Songs for Sunday – 5/10/2020

This Sunday is a big deal. We get to gather together – with appropriate social distancing and guidelines and such. But think about that: we get to gather. Every Sunday is a big deal because 1) it serves as a reminder for the Resurrection, and 2) it reminds us that God makes us part of something bigger than ourselves.

This is good news for us because we are all facing things that we cannot handle alone. Don’t get me wrong: the people sitting in the worship center with you (all sufficiently distanced, of course) cannot solve your problems or end your suffering. But we gather together in worship of the One who can, and ultimately will.

I wish I could tell you that there will be a time on Earth where suffering will not be the norm, but I would be lying. The farther we get away from the Fall, the worse things will continue to grow. But, the farther we get away from the Fall, the closer we get to the return of Christ! And He has not left us alone in our trials and suffering.

That’s what we’re singing to Him about this Sunday!

These verses were on my heart as the worship set came together this week:

• Psalm 30:5 — For His anger is but for a moment, and His favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning.
• 2 Corinthians 12:9 — But He (Jesus) said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
• 1 Peter 5:6-7 — Humble yourselves, therefore, under the might hand of God so that at the proper time He may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you.

That’s good news! We will have sorrow, sadness, and even suffering, but that’s when our Savior steps in and takes care of us for His glory. It may last a long night, but there is a Day when it will all be good because then we’ll be with Him.

Here are our songs:

• “Trading My Sorrows” — This song always gets me pumped up. It gives a lot of imagery that 1) comes directly from various verses in Scripture and 2) points to how Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross takes the wrath of God we deserve and trades it for the favor He deserves. Knowing that He has already taken care of things and has won the victory, we “lay it down for the joy of the Lord” and set our minds on Him despite our circumstances.
  • Scripture References/Inspiration for the Song: Galatians 2:19-20, 1 Peter 2:24, Romans 5:3-5, James 1:2-4, Matthew 11:28-30, 2 Corinthians 4:8-10, John 14:27, Nehemiah 8:10, 2 Corinthians 12:9, Psalm 30:5, Philippians 3:8
• “How Great is Our God” — This declaration echoes so many of the songs that point to lifting up praises and songs because God is worthy of such things. It does a good job linking those psalms with the New Testament. One thing is for sure: I have a hard time dwelling on my troubles when I’m looking at King Jesus and praising Him, even if its in pain.
  • Scripture References/Inspiration for the Song: Psalm 145:1-3, Psalm 104:1-2, 1 Chronicles 16:31, John 1:5, Psalm 95:3, Titus 2:13, Lamentations 5:19, Psalm 135:13, Ephesians 1:21, Revelation 22:13, Matthew 3:16-17, Revelation 5:5-6, Philippians 2:9-11, Revelation 5:9-10
• “So Will I” — This continues the sentiment of “How Great is Our God” and deepens it on all levels. It goes through how God’s creation shows us His glory and majesty. And, if that creation stands out as worship to God, we – His creation – will, too. The line that talks about Good Friday – “on a hill you created, the Light of the World abandoned in darkness to die” – gets me every time. None of what we go through takes God by surprise. Our redemption is part of His plan. And that should drive us to worship.
  • Scripture References/Inspiration for the Song: Genesis 1:1-3, Colossians 1:16, John 8:58, Psalm 33:6-9, Psalm 66:4, Psalm 13:6, Psalm 19:1-4, Isaiah 55:11, Genesis 1:26-27, Luke 19:39-40, Colossians 2:13-14, John 8:12, Psalm 22:1, Psalm 103:10-14, Romans 6:23, 1 Corinthians 15:3-8, 1 Corinthians 15:20-26, John 3:16
• “Good, Good Father” — Why does God do all of this for us? We’re going to sing – and should – that He’s worthy, great, awesome, and so much more than we can voice. He takes our sorrows and trades them for joy. But why? Because’s He’s the “father of the fatherless” (Psalm 68:5). “The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; He knows those who take refuge in Him” (Nahum 1:7). He, like a good Daddy should, does it because He said He would. Amen.
  • Scripture References/Inspiration for the Song: John 5:25, Revelation 3:20, Matthew 25:23, Hebrews 13:5, 1 Chronicles 16:34, Psalm 119:68, Nahum 1:7, Psalm 68:5, Psalm 36:5-7, John 3:16, John 15:13, Romans 5:6-8, Ephesians 2:4-5, Colossians 2:6-8, 2 Timothy 3:16-17, Psalm 139:4, Matthew 5:48, Romans 11:33, Ephesians 3:8, 1 John 4:7-11
• “Here Again” — This is a new song for us. It carries a lot of meaning, especially now. This song is a prayer. It asks God to be with us in the here and now, taking our eyes off the past and hoping in Him for the future. We can’t “go back to the beginning”, but, if we could, He’d be there. As believers, He’s our future. This song is about us trusting that we believe the promises He’s made us in these things.
  • Scripture References/Inspiration for the Song: Deuteronomy 31:6, Psalm 23:4, Psalm 46:1, Matthew 28:20, John 14:16-17, Romans 8:38-39, John 15:5, Romans 5:6-8, Exodus 20:3, Matthew 22:36-37, Luke 14:26-33, 1 John 4:18, 2 Corinthians 12:9, Hebrews 4:13, Ezekiel 37:1-14

I hope to see you with us, whether you gather in person, in the parking lot via speaker, or on Facebook or YouTube live!