Oxymora

An Oxymoron is a combination of contradictory or incongruous words. Sometimes used in humor, an oxymoron may also contain very deep meaning or a truth that may take some pondering to unpack. It seems my life is full of them, especially right now. Here are a few that describe my current experience.

Quick doctor visit
Ever-changing schedule
Hated blessing
Excruciating peace

As I think about it, however, the abundance of oxymora in my life right now is not limited to my current experience. Perhaps the life of every follower of Christ is characterized by oxymora. Second Corinthians 12:10 contains a couple of good examples: “Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Pleasurable infirmities and distresses? Strength in being weak? Definitely oxymora to contemplate. What does each of these look like in practical life? Is it really possible to think of an infirmity or a distress as also a pleasure? Shouldn’t I just endure such things? Why do I need to find pleasure in them? Really, God? People frequently tell me these days to stay strong. But how do I stay strong when I am not strong to begin with? Perhaps this verse holds a clue. Thank You, God!

A favorite hymn of mine, penned by George Matheson in 1890, contains several compelling oxymora as well. Here are two verses from his original hymn.

Make me a captive, Lord, and then I shall be free;

Force me to render up my sword, and I shall conqueror be.

I sink in life’s alarms when by myself I stand;

Imprison me within Thine arms, and strong shall be my hand.

My will is not my own till Thou hast made it Thine;

If it would reach a monarch’s throne, it must its crown resign;

It only stands unbent, amid the clashing strife,

When on Thy bosom it has leant, and found in Thee its life.

Sometimes events in my life right now seem incongruent, contradictory, even senseless. But like a dissonant chord that is quietly resolved in beautiful harmony, I believe that, as I surrender to my Composer, my oxymoronic life will someday make sense and be filled with even deeper meaning and beauty. Thank You, God!