When A Single Song Sums Up Your Story

Everybody’s got a story. Everybody’s got a song. What a gift when a single song can sum up your life story.

The Voice

Jocelyn and I pulled into the parking lot at Streams Church in Red Deer today, 65 minutes before service time. I was the invited speaker while the pastor was on holidays. The moment we stepped out of the car a woman’s voice caught our attention.

She was singing inside the building, preparing for the worship time. The lyrics floated out an open window.

“I will sing of the goodness of God.”

My first thought was, open window; no air conditioning.

My second thought was, feels like home to me.

L-R Jeremy Sentner, Heath, Shauna

Once inside I learned the voice belonged to Shauna, and Shauna belongs to Heath. They are one of the best kept musical secrets in Alberta but that is a story for another time.

Your Story

“The Goodness of God” is my story. And it tells my story in a way I never could. It’s heartfelt, emotive, spiritual.

Good song writers are story tellers. They have a gift to tell stories that gets the whole world singing. It wouldn’t be a surprise if you said, “This is my song, too! I love singing this song. That’s how I feel about God. And if I planned my funeral this song would be a fitting summary of my faith experience.”

I love You, Lord
For Your mercy never fails me
All my days, I’ve been held in Your hands
From the moment that I wake up
Until I lay my head
Oh, I will sing of the goodness of God

And all my life You have been faithful
And all my life You have been so, so good
With every breath that I am able
Oh, I will sing of the goodness of God

2017

Jenn Johnson, of Bethel Music, wrote the song in 2017. She found herself driving alone on a long country road, happy, grateful, and singing to no one other than God. Singing about the “faithfulness” and “kindness” of God was the most natural expression of her soul. She recorded the song on her phone. “I wrote and sang most of ‘Goodness of God’ as an overflow of my heart at that moment.”

She collaborated with her husband Brian Johnson, Jason Ingram, Ed Cash, and Ben Fielding to produce a song that echoed around the world, garnering dozens of millions of views on YouTube.

I love Your voice
You have led me through the fire
In the darkest night
You are close like no other
I’ve known You as a Father
I’ve known You as a Friend
And I have lived in the goodness of God

All my life You have been faithful
And all my life You have been so, so good
With every breath that I am able
Oh, I will sing of the goodness of God.

God’s Goodness

“Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!” Psalm 107:1

“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” Psalm 103:1-5

‘Cause Your goodness is running after
It’s running after me
Your goodness is running after
It’s running after me
With my life laid down
I’m surrendered now
I give You everything
‘Cause Your goodness is running after
It’s running after me.

God is a loving and caring God who desires the best for us and always works for our good, even amid complex or challenging circumstances.

“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28

What about you? What song sums up your life story? Please join the conversation and post a comment below. Thank you.

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