Lyrics for Life

“The thief comes only to steal, kill and destroy; I came that they might have life, and might have it abundantly.” (John 10:10 NASB)

This is a verse with which I assume we are all familiar. Many of the modern day “prosperity preachers” have wrongly leveraged this verse in a way to suggest that Christians should expect (dare I say, deserve) abundant wealth and material blessings.

This mishandling of the text defies any sense of context whatsoever. Here, Jesus is not promoting materialism in any sense or form, but rather emphasizing and re-emphasizing the fact that He is the door through whom the sheep must enter and if they do, they shall be saved, find pasture (every need met), protection and be valued so highly that the Good Shepherd will lay down His life for His sheep. Try to put a price on that!

To promote the idea that the “abundant life” means health, wealth, and no struggle, not only misrepresents the truth of scripture but also adds insult to injury, as the saying goes, to the saints of God who find themselves in the trials and tribulations of life.

Jesus, in scripture, clearly informs and prepares us for the realities of life on planet Earth when He said, “In this world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33 NASB)

So can we experience “the abundant life” in the midst of difficulty and tribulation? Scripture says, “His mercies are new every morning”, “His grace is sufficient for every need” and “His love endures forever.”

Are these promises only good for the easy days or are they wholly applicable in the difficult days? For the child of God, scripture is clear throughout that all His promises are yes and amen!

“For as many as may be the promises of God, in Him they are yes; wherefore also by Him is our Amen to the glory of God through us.” (II Corinthians 1:20 NASB)

Once again, as we examine the context of this wonderful verse we must note that it is framed within Paul’s explanation of affliction, enduring and suffering (verse 6) and affliction, anguish and sorrow (Chapter 2 Verse 4).

Why do I write these things to you? I write them because I am increasingly aware of the struggles and sorrows with which some of you find yourselves.

As I consider the prayer requests that come to us by letter or email and as I hear the prayer needs within our own church body, I am deeply moved by the depths of difficulty that some experience; some for long periods of time.

I know the needs are as diverse as each individual, yet I observe that certain difficulties seem to dominate the landscape of our trials and tribulations.

It is my hope herein to offer some lyrics from past songs, born out of Linda’s and my own struggles in life, to bring some hope, encouragement and in a prayerful sense, intercessory fellowship in the areas of physical need for healing, deliverance from depression and comfort in the midst of the sorrow of loss.

In 1987 my wife was diagnosed with breast cancer which was promptly addressed by aggressive surgery and intense chemotherapy. One evening as I was out in my studio, I wrote a song which expressed the cry of our hearts. I invited Linda to come out and give a listen to this new song. As I sat at the piano and placed a set of headphones on Linda’s beautiful bald head, I sang this prayer for us. I now offer these lyrics as a prayer for those of you who need a touch from the Great Physician.

Heal Me

I knew life had its valleysNever thought that it would not be so,But even if they’d told meI never would’ve thought they’d be this low.I’ve stood upon the mountainLooked across to higher peaks and more,But the only way to reach themIs to journey through the lowly valley floor.How long have I been travelin’Days or years, sometimes I just don’t know.How deep is this valley,And how many more miles must I go?My body’s growing wearySeems my strength has all but slipped away.Oh, God, You’ve got to help me;Place Your healing hand on me today.Heal me, touch me with your loveHeal me, send Your Spirit from above(And) Hear me, help me Lord I pray,Jesus come and make me whole today.Oh, God, I know You’re faithful,Leading me each step every day,But sometimes in the valleyI just forget You’ve often passed this way.The path is steep and narrow;Seems this upward climb will never stop,So I’m holding onto You LordAnd in Your strength I know I’ll make the top.Heal me, touch me with your loveHeal me, send Your Spirit from above(And) Hear me, help me Lord I pray,Jesus come and make me whole today.

Linda has often shared that as difficult as the struggle has been against the breast cancer she has battled now for 34 years, it doesn’t compare to a greater battle she endured in a season of severe depression, prior to her cancer diagnosis. The following lyrics offer hope to any who presently share in the difficult depths of depression.

This Too Shall Pass

There’s a heaviness inside your heartA weight you can’t describeA feeling that you just can’t hideThere’s a weariness within your mindThe thoughts don’t come too clearYou feel as though I’m not so near to youBut remember I said I’d never leaveTrust in My Word and believe I am hereForever, I’ll never let you goThis is all you really need to knowI’ve heard every prayer I’ve seen every tearWhen I seemed so distant, I’ve always been nearAnd I know the future, and I know the pastSo believe me when I say; believe me when I sayThis too, this too shall pass.I know sometimes it’s hard for you to put your trust in MeTo place your faith in what you cannot seeI know sometimes you feel that I’m a million miles awayBut listen to your heart and hear me say:I’ve heard every prayer – I’ve seen every tearWhen I seemed so distant, I’ve always been nearAnd I know the future and I know the pastSo believe me when I say; believe me when I sayThis too, this too shall pass.

Finally; it seems the older we get, the more family and friends there are who are passing on. Linda and I have temporarily said goodbye to our parents in recent years. Linda’s mom and sister both passed a couple years ago and she was not even able to attend any kind of funeral for them due to Covid and Linda’s own health issues. Yes, we grieve but… “Not as those who have no hope.”

I pray the lyrics to this final song bring hope to those who have said goodbye to a family member or friend who died, “In Christ”.

Next Time It Will Be Forever

I just said goodbye to someone I lovedNever pass this way againThe time we hadJust wasn’t enoughAnd it hurts to reach the end.A whole lifetimeIs really no time at allJust a moment, then it’s gone.But… next time it will be foreverThen our hearts will be renewedThere we’ll always be togetherNext time it will be forever.I don’t understand, but I still believeThere’s a purpose in Your planAnd though I may feel that I can’t go onIn Your strength I know I can.A whole lifetimeIs really no time at allJust a moment, then it’s gone.And I know that just as sure as there’s a God aboveWe’ll be reunited once again somedayThen forever we will be together in His loveAnd together in His love we’ll always stay.

It is Linda’s and my desire and prayer that this letter will bring some encouragement, hope, and healing to you. Here’s a link to several of my songs which you can download for free.

Our sincere hope is that from these songs, some written many years ago, they will now be to you…Lyrics for Life.