The Everyday And The Eternal

One thing to think about when writing a worship song is to how to connect the ‘everyday’ with the ‘eternal’. In other words, we take these amazing eternal truths of who God is and how He works - and we sing about them in a way which means something to people’s everyday lives. Into our chaos we sing of the rule and reign of God. Over our storms we sing of His love, care and sovereignty. We tell of the God of forever, who is here with us, right here, and right now.

When we endure stresses or struggle, one of the dangers is that they become all-consuming - and before long we can hardly see much else. We retreat into ourselves and cannot see much further than the circumstances we’re experiencing. But when we sing of the eternal, we help lift our eyes to something higher. The problems may still be there, but we see them in a totally different perspective. We begin to see the big picture. Hope rushes in, as we see the reality of a God who cannot be moved from His throne, and the wonder of a Saviour who has won the day. Peace is renewed as we drink in the mystery of the God of power and might, who is Emmanuel, God with us. We remind our hearts of the bigger picture – a loving, in-control, all glorious and all victorious God. And before long we view our issues and worries in a totally different way.

Sometimes it’s good to even be specific, just as the Psalms are. I never thought I’d mention the ‘economy’ in a worship song, but recently decided to do so – as it seemed like such an ongoing major issue and talking point in so many people’s lives. We have been seeing news headlines almost every day on this theme – unemployment figures, mortgage repayment hassles and so on. And it is not just a matter of news headlines – and a series of facts, figures and statistics. This is real people’s lives. So in my new song “We Shall not be shaken” I say:

“Nations could be quaking, economies failing; When fear is found all around, You’re the solid ground.”

I’m not claiming it’s groundbreaking poetry or rocket science - but it’s just a tiny little effort on my part to connect the eternal truths of God with the everyday issues of life. You can’t always be specific (sometimes that can make a song exclusive or alienating for many people) – but when you can be, it’s a good thing to do.

We are helping people see the unseen. We are connecting them with a reality which ultimately will outweigh all struggles. As the apostle Paul said, “I consider our present sufferings insignificant, compared to the glory that will be revealed in us”. (Romans 8:18). Paul is injecting eternal truth into everyday life. He has seen the bigger picture, and is inviting others into it too. As lead worshippers and as songwriters, that should become one of our aims too.

Matt is married to Beth and they have four children; Maisey, Noah, Rocco and Jackson. Based in Atlanta they are part of a team starting 'Passion City Church' with pastors Louie and Shelley Giglio. Matt's songs include 'Heart of Worship,' 'Blessed be Your Name,' 'Never let go' and 'Dancing Generation.' His new album 'We shall not be shaken' is now available. For more information visit www.mattredman.com.