Like a Bridge Over Troubled Water
Do you agree, each new day sure does seem like rough and tumble. That phrase can be defined in several ways. Disorderly action with disregard for rules. Put together without much thought; haphazard. A general state of chaotic activity. Unrestrained atmosphere. Any way we look at it, the waters we tread in these days are turbulent and ever-changing. And if we aren’t careful, we can be swept away without warning.
Sometimes pop culture, either purposely or inadvertently, gets it right and the lyrics to songs speak volumes about faith. The song “Bridge Over Troubled Water” by Simon & Garfunkel might just be one of those songs. While this song is in no way a direct reference to Jesus, the lyrics really do describe the way in which Jesus gets us over or through the rough waters.
Here is a bit of trivia. This song is almost five minutes in length. In the 1960’s, Columbia Records had used the three-minute mark as the barrier for songs played on AM Radio. However, in 1965 Bob Dylan recorded “Like a Rolling Stone” which was longer than three minutes, so Columbia decided to release “Bridge Over Troubled Water” to pop radio, despite its length, and it topped the charts for six weeks and Billboard ranked it as the Number 1 song for 1970.
BRIDGE OVER TROUBLED WATER – Composed by Paul Simon, released on January 26, 1970
When you’re weary, feeling small
When tears are in your eyes, I will dry them all
I’m on your side. When times get rough
And friends just can’t be found
Like a bridge over troubled water I will lay me down
Like a bridge over troubled water I will lay me down
When you’re down and out
When you’re on the street
When evening falls so hard I will comfort you
I’ll take your part
When darkness comes
And pain is all around
Like a bridge over troubled water I will lay me down
Like a bridge over troubled water I will lay me down
Sail on silvergirl, sail on by
Your time has come to shine
All your dreams are on their way
See how they shine
If you need a friend
I’m sailing right behind
Like a bridge over troubled water I will ease your mind
Like a bridge over troubled water I will ease your mind
So, if you find yourself struggling today, and the path ahead looks like turbulent waters, I encourage you to trust Jesus who carries your burdens (Psalm 68:19) and who gives you rest (Matthew 11:28-30). Jesus does not say that troubled waters will not come. In fact, just the opposite, He says that in life we will face troubled waters (John 16:33). But Jesus does promise that He will be “like a bridge over troubled water” and get us over or through those troubled waters. Do you believe that today?
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