How Can I Keep from Singing?

In John 17, Jesus says to the Father, ”I ask not only on behalf of these, but also on behalf of those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one. As you, Father, are in me and I am in you, may they also be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.” The pessimistic part of me says we who believe in Jesus through the word of the disciples (The New Testament) are not one at all. We are divided into many denominations and splits within denominations and within churches. We seem to be far from the oneness of heart and mind that Jesus prayed we would have.

Not only that, when I look at the hostility between groups of people, the high rate of addictions and marriage failures, and the general lack of commitment on the part of so many church members, I find myself crying out, Why are we not having more of an impact on the world? Look how evil and suffering and hatred continue in the world. I need some hope.

Here is the best statement of hope I have seen lately. Our choir is going to be singing these words this morning.

My life flows on in endless song above earth’s lamentation.
I catch the sweet, though far off hymn that hales a new creation.

Through all the tumult and the strife, I hear that music ringing.
It finds an echo in my soul. How can I keep from singing?

What though my joys and comforts die, the Lord my savior liveth.
What though the darkness gather round, songs in the night he giveth.

The peace of Christ makes fresh my heart, a fountain ever springing!
All things are mine since I am his! How can I keep from singing?

No storm can sake my inmost calm while to that Rock I’m clinging.
Since Christ is Lord of heaven and earth, how can I keep from singing?

These words express the hope that is in the book of Revelation: “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Messiah, and he will reign forever and ever.” (11:15) “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth… And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God….” (21:1-2)