Stressed Out

The next few weeks in our student ministry we will be unpacking some popular songs to get at the message behind it. We have always wanted teens that look critically at the art around them, but more than that, ask the question “where is God in this?” I wholeheartedly believe that everyone is a theologian and this includes even the most profane of artists. Each song either speaks of His presence, or His absence. Music has a way of connecting with all people regardless of background or prejudice. Because of this, the Church must pay attention, especially if half of their service is dedicated to it. In fact, a large section of Scripture is written within this art form.

This week, we looked at “Stressed Out” by 21 Pilots. Yes, I get paid to comb over lyrics like these to reveal the spiritual message. Interestingly enough, this track had a deep longing within it’s three and a half minutes. Themes of stress, insecurity, fear, and family jumped out at us and so we asked, what does our faith say about these? One of the reasons we love the Bible so much is that it speaks on every circumstance, even in it’s antiquity. Songs like this reminds us of how much we live in fear and worry. It is safe to say that this is our American God. We so cling to these, that we elect presidents based on these principles. We fear, so we look for solutions, or more so insulation from the threat. If this is our vision for life, then what good is our faith? Are we truly not free? (Galatians 5:1).

As debtors to Christ, we must hold fast to the narrow vision on Him in the midst of great worry and hesitation. Times change but feelings and motives never do. Worry will always be present and so will stress. Our faith is to be a repellant to this. The Church is more than a worry support group but a building Kingdom the Lord works through to capture hearts and shake comfort.

So today, who is your God? Do you praise as much as worry and seek as much as stress? Perhaps it’s time to change the station.

Lord, bring us back to your heart. Heal us from fear and worry. Teach us to cling to your freedom over all else.