suffering?’ When you are nagged by thoughts like this, say to yourself, ‘I am still in elementary school. When I graduate from the university of Christian life, I will understand His ways better, and doubts will cease.’”
Habakkuk 3:17-18 (ESV) reminds us that even when hope seems to have faded from view, we have ample reason to rejoice:
“Though the fig tree should not blossom,
nor fruit be on the vines,
the produce of the olive fail
and the fields yield no food,
the flock be cut off from the fold
and there be no herd in the stalls,
yet I will rejoice in the Lord;
I will take joy in the God of my salvation.”
Too often, I have kept my eyes on the things I thought would bring me happiness and comfort. To avoid pain and struggle, I would pray for God to keep me from a season of adversity, as depicted in the verse above. God’s amazing grace, however, has taken me into the presence of persecuted Christians to show me that the most meaningful expressions of worship may not be fully experienced when suffering is removed from the equation.
Sincere worship flows from an open heart, one that is determined to praise God regardless of life’s circumstances. When embraced, suffering reminds us that though hardships abound, our Almighty God is still Lord over all. And that, dear reader, is worthy of our praise!
Grace and peace,
Floyd A. Brobbel
Chief Executive Officer
The Voice of the Martyrs Canada Inc.
Endnote: 1ChristianMusicAndHymns.com/2015/03/o-love-that-wilt-not-let-me-go-george.html
