This is the first song blog I’m writing for my new album. Over the next 12 weeks, I’m going to be introducing one song per week and giving you a sneak peek into my heart and the story behind each song. May you be encouraged and blessed as you read on!
The apostle Peter was a passionate man. He stood out from the other disciples as a man who took risks, stepped out in faith, and made huge declarations, such as “you are the Christ, the son of the Living God!” (Matthew 16:16). He also made a lot of mistakes, and often failed. But I can just see how much Jesus loved him, because of that passionate, child-like heart he had! He was the only one of the disciples who stepped out of the boat and walked on water. And so, he was the only one of the disciples who actually got to walk on water!! How cool is that?
I used the story of Peter walking out to Jesus on the water as symbolism in this song, “I’ll Be Found”. You can read the story here: Matthew 14:22-33.
I wrote this song in one of the most difficult times of my life. Hard times in our lives can make us feel like we’re drowning. It’s like we’re treading water, and our muscles are getting so tired that we know it’s only a matter of time before our heads go under and we’re just finished.
This song demonstrates an amazing connection with Peter walking on water – then sinking – then being lifted up by Jesus. Why did he sink? When did he sink? It was when he took his eyes off of Jesus, and started focusing on the wind and waves around him. He lost faith because he lost sight of the Faithful One!
When we lose focus on Jesus…”the founder and perfecter of faith” (Hebrews 12:2), and focus instead on our troubles, we begin to experience fear, which can lead to depression, discouragement, and despair. On the other hand, when we keep our eyes and our hearts fixed on Jesus, enjoying an intimate and close relationship with Him, we can walk on water!
What about when we fail? What about when we begin to sink? The root of our “sinking” is sin. That is, missing the mark. Whether we miss the mark by one inch or one mile, we have missed the intended target. In Peter’s case, his sin was unbelief.
You might feel that you deserve the turmoil you’re in, because you caused it…you brought it upon yourself. And although there are consequences to sin, God’s heart isn’t for us to stay suffering and stay drowning.That’s not God’s heart for you!! God disciplines us “for our good, in order that we may share in His holiness” (Hebrews 12:10). Please listen. Jesus gave up his life for us on the cross so that HE would bear the punishment we deserve, so that WE could be forgiven and raised to new life in Him!
Jesus never wants us to stay with our heads under water!
He LOVES US! What did he do when Peter started to sink? “Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him” (Matthew 14:31). Jesus didn’t hesitate to rescue Peter, even though it was Peter’s fault that he began to sink (because of his lack of faith). Jesus had such compassion on Peter, and He has that same compassion for you.
I love the lyrics of the first pre-chorus of “I’ll Be Found”:
But I see your hand reaching out for me
Pulling me back to the surface where I can breathe
And as you hold me close, you smile tenderly
And you tell me not to be afraid…
Isn’t that beautiful to think of how gentle and kind Jesus is? He doesn’t harshly and angrily rebuke us for taking our eyes off of him, but instead, willingly rescues us and holds us close with a smile on his face, telling us not to be afraid. When he said to Peter, “you of little faith…why did you doubt?” He pointed out that there is actually no reason to doubt when Jesus calls us to step out in faith. Isn’t that an amazing promise?
This song is all about TRUST. When we know the One we are trusting, life isn’t so scary. Even when the world around us falls.
Chorus:
When the world around me falls
I’ll be holding your hand through it all
And at the end, I’ll be standing tall
I’ll be found, I’ll be found in You
Those of us who have trusted Jesus Christ as our Saviour and Lord can get through anything in this life! We can do more than survive the terrible situations that come our way. We can thrive! Through the most difficult times, we can experience an even closer, more intimate relationship with Jesus Christ. There is such a sweetness in the midst of our suffering when we stick close to Him. The world around us might fall. Relationships may fail. People we love may betray us or leave us or die. But we are His forever, and nothing can take us away from His love. (Romans 8:35-39)
Do you know that you are right where God wants you? Don’t try to escape the suffering you’re experiencing. Instead, hold even tighter to Jesus. Reflect on Him. Read the word. Get to know Him. Pray continually. Rejoice in Him always. You will experience untold treasures in the midst of the storms and darkness, knowing He will never leave you nor forsake you.
Bridge lyrics from “I’ll Be Found”:
And I know you’ve got me right where you want me
And my story isn’t over yet
I am yours forever, no matter what the weather
So I’ll stay here, safe in You
I pray this song will be an encouragement to you! Please subscribe to my newsletter for updates on song releases and upcoming concerts. I’m currently in the recording studio, working with world-class musicians to make these songs come alive! (Thank you Jesus for this privilege!)
Friend, I’m praying for you. Please feel free to send me an email with any prayer requests you might have. God has got your back, and He’s fighting for you! <3
In Christ,
