Because He Lives
Apr 1, 2022
Because He lives, I can face tomorrow.
Because He lives, all fear is gone;
Because I know He holds the future,
And life is worth the living, just because He lives!
These lyrics penned by Bill and Gloria Gaither emerged from a time of deep national and personal difficulties. It was the late 1960s and America was experiencing deep racial tensions plus, on an international level, the Vietnam conflict. On top of that Bill and Gloria faced their own personal troubles: she experienced an unexpected pregnancy and her husband contracted mononucleosis, which left him exhausted.
Let us remember, we are not the only ones to face multiple troubles. But let us remember where our true hope rests at all times—in The Living One!
Christ has died! Christ is risen! Christ will come again!
Listen to their story behind this beloved song:
“This combination of national turmoil and personal trouble discouraged us, and we occasionally asked each other, “If the world is like this now, what will it be in fifteen or sixteen years for our baby? What will this child face?
While pondering and praying about these things, we came to realize anew that our courage doesn’t come from a stable world, for the world has never been stable. Jesus Himself was born in the cruelest of times. No, we have babies, raise families, and risk living because the Resurrection is true!
Our baby arrived safe and sound, and we named him Benjamin, which means “most beloved son.” A few weeks later “Because He Lives” was born in our hearts and poured from our souls:
How sweet to hold our newborn baby
and feel the pride and joy he gives;
But greater still, the calm assurance—
this child can face uncertain days because He lives.
Over the years this song has reassured us that our Lord’s Resurrection is the central truth of life. Because He lives, we can face tomorrow…. It’s “our song,” but we’re grateful others have loved it, too.” (Morgan, Robert. Then Sings My Soul, Book 2. Nashville, Tennessee: Thomas Nelson Inc, 2004, 299.)
This is the solid truth to embrace in these days of trouble. Christ will carry us through, He will walk with us in these challenging days. Because He lives, we celebrate Easter!!
By Sherree Lane, Campus Pastor, Scandia Shores