A lot of people do some of their best thinking in the shower. For me, I do my best crying there. Sure I can have some good thoughts, but I have some really good cries. And I had one like that the other day. After a long day of virtual teaching I put on some worship music and jumped in the shower. The song Good, Good, Father came on and as I sang along with the words I just began to cry.
Since December started I've been reading a chapter a day in Luke. One a day until Christmas. (There are 24 Chapters so it makes for good advent season reading.) Since reading I've been reminded of the fact that Jesus was part of God's plan, His grand plan to save mankind and restore our relationship with our creator. I've also been reading through Deuteronomy and Joshua. And once again, there's a plan. Every single time the Israelites find themselves in a difficult situation or get themselves into trouble, God has a plan for them. A plan that brings them victory, and closer to the promised land. So when Good Good Father came on, I was reminded that God is a loving father and that despite what we see before us, He has a plan.
Oh, I've heard a thousand stories of what they think You're like But I've heard the tender whisper of love in the dead of night And You tell me that You're pleased and that I'm never alone
This year has been a lot for a lot of people. Devastating for so many. And extremely isolating in so many ways. We have had people screaming theories and facts and opinions and plans at us from all sides, and the feeling of being overwhelmed has been a constant. Yet, Jesus hasn't left us. His word has remained. He has not changed or moved or swayed. Despite all the things we have been dealt this year so far, He has loved us through it all and has been by our side every single quarantined day.
You're a good, good Father It's who You are, it's who You are, it's who You are And I'm loved by You It's who I am, it's who I am, it's who I am
He is good, even when it's bad. And he loves us. Despite all the bad in our world, and our hand as humans in it. He loves us still. We are loved by a good, good God.
Oh and I've seen many searching for answers far and wide But I know we're all searching for answers only You provide 'Cause You know just what we need before we say a word
If you're like me, you like to know. You like a plan to follow and you think a few steps ahead. But this year has not allowed any of that. Any plans made have been cancelled. Literally. Any hope of a "what comes next" was thrown out the window around the beginning of April and it just went downhill from there. Yet the answer we can always count on and rely on, is Jesus. He is the same as he was yesterday and will be the same tomorrow. He has a plan that is better than anything I can think of and he knows exactly what I need to get there and get through.
You're a good, good Father It's who You are, it's who You are, it's who You are And I'm loved by You It's who I am, it's who I am, it's who I am
Because He is the answer when it doesn't seem like there are any. And even when we have question after question, He loves us still. We are loved by a good, good God.
Because You are perfect in all of Your ways You are perfect in all of Your ways You are perfect in all of Your ways to us (Ohh) You are perfect in all of Your ways (all of Your ways) Oh, You're perfect in all of Your ways (Your ways) You are perfect in all of Your ways to us
There is not much about this year that you can call 'perfect'. Even 'great' might be difficult. So many of us have been looking so hard for the "good" in this year, only to be left disappointed in all that is so bad, so unfair and so far from perfect. Yet He is perfect. His love is perfect. His ways are perfect. Even when our world is so far from it. And all we need to do is fix our eyes on Him, and allow ourselves to find our perfect peace in Him.
Oh, it's love so undeniable I I can hardly speak Peace so unexplainable I I can hardly think As You call me deeper still As You call me deeper still As You call me deeper still into love, love, love
So much was taken from so many this year. So much changed permanently. So many times I myself have had panicked thoughts and fears, and have found myself in tears. Yet each time I gave a moment to the Lord, each time I read His word or spent even just a few minutes praying and worshiping Him, I have felt Him speak. I have felt His presence and I have felt His peace. So when I'm feeling the weight of this year, I seek Him and allow myself to feel His incredible love.
You're a good, good Father It's who You are, it's who You are, it's who You are And I'm loved by You It's who I am, it's who I am, it's who I am
Because despite the terrible things that this year has brought to so many, His love can heal, can restore, and can renew. He brings change. He brings hope. He brings peace. He loves us. Undeniably. Unexplainably. We are loved by a good, good God.