By Aaron Elder

Call: May the Lord answer you when you are in distress (NIV)

Refrain: What if he doesn’t?

Call: May the name of the God of Jacob protect you (NIV)

Refrain: What if he doesn’t?

Call: May he send you help from the sanctuary (NIV)

Refrain: What if he doesn’t?

Call: And grant you support from Zion (NIV)

Refrain: What if he doesn’t?

Call: May he remember all your sacrifices (NIV)

Refrain: What if he doesn’t?

Call: And accept your burnt offerings (NIV)

Refrain: What if he doesn’t?

Call: May he give you the desire of your heart (NIV)

Refrain: What if he doesn’t?

Call: And make all your plans succeed (NIV)

Refrain: What if he doesn’t?

Call: May the Lord grant all your requests (NIV)

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.