Steve said on Sunday, ‘We are studying 1 John because we want to have correct doctrine, know joy, to live holy lives, and be assured our salvation.’ And it is with that same kind of intentionality that we want to introduce the songs we sing at Cornerstone Church. We want songs which combat lies with the truth of God’s Word, remind us of who He is and what He has done, anchor our souls in trouble, give us language to celebrate and instruct and guide our hearts toward godliness.

‘Always’ is not a song oblivious to the struggle and strife of living in a fallen world – like many Psalms, it stares boldly in the face of the brokenness and speaks truth to circumstance.  Each verse preaches, reassures and bolsters our hearts with the need to be unafraid even while surrounded by foes, troubles, and chaos because God is with us (Ps 58:1, Ps 58:9, Ps 121:7, Ps 38:22, Is 41:10, Josh 1:9).

          My foes are many, they rise against me

          But I will hold my ground I will not fear the war, I will not fear the storm

          My Help is on the way, My Help is on the way

          Troubles surround me, chaos abounding

          My soul will rest in You I will not fear the war, I will not fear the storm

          My Help is on the way, my Help is on the way

Our God never abandons or never leaves us on our own, His timing is perfect, His salvation is sure, and when we rest in the assured promises of God (which find their ‘yes and amen,’ in Christ) our situation may not change but our perspective is set on that greater reality of who Christ is and what He has accomplished on our behalf (Ps 46:1, Rom 5:6, 1 Jn 1:1-4, 2 Cor 1:20).

           Oh my God, He will not delay

           My refuge and strength always

           I will not fear, His promise is true

           My God will come through, always

           Always

Difficulties tempt us to become self-focused, looking to ourselves, our circumstances, and to others… Scripture invites us in all things to look up – lift our gaze to Christ, the one who is seated at the right hand of God. The One who pleads our cause before the Father. Our help comes from God, so we set our gaze, and set our minds above – where God is. (Ps 121:1-2., 1 Jn 2:1, Col 3:1).

           I lift my eyes up, my help comes from the Lord

           I lift my eyes up, my help comes from the Lord

My hope is that this song preaches truth our hearts.  Trouble in this life is guaranteed, and when it occurs we do not need to hide it, run from it, or become consumed by it - but we can look up and be assured that Christ has the final word.  Always.