David Bowie is a true rock ‘n’ roll chameleon. He has gone though more on stage changes than any other rock musician on the history of classic rock. It is very appropriate to talk about change by using the song "Changes" by some one who has not stopped changing and morphing into someone else.
"Changes" is a song by David Bowie, originally released on the album Hunky Dory in December 1971 and as a single in January 1972. Despite missing the Top 40, "Changes" became one of Bowie's best-known songs. The lyrics are often seen as a manifesto for his chameleonic personality, the frequent change of the world today, and frequent reinventions of his musical style throughout the 1970s. This single is cited as David Bowie's official North American debut, despite the fact that the song "The Man Who Sold the World" was released in North America two years prior. This is the last song Bowie performed live on stage before his retirement from live performances at the end of 2006.
I still don't know what I was waiting for
And my time was running wild
A million dead-end streets
and every time I thought I'd got it made
It seemed the taste was not so sweet
So I turned myself to face me
But I've never caught a glimpse
Of how the others must see the faker
I'm much too fast to take that test
Ch-ch-ch-ch-Changes
(Turn and face the strain)
Ch-ch-Changes
Don't want to be a richer man
Ch-ch-ch-ch-Changes
(Turn and face the strain)
Ch-ch-Changes
Just gonna have to be a different man
Time may change me
But I can't trace time
It’s one of the greatest constants in life. Whether because of slow and gradual passing of time, or fast almost earth shattering moments, change happens to everyone. It's the one thing that is inevitable. People change, relationships change, jobs change, technology changes. Life itself can be accurately described as a process of continual change. That’s such a comforting thought! Yeah Right! Some changes are positive - New friends, New house, New Babies, Winning the lottery! Others are negative, An injury, Loss of a job. Like in Bowie's song - Ch-ch-ch-ch-Changes (Turn and face the strain)
In the Old Testament we find a story of great upheaval and change. The story is about the favourite son of a wealthy farmer. His brother did not like his arrogant ways......at all. He found himself in a pit, not once but twice and had to summon all the courage he had inside to conquer the changes and face the strain.
In a nut shell – His brothers hated him, threw him in a pit, told their dad a lion got him, but really they sold him. He found himself a slave to a big time pharaoh. Joseph did all the right things and lived with integrity…which landed him in another pit. For years!!! The story does have a happy ending though…You can find this story in Genesis chapters 37 – 45.
He experienced the loss of his home, his family, his trust, his freedom…and probably much more. Yet, Joseph managed to survive with his faith in tact. He found a way to maintain his character and integrity in the middle of the change. And the stability came from his deepening faith in God. He faced the strain in the midst of change and became an overcomer.
The Bible has these 2 great truths about Change.
1. Despite the changing world around us
God is changeless & dependable. (Hebrews 1:12)
2. God calls for an inner change of heart.
Repentance means a 180 degree change in your direction. I was headed this way, now I’m headed the other way. This produces an outer change in our lifestyle – an obedience. (Luke 19:1-10)
When like the lyrics in the Bowie song "Changes" you "Turn and face the strain" when you feel anxious about change in your life remember who you are and more important, who God is. Keep your eyes on him and he will give you the strength to face the strain.
No comments:
Post a Comment