With lush orchestral chord progressions and an infectious melody, Coldplay’s Viva la Vida grabbed Song of the Year honors at the 2009 Grammys. That title, which means “long live life,” conveys a bitter irony. The protagonist depicted in the lyrics had held immense power but now was dealing with a reversal of fortunes. “I used to rule the world,” the words state, but now I “sweep the streets I used to own.”
Lamentations is a bitter song about Jerusalem’s reversal of fortunes—“the queen of all the earth, she is now a slave” (Lamentations 1:1). Besieged, then slaughtered by the brutal Babylonian armies, the city’s horrifyingly desperate circumstances had even induced mothers to cannibalize their own children (Lamentations 2:20, 4:10). Jerusalem’s devastation was God’s clear judgment for the sins of the people. To the grief-dimmed eyes of the poet, God’s salvation seemed almost impossibly distant. Almost.
Lamentations concludes with a curious, bittersweet blend of hope and grief, doubt and faith. “Lord, You remain the same forever! . . . Restore us, O Lord, and bring us back to You again!” (Lamentations 5:19-21). Yet the book ends with a hauntingly tentative question: “Are You angry with us still?” (Lamentations 5:22).
Thankfully, the dirge of judgment is not the only song in God’s Word. “I will sing a new song to You, O God,” said the psalmist (Psalm 144:9). And the New Testament infuses our new song with this triumphant declaration: “Now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1). “The power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death” (Romans 8:2).
The song we sing today is often discordant. In eternity, however, it will be indescribably lush, pure, exhilarating, and joyous. Viva la vida.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Genesis 2:15-3:24
More:
What is the context of the new song Isaiah urges his people to sing? (42:8-13). Why was the Lord jealous? (v.8).
Next:
How would you describe your life’s song? How can your song help you be honest before your Creator?
conmeo on January 2, 2012 at 11:02 pm
Thank you foir this devo Tim. As one with many laments I wait on a new song. Praise be to God for this community.
mike wittmer on January 3, 2012 at 1:02 pm
This is very timely! Many of us are or soon will experience a reversal of fortune–and we must remember that our ultimate identity and value does not change. We will inherit the earth!
winn collier on January 4, 2012 at 7:28 pm
Restore. I love that word, that hope. Not to mention, Viva La Vida is my boys’ favorite song.
tim gustafson on January 10, 2012 at 7:57 am
My apologies for my late response to this, my own, post. Ironically, Jan 2, 2012, is the date that my only brother went to be with Jesus. He is now singing that new song. Viva la vida, my brother!