By Aaron Elder

Call: May the Lord answer you when you are in distress

Refrain: What if he doesn’t?

Call: May the name of the God of Jacob protect you

Refrain: What if he doesn’t?

Call: May he grant you help from the sanctuary

Refrain: What if he doesn’t?

Call: And grant you help from Zion

Refrain: What if he doesn’t?

Call: May he remember all your sacrifices

Refrain: What if he doesn’t?

Call: And accept your burnt offerings

Refrain: What if he doesn’t?

Call: May he give you the desire of your heart

Refrain: What if he doesn’t?

Call: And make your plans succeed

Refrain: What if he doesn’t?

Call: May the Lord grant all your requests

Refrain: What if he doesn’t?

Sometimes I wonder if who I worship is not Jesus, but JeZeus. Wise, fair, just, merciful, and prudent. So far so good. He’s also wildly unpredictable. The decisions made are anybody’s guess. When kindled, his anger is unbridled and irreparably destructive. He needs to be appeased. If not appeased the call will not be answered as my refrain drips like a disparaged soul with no sacrifice left to offer.

This kind of relationship is exhausting. Perhaps it shouldn’t be surprising that many break up with this god. 

Now, Jesus. Jesus is different altogether. From his love – how shall I refrain? Not even if he doesn’t.