I’m seriously over easy answers to hard questions!
Not that I was ever into them.
Talking with a friend last week, he gets so cross when pious answers, so-called ‘correct’ answers, are given to perplexing questions. I’d been reading the book of Job after a series of readings from there in the church year. And, of course, I wrote a song. Called ‘When easy answers come’ (the first line!), it picks up some of Job’s talk after a ‘friend’ gives answers to Job’s suffering & questions. I wish we had a lot more songs that grow faithfully out of the questions & doubts in the Bible.
When easy answers come To questions why
We look for God to hear us — There’s no reply.
In front or close behind me, You’re never seen.
If I could ever find you What would you say or mean?
Disaster strikes again We ask you why
Why don’t you ever answer Before we die?
Rich people have the power, Live long and well
Their children play in safety, They hear no tolling bell.
O God of every space, My heart it cries
For when I start to question You terrify
The darkness weighs upon me, It holds me down
Your thoughts are way beyond me And silent is your sound.
Songs like this are as much an affirmation of faith ( maybe more) as the loveliest song of praise
