Take a Chance

Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth.
-Psalm 96:1



Saturday afternoon, I popped the Mamma Mia soundtrack into my car’s CD player and started grooving and singing along to the upbeat songs. I felt happy and lighthearted for the first time in weeks, and I wanted to savor it. My fingers tapped the NEXT button until the first strains of track 16 sifted through the speakers. My favorite song- Take a Chance on Me. This song gives me such a fun feeling, the thrill of someone desperately, yet assuredly, asking me to take a chance and open up to love, to trust. I’ve always pictured my future husband singing this to me, and I would unabashedly smile, maybe awkwardly join in on the high parts, and agree to the opportunity he was offering me.

But as I pulled into my driveway and started the song over, something struck me. The words jumped out in new meaning. The unseen face of my love shifted to a man with gentle eyes that sliced through to my soul, saw everything black and corroded in my heart, all my failings and fears, and wanted me to be His anyhow.

Let’s do something. Let’s go back to biology class for a bit. A Swedish quartet is in front of you, all smiles and song. Anticipation itches through your veins. Take up your scalpel. We’re going to dissect Abba.

When you think about it, these lyrics can sound like they were written by Jesus specifically for you. How He stands, watching you, wanting you to see all He is offering and all that can be when you allow Him to be a part of your life. He knows about your struggles, your fears and all that keeps you from fully committing. But He is patient, very patient, and He wants to see you put your heart in His hands.

Ready? Alright, dig in!


If you change your mind, I'm the first in line
Honey I'm still free
Take a chance on me

He has always been, and will continue to be, first in line for your heart.

If you need me, let me know, gonna be around
If you've got no place to go, if you're feeling down
If you're all alone when the pretty birds have flown
Honey I'm still free
Take a chance on me

When you’ve run into a corner, crawled into a dark space or your hope has just plain deflated, when all feels lost, He is still standing by your side.

Gonna do my very best and it ain't no lie
If you put me to the test, if you let me try

Go ahead and ask Him anything. See what He says.

Take a chance on me
Take a chance on me

How much more obvious can you get?!

We can go dancing, we can go walking, as long as we're together
Listen to some music, maybe just talking, get to know you better

Talking. Silence. Dancing. Dreaming. He wants to do it all with you, wants you and He to really get to know one another.

'Cos you know I've got
So much that I wanna do, when I dream I'm alone with you

Jesus knows all you are meant to be and every wonderful thing He can accomplish through you.

You want me to leave it there, afraid of a love affair
But I think you know
That I can't let go

He never lets go.

Oh you can take your time baby, I'm in no hurry, know I'm gonna get you
You don't wanna hurt me, baby don't worry, I ain't gonna let you

Patience is a virtue. Jesus had all time before creation to think about you and entertain your heart.

Let me tell you now
My love is strong enough to last when things are rough

Point in case- Jesus on the cross.

You say that I waste my time but I can't get you off my mind
No I can't let go
'Cos I love you so

You are ALWAYS on His mind.

Ba ba ba ba baa, ba ba ba ba baa ba-ba
Honey I'm still free
Take a chance on me

Ba ba ba ba baa…. Living in Jesus’ love should feel like bursting into song!

Jesus is waiting. Wishing you would take a chance on Him. Who knew we could learn so much from a pop song?


Prayer:
I thank You for teaching me to see ordinary things from an eternal perspective. I do thank You that like the songs says, my love is what You want, and You patiently pursue us to personally know You, as well. I pray I can take these thoughts of You with me as I go about the week ahead, and take satisfaction in saying YES to Your love. Amen.



Just for fun, here's a link to listen to the song!

Disclaimer: Lots of winking and knitted sweaters

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-crgQGdpZR0