Monday, April 2, 2018

God, You're So Good

God, You're so good,
God, You're so good,
God, You're so good,
You're so good to me

If you've been in church as long as I have, you probably recognize this tune. You might even be humming it to yourself as you read.  It's a little variation on the typical words "God is so good", but still very recognizable.

The tune is traditionally an African hymn, translated by Paul Makai and then translated again by Marilyn Foulkes again into English.  The simple tune carries throughout the song, with many variations on the lyrics.  He answers prayer, I love Him so, I praise His name, etc.  And often, there may even be church specific variations.  It makes a great introductory song for children because of the repetitive words and simple melody.  I know Avalyn has picked it up quickly and sings along now as well*.

We've added the Passion version of this song to worship at Stonepoint, and have sang it the past two Sundays.  This version adds new verses and a bridge to this simple chorus.  The bridge is endlessly singable, and powerful in lyrics.  It reminds us of the blessings we have as children of God.

I am blessed, I am called,
I am healed, I am whole,
I am saved in Jesus' name.
Highly favored, anointed
Filled with Your power
For the Glory of Jesus' name.

Those first lines, while very empowering, can become a little to close to a "prosperity gospel" if they are the sole focus.  They can center us in what God does for us - the slot machine prayer style god.  A trap in which we can easily fall into.  The last line is what solidifies the whole bridge.  It is the reminder of why all these things happen.  Why we are set apart - for the glory of His name alone.   


We are created to glorify God and bring the glory to His name.  Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.  1 Corinthians 10:31.  We are called, healed, made whole and restored, saved, blessed, anointed, and filled with His power, so that His name may be lifted high and His purpose accomplished.  We are instruments and vessels, used by the Master.  

The last verse also serves as a great reminder that this purposes exists in the good times and the rough times in our lives.  We are to glorify His name in all times and to use whatever our circumstances to bring Him glory.  

And should this life bring suffering
Lord, I will remember
What Calvary has bought for me
Both now and forever.

And He has said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness."  Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.  2 Corinthians 12:9  God can use the worst of our circumstances, us at our lowest, to bring glory to His name.  When we share stories of these struggles, we can encourage others, caution them, console them, empathize with them, and remind each other that we exist in this shared space together.  When we reveal our weakness, we show His strength.  And we can truly claim, God, You're so good, You're so good to me.

*My favorite story from Sundy - In our second service, Jamie was working with the 3-4 year olds and observed Avalyn .  When Avalyn heard this song start, she said "It's God You're So Good" and started singing along.  Another little girl in the class tried to talk to her in this time, and she said "Shhh, listen" and kept singing. We'll have another little singer in the family.

2018 sixteps Music, worshiptogether.com Songs, SHOUT! Music Publishing (Admin by Capitol CMG Publishing)
Words and music by Brett Younker/Kristian Stanfil/Brooke Ligertwood/Scott Ligertwood

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