Inspired by lyrics from “The Day after the End of the World” co-written by JD Martin with Robert Anderson.
“So many people feeling so alone–maybe lost somebody, lost their home; we’re wondering what comes next, what can we do? When the unthinkable thing comes true . . . .
I hear the sounds of peace in the shining streets, coming out a dangerous dream, when it’s all on the line, life still goes on, on the other side, when everything is gone . . . .
When your heart breaks and your soul aches, when your faith is shaken and it feels like there’s no place to turn— hearts open, hope matters, hate scatters in the wind.
Love and laughter start again, the day after the end of the world.”
Responsive Reading for May 16
“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; Upon those who lived in a land of gloom a light has shone” (Isaiah 9:1).
So many people feeling so alone–maybe lost somebody, lost their home.
We’re wondering what comes next, what can we do? When the unthinkable thing comes true,
hearts open, hope matters, hate scatters in the wind.
Love and laughter start again, the day after the end of the world.
“Those who sow in tears will reap with cries of joy. Those who go forth weeping, carrying sacks of seed, will return with cries of joy, carrying their bundled sheaves” (Ps. 125:5-6).
I hear the sounds of peace in the shining streets, coming out a dangerous dream. When it’s all on the line, life still goes on. On the other side, when everything is gone, hearts open, hope matters, hate scatters in the wind. Love and laughter start again, the day after the end of the world.
“Remember the long way that the LORD your God has led you these forty years in the wilderness…. For the LORD your God is bringing you into a good land…. You shall . . . bless the LORD your God for the good land that he has given you…. who led you through the great and terrible wilderness … and in the end to do you good” (Deut. 8:2-10).
When your heart breaks, and your soul aches, when your faith is shaken and it feels like there’s no place to turn, hearts open, hope matters, hate scatters in the wind. Love and laughter start again, the day after the end of the world.
“And lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world” (Mt. 28:20, KJV).
“And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age” (Mt. 28:20, NAB).
There is a Waymaker, making a way out of no way. As the Wayshower promised, the day after the end of the world, life begins anew. Hearts open, hope matters, hate scatters in the wind. Love and laughter start again, the day after the end of the world.