A little over two weeks ago my favorite band played, what is likely, their last show ever. It’s a huge bummer for me and has sent me down a fairly deep nostalgia rabbit hole. Since getting their first album in 2002 I have been hooked. The lyrics and music spoke to me in a way that only your favorite music can. I saw them live 15-20 times over the years, and now regret any time I missed a show or thought I’ll just see them the next time they come around.

I was lucky enough to be able listen to the audio of their final show, and during one of the moments of stage banter while the lead singer is thanking all the people who feel like family for attending, someone in the crowd yelled out, “we love you!” The singer responded in his quiet slightly awkward way, “You do? We’re trying our best to love you,” and then they started playing the next song.

I think this an amazing picture of the way we sometimes view God. This band is playing for a sold-out crowd of diehard fans, many who traveled great distances to see them one last time. They sing every lyric. They shout cheers. And when they say I love you, he still quietly asks, you do? We know the love of the God exists, but sometimes have a hard time seeing ourselves as object of that affection.

Old Testament prophet Zephaniah put it this way

Zephaniah 3:15-17

15 The Lord has taken away the judgments against you;
    he has cleared away your enemies.
The King of Israel, the Lord, is in your midst;
    you shall never again fear evil.
16 On that day it shall be said to Jerusalem:
“Fear not, O Zion;
    let not your hands grow weak.
17 The Lord your God is in your midst,
    a mighty one who will save;
he will rejoice over you with gladness;
    he will quiet you by his love;
he will exult over you with loud singing.

The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are shouting how much they love us. Let us see it for the blessing that it is, and respond with joy, “I’m trying my best to love you, too.”