P.O.D. -- "Southtown"

Southtown Lyrics:
Welcome to hard times, back again like its never been
For the first time it seems to mess with my head
When I realize what it takes, can I relate
With whatever, but never will it drive me to hate?
Could be the next guy that you take before I wake
Now I lay me down to sleep, eyes tight when I pray
This here is real life, circumstances make you think
Should I be counting my blessings, the next second my eyes blink

Here in the Southtown, you know that kids don't play
Put it down it the streets, will I see another day?
If I make it back this time, got to hold what is mine
And thank God that I made it alive

One love, it's easier said than done
Can I rise above anything that's in my way?
Like words you say, you let your tongue get loose
And when push comes to shove, I'm not used to walking away
I keep on looking up, 'cause these times are gettin' tough
Tomorrow's gone and it's the same old song,
Father fill my cup, give me strength to power up
A life to shine, You're the diamond in this rough

Don't wanna throw up my fist, Don't wanna be like this
Don't wanna throw up my fist, I must resist

***

"Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see."
-- Hebrews 11:1

***

Faith that overcomes hardship is true faith. We are tested for a little while here on earth, the results of which affect our eternal well-being.

Everyday we have to deal with huge questions, such as "Do I trust God's priorities over my own?" In the case of this P.O.D. song the question is "Do I trust God even though my life is in danger?" We answer these questions with every decision we make as well as with the overall quality of our lives.

The most important commandment, "Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength" (Deuteronomy 6:5) is hard to follow no matter what, but it's particularly difficult to follow during hard times. It's easy to focus excessively on survival, creature comforts or other good things when any of these are threatened. But the best way to take care of everything we care about is to put God first.

Having faith is having perspective. When the things of this world threaten us, we shouldn't focus more on the world, we should focus more on our heavenly purpose in Christ. As P.O.D. says, "I keep on looking up, 'cause these times are gettin' tough..."

Job is famous for his enduring faith even after his life and everything he cared about was devastated. His wife looked at him sitting there, scraping his sores with a broken piece of pottery, and said "Do you still hold fast your integrity? Curse God and die!" But Job responded, "Shall we indeed accept good from God and not accept adversity as well?" (from Job 2:9-10)

1 comment:

Dawn said...

I have met these guys, they rock!! love thier stuff, can't wait to hear the new album!