(Last month we focused on Worship in our Guide devotions. Over the next two months, I want to share some of my favorite hymns (August) and my favorite contemporary songs (September) as our weekly focus for The Guide.)
Paul writes in Ephesians 5:18b-19, “Instead, be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord…” When Nancy and I were first dating, we would often sing together our favorite songs and hymns. These songs became such a part of our relationship that we invited people to sing with us at our wedding. Songs have also played a major part in my traveling ministry, as I can hear how different hymns and songs help people grow in their relationship with Jesus.
Bill and Gloria Gaither are modern day hymnwriters who have served the Church in powerful ways as they have written life-hymns focused on God’s faithfulness and our relationship with God. As a child, I was introduced to their song, Because He Lives. The song was written after the birth of Gloria and Bill’s third child. In an interview they shared: “‘Because He Lives’ [1971] was written in the midst of social upheaval, threats of war, and betrayals of national and personal trust. It was into this world at such a time that we were bringing our third little baby. Assassinations, drug traffic, and war monopolized the headlines. It was in the midst of this kind of uncertainty that the assurance of the Lordship of the risen Christ blew across our troubled minds like a cooling breeze in the parched desert.”
The second verse proclaims the beauty of new life coming into the world, while proclaiming our trust in God that He will bring us through the present struggles:
How sweet to hold
A newborn baby,
And feel the pride
And joy he brings;
But greater still
The calm assurance:
This child can face
Uncertain days because He Lives!
When each of our children was born, I was reminded of this verse and the proclamation in the chorus, “Because He lives, I can face tomorrow! Because He Lives, all fear is gone. Because I know He holds the future. Life is worth the living, just Because He Lives!” As a parent, I know my children will face uncertain days. I know I face uncertain days when what I hoped would happen did not happen. Or the times when life became difficult because of experiences outside my control. Through the struggling, I can know that the battle may be difficult, but the victory is mine because my Savior lives and reigns.
As you approach each day, how does knowing “Jesus Lives” help you face struggles, issues, and disappointment? In our present unrest in our nation and around the world, how do you “face uncertain days? When you sing Because He Lives, what word(s) catches your attention?
Prayer: Jesus, because you are alive, I can face the battles and uncertainties of this life knowing I have victory in you. Help me keep my focus on your faithfulness and know there will come a day when I experience the full victory in resurrection. In Jesus’ name. Amen.