Everybody Hurts

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There is a fantastically melancholy song by the band R.E.M. called "Everybody Hurts," and the lyrics go something like this:  

 If you're on your own in this life/The days and nights are long/When you think you've had too much of this life to hang on/Well, everybody hurts sometimes/Everybody cries/Everybody hurts sometimes/And everybody hurts sometimes. 

 It's actually a pretty uplifting song--just melancholy.  And it highlights something that is true for each and every one of us.  Everybody hurts.  Every person in here today has experienced hurt in their life--we've been wounded, let down, disappointed, betrayed... or worse. 

 One of the many things we learn in the Bible is that the things of earth will one day pass away, but those things that are of God's kingdom will last forever.  

 The hurts that we've experienced will not be present in the kingdom of God.  There will come a day when all things will be made right when God will wipe away all tears when there will be no more sorrow, pain or haunted feelings... period.  
But as those who follow Jesus, we are called to live like that day is already here.  Which means seeing things as they are.  Naming them for what they are.  The things of this world are temporary, not meant to last, not eternal.  

 Hurt has no place in God's kingdom.  Nothing on this earth lasts forever--even our pain. 

 Psalm 30:5 contains these beautiful words that offer us incredible inspiration in those moments when we are tempted to think that our hurts are never going to fade:  "...weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning."

 If you are experiencing hurt today... If you are feeling as though your pain will never fade, never go away...  take heart.   You are a Resurrection child of God.  Sunday's coming, beloved.  The dawn is going to break and God is still in the business of breathing new life into the world, and that includes you.  

 May the grace and peace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you now and always. Amen. 

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