Coping Through Lyrics: *Snap Back*

The title of this reflection comes from a Twenty One Pilots song that resonates deeply with me. One line in particular hit me hard:

**“Running from a thing that I kicked in ’17.”**

I’d heard it countless times before the connection clicked. I remember the exact moment—driving home from Bible study last year, tears streaming down my face. My first back injury was in 2017, and I’ve been running from it ever since.

I already loved the song for its quirky video, where the singer wears a covering that resembles either a haircut smock or a hospital gown. That visual ties into the opening lyric, “I have a bad feeling that I’m about to break, it’s been a good streak, but the pressure’s overweight…”

We all have breaking points. I’ve been near mine more than once this past year.

Another lyric that spoke directly to my injury, but from the first listen, is the repeated one at the end:

**“I’ve been praying for my elasticity to go back to the way that it was…”**

That prayer is literal for me. I’ve been asking God to restore my back to its pre-2017 state.

Some might see my connection to this band as obsessive or even idolatrous. But my appreciation isn’t for the members—it’s for the message. The two band members wear masks much of the time to mitigate idolization, to keep the focus on the lyrics. Their music doesn’t contradict Scripture, even though sometimes a person may need to think and listen to their songs and albums in their entirety to see it.  I believe God uses artists like them to reach people like me.

Jesus is always relatable—He suffered more than we can imagine. And it’s also healing to find human voices that echo our pain. For someone like me, who’s lived through years of invalidation while desiring to not burden others, it’s vital to know we’re not alone.

I believe God uses us to influence others in ways we may never see. Twenty One Pilots didn’t write their lyrics for someone with a chronic back injury—but God used those words to speak directly to me. When lyrics feel like they were written just for us, and they align with Scripture, we can trust that God is behind it.

This might sound over the top to some. But to others, it won’t sound crazy at all. Either way, I’m not seeking approval—only alignment with Jesus. And if I’m wrong, I’ll respond to the Holy Spirit’s conviction.

This is just one small example of how lyrics help me heal.

Scripture

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Today’s reading was from John chapters 7 and 8.
The crowds were divided—some believed Jesus was the Messiah, while others accused Him of being a deceiver. In response, Jesus pointed to the practice of circumcision on the Sabbath, which was permitted if it fell on the eighth day after birth. He used this to challenge their criticism of His healing on the Sabbath, asking them to consider whether doing good should ever be condemned.

Despite having no formal religious training, Jesus amazed the people with His teaching. He boldly proclaimed, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink,” and later in chapter 8, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will not walk in darkness.”

Jesus then confronted the Pharisees about their spiritual blindness and their refusal to recognize His divine origin. He made a direct claim to divinity when He said, “Before Abraham was, I AM.” This declaration enraged the crowd, and they attempted to stone Him—but He escaped.

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Can you imagine the weight Jesus carried in that moment?
Fully God and fully Man, He felt the heartbreak of rejection and the sorrow of stubborn hearts unwilling to believe. Their disbelief wasn’t just a disagreement—it was a danger to their souls. These were the very people He came to save. And He suffered for them, just as He suffered for you and me.

His sacrifice on the cross wasn’t just a historical event—it was a personal invitation. Through it, we are invited to identify with His suffering, to receive His grace, and to overcome death and eternal separation from our Savior.

Jesus understands pain. He knows suffering intimately. And because of that, we can trust that He sees us, hears us, and walks with us through every trial. His help may come in ways we expect—or in ways we never imagined. But it always comes.

This is why every life matters. Why your life matters. And why we must continue to trust the One who gave it to us.

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