“Paging Dr. Music..”

With so many therapies offered to help quench whatever stressors life may present, I often have found myself turning to music. I have always been a weirdo with my music choices. Let’s just be honest, old school hip hop, hands down, comprises the majority of my free space, however, depending on my mood, I will blare some heavy metal when I am mad, jazz when I am cooking, and faith based music when I am needing peace and calm.

I chose to write this blog this morning after listening to one of my favorite “praise” songs. There are many praise songs that trigger conviction within me, but this one in particular brings me to my knees. I have decided to write out the lyrics to this song, as the words are so powerful and convicting. I sob (think cement tears) along to this song, not because I am sad, rather because it allows me to put life into perspective. In times of distress, where the world feels heavier than I can carry, allowing myself to find peace and strength in words and song has always been the most effective therapy for me.

The song is called “So will I (100 billion times)”, by Hillsong United. The words are powerful on their own accord, but add in the music and you have magic.

God of creation
There at the start
Before the beginning of time
With no point of reference
You spoke to the dark
And fleshed out the wonder of light

And as You speak
A hundred billion galaxies are born
In the vapor of Your breath the planets form
If the stars were made to worship so will I
I can see Your heart in everything You’ve made
Every burning star
A signal fire of grace
If creation sings Your praises so will I

God of Your promise
You don’t speak in vain
No syllable empty or void
For once You have spoken
All nature and science
Follow the sound of Your voice

And as You speak
A hundred billion creatures catch Your breath
Evolving in pursuit of what You said
If it all reveals Your nature so will I
I can see Your heart in everything You say
Every painted sky
A canvas of Your grace
If creation still obeys You so will I
So will I
So will I

If the stars were made to worship so will I
If the mountains bow in reverence so will I
If the oceans roar Your greatness so will I
For if everything exists to lift You high so will I
If the wind goes where You send it so will I
If the rocks cry out in silence so will I
If the sum of all our praises still falls shy
Then we’ll sing again a hundred billion times

God of salvation
You chased down my heart
Through all of my failure and pride
On a hill You created
The light of the world
Abandoned in darkness to die

And as You speak
A hundred billion failures disappear
Where You lost Your life so I could find it here
If You left the grave behind You so will I
I can see Your heart in everything You’ve done
Every part designed in a work of art called love
If You gladly chose surrender so will I
I can see Your heart
Eight billion different ways
Every precious one
A child You died to save
If You gave Your life to love them so will I

Like You would again a hundred billion times
But what measure could amount to Your desire
You’re the One who never leaves the one behind

In these surreal and most volatile times, I pray that everyone is able to find their version of “therapy”. I pray that everyone has the chance to feel their convictions at some point in life, as it remains the most powerful and productive emotion I have experienced. It deserves to be shared. Everyone deserves peace and salvation.

“And as you speak, a hundred billion failures disappear..” -HIllsong

so much love and respect.

xo -e