I grew up listening, singing and jamming to music from groups like U2, UB40 and Boyz II Men etc… My musical taste was quite interesting. I listened to everything. When I turned 18 I got saved and I fell in love with Jesus. In my corner of Christendom listening to what they called ‘worldly music’ wasn’t a sin but it was something you just didn’t do as a believer. I quickly embrace that tradition and stop listening to ‘worldly music’.

I still don’t listen to worldly music and this post is not an argument about whether you should or should not. But, as I was responding to comments made on a post from yesterday. I heard a melody in my head and I realized that it was a U2 song. So I said myself, this is a good one to put a spin on. You know, a quick easy post that talks about a U2 song – “I still haven’t found what I am looking for” – with a simple question – what are you looking for? Than the answer – “look to Jesus.”

So I went to YouTube and there it was with the lyrics. After the first two verses (stanzas), I wanted to stop the song and return to writing my post, but I decided to listen to the entire song. Trust me I never saw it coming, because I have never pay attention to the song nor have I listened to this much of it before. The last verse (stanza), it almost sounded like something right out of the mouth of a christian. Most of you already know what it is – but here it is for those of you who don’t know:

I believe in the kingdom come – than all the colors bleed into one – But yes I’m still running – You broke the bonds and ya loosed the chains – Carried the cross of my shame you know I believe it – But I still haven’t found what I’m looking for.

Can somebody explain this to me? What is he trying to say? It doesn’t sound like he is fed up with religion. Those lines are too deep and couldn’t be saying anything negative about religion. You know what, let me stop here and go do some research, because, song writers and composers write and compose under different circumstances. One cannot assume that he/she knows what they are feeling or talking about in any one or their songs. And clearly, I think I was about to do that. So before I do that, let me stop here and do a little digging. I will be back.

Please listen to the song and tell me what you think

Okay, I am back. Here is what I gathered:

Clearly, “I still haven’t found what I’m looking for” is one of the most misunderstood songs U2 has ever produced. Even though some believers have used the song as an example of rejection of religion and faith. But

lead singer Bono and guitarist The Edge describe it as a “gospel hymn.” We are urged to think of it more as the longing for spiritual fulfillment in light of Philippians 3:12-4:1 or the lyrics to Steven Curtis Chapman‘s “Not Home Yet,” still on the journey to our ultimate goal (joshua Tree).

The Glories to come

This of course changes drastically where I wanted to go initially, but I think there is still a little room for pointing people to Jesus. But before I get there let me urge you today with a few lines from another song that says,

I can only imagine What it will be like When I walk By your side I can only imagine What my eyes will see When your face Is before me I can only imagine Surrounded by Your glory, what will my heart feel Will I dance for you Jesus or in awe of you be still Will I stand in your presence or to my knees will I fall Will I sing hallelujah, will I be able to speak at all I can only imagine I can only imagine When that day comes And I find myself Standing in the Son I can only imagine When all I will do Is forever Forever worship You I can only imagine

Friends all the spiritual experiences we may have here on this earth does not compare with the glory to come. All the miracles and wonders and breakthroughs we may experience here on this earth will not measure up to the glory to come.  Even though 1 Corinthians 2:9, 10 says,

What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him” these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit

Immortality is something words cannot express and I don’t know who on earth can tell me exactly what it is or feels like. So never stop longing and looking forward to that day when we will be like him when we see his face.

When we find Him we stop seeking

There is an emptiness in the heart of every man. Some call it a God-shaped vacuüm. One that He alone can satisfy and fill. If that God-shaped vacuüm is empty, that emptiness drives man to hunger long for fulfillment. He may seek to satisfy that hunger by fame, fortune or fun. Some men climb mountains; some go to the depth of the sea; some seek fulfillment in drugs, alcohol, sex or just living on the edge of life. Some seek that fulfillment in good deeds and fulfillment in their work. But nothing will ever satisfy that longing for fulfillment but Jesus. When we find Him we stop seeking.

Research Resource: ChristianityToday