I remember when I first saw Christian music artist, Phil Wickham. He was the opening act for MercyMe (a Christian band). He stood on stage, in front of a closed, massive curtain, with just his guitar. He began to play. When he opened his mouth and let his voice fill the air, I knew he was born to sing. It was one of those moments when you get a small glimpse into what it looks like for someone to fulfill the purpose for which they were created.
Over the years Phil’s talent has grown, and his skill as an artist continues to captivate me. I get in my car, connect my phone to the car Bluetooth, and have a worship service until I arrive at my destination. Phil is one of the few artists that I never tire of hearing. I want to share his most recent song, “It’s Always Been You.” This song is on his new album, Hymn of Heaven.
Each of us makes our own music for the Lord. It may look different because our instrument isn’t necessarily an actual musical instrument. Your voice is an instrument based on the words you speak both over yourself and others. A pen and paper are instruments to encourage, lift and motivate. Your hands are instruments as you tend to your family, pay your bills, and show up for work. Your arms are instruments as you lift your elderly parent/neighbor or give a hug. Engaging in life, relationship and responsibility can be considered a form of worship. Where we focus the eyes of your heart determines whether our unique sound comes from a heart of obedience, gratitude and love or the opposite. It is a form of worship. , service to God.
This song is 4 minutes 3 seconds long. You’ll be surprised at how such a small investment of time will be the most rewarding few minutes of your day. Course it’s all about Who you’re spending your time with.
Listen as Phil reminds us that God has always been our Guardian, especially when we didn’t deserve to be protected. Turn the eyes of your heart on Him, and let your heart be swept away in the truths that Phil sings. Begin to recall the things you’re thankful for. Let the beauty of God’s goodness rise up in you, and let your gratitude overflow.
May you be overwhelmed with His goodness, and may your heart feel His presence. Be reminded that He’s closer than your breath and that He has an extravagant love for you that cannot be measured and makes absolutely no sense to the human understanding. Don’t try to define His love or reason with it, just enjoy it. Embrace the truths. They are what sets your heart free.
Here’s the link to Phil’s music video. It has the lyrics too. They’re embedded in the notes on the video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BDURInx_GUk
But take some time to read the lyrics here so you can meditate on them. Then let the music wash over you as you proclaims the beauty of who God is.
It’s Always Been You – Phil Wickham (philwickham.com)
You saw me first
You let me in when I was at my worst
The moment when I heard you say my name
It’s the first time in so long I’m not afraid
I’m not afraid
You are the voice that calms
The storm inside me
Castle walls that stand around me
All this time my guardian was You
You are the light that shines in every tunnel
There in the past You’ll be there tomorrow
All my life Your love was breaking through
It’s always been You
It’s always been You
My northern star
Your love will be the compass of my heart
Oh I just want to be right where You are
Right where You are
You are the voice that calms
The storm inside me
Castle walls that stand around me
All this time my guardian was You
You are the light that shines in every tunnel
There in the past You’ll be there tomorrow
All my life Your love was breaking through
It’s always been You
And it’s always been You
It’s always been You
It’s always been You
Who stood with me in the fire
It was You it was always You
Who pulled me out of the water
It was You it was always You
And who carried me on their shoulders
It was You I know it’s You
You are the voice that calms
The storm inside me
Castle walls that stand around me
All this time my guardian was You
You are the light that shines in every tunnel
There in the past You’ll be there tomorrow
All my life Your love was breaking through
It’s always been You
And it’s always been You
It’s always been You
It’s always been You
It’s always been You
Live Loved and Thrive!
These questions are in no way a substitute for healthcare professionals or any level of professional counseling. I’m an advocate for taking care of oneself mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. These questions reflect my heart, NOT my profession.
This questionnaire is an opportunity to journal your thoughts and feelings. It can serve as a launching pad on which to evaluate your heart condition as you understand it. My hope is that you will take the truths you discover about yourself and hold them up to the Light to evaluate them against who God says you are.
- List three things you’re thankful to God for.
- Does God’s presence calm your thoughts? If so, explain.
- Does God’s Word bring peace into your life? If so, in what way?
- Do you believe that God loves you? Why or why not?
- Do you trust God to come through for you when you need Him? Why or why not?
- What is your life verse (the scripture God has given you to explore Him through)? If you don’t have one, ask God for one.
- In what ways does God challenge you to use your life verse to understand Him on a deeper level?
Use God’s Word to take control over the traumas in your life. Whenever you feel terrorized by your thoughts take them captive by replacing them with the truth of God’s promises in His Word.
Here is a scripture for you to print, cut and carry with you and/or post in places where you will see it often. Ground yourself in God’s truths not Satan’s attacks. Encourage your heart and mind every time you are reminded of His great love for YOU!
Here is what God’s Word says about His unfailing, relentless, unending love for you:
“(God) You are my hiding place and my battle-covering. I put my hope in Your Word.” Psalm 119:114 (NIV)
Translation: We can find refuge and protection in Christ. His Word is true, and His truth sets us free.
