Because He lives, I can face tomorrow, because He lives all fear is gone. Because I know He holds my future and life is worth the living just because He lives.
The above excerpt is from one of the most well know gospel songs written by Bill and Gloria Gaither. The story behind the song, as told by Gloria in an interview with Lindsay Terry shared how in the late 1960’s while Gloria was expecting their third child and Bill was recovering form mononucleosis, they were going through a particularly traumatic and fearful time.
On New Year’s Eve, she was sitting in their living room, in agony and fear. The educational system was being infiltrated with the God is dead idea, while drug abuse and racial tensions were increasing. Then suddenly, and quite unexpectedly, she was filled with a gentle, calming peace. It was as if her heavenly Father, like an attentive mother bending over her baby, saw his child and came to her rescue. The panic gave way to calmness and an assurance that only the Lord can impart. She was assured that the future would be just fine, left in God’s hands.
Shortly after the baby was born, both Bill and Gloria remembered that the power of the blessed Holy Spirit seemed to come to their aid. Christ’s resurrection, in all of its power and affirmation in their lives, revitalized their thinking. To Gloria, it was life conquering death in their daily activities. Joy once again dominated the fearful circumstances of the day. Those events gave rise to one of the most famous Christian songs of our time, “Because He Lives.”
I love the story of this song, and it is one of my favorites. Our father knows our fear, anxiety, pain, grief and sorrow. To experience these things is not a sin nor is it a lack of faith, it is simply part of the human condition. Our heavenly father sent His only son, Jesus to live as man, to be acquainted with all of our experience.
Isaiah 53:3 says it like this: He is despised and rejected by men, A man of sorrows and acquainted with grief.
We may not get to bypass the trouble of this world, but we do have a promise from the father that we do not walk alone. He is our refuge and a very present help in time of need. And John 14: 19 says because He lives, we can live.
Do not be afraid today, keep walking, keep calling out to Him, He will cover you with his feathers and carry you through.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank you for your presence in my life. Give me your strength, and peace. Let your abundant life fill me to overflowing. In Jesus Name. Amen.