I love it when God uses the unexpected to send encouragement, don’t you?
Pablo and I love singing with the kids while we’re in the car. One of the most requested songs is He’s Got the Whole World In His Hands. We can make that song last for a good 10 minutes by substituting in the names of everyone in our extended family (trust me, we have a BIG family!) plus whatever other random things Caleb calls out.
On the surface, a song like He’s Got the Whole World doesn’t seem like it has much substance, right? Just the same little phrase repeated four times. Not the kind of song we would probably pick for Sunday morning worship.
But don’t throw out the simple songs.
I love how musicians like the Gettys are writing new Christian songs with theologically rich lyrics. Goodness knows there are plenty of Christian fluff songs out there. It’s important to have songs/hymns that preach truths to us as we sing/listen.
But don’t bash the simple songs.
He’s Got the Whole World has been an unexpected blessing to both me and Pablo on different occasions. Pablo shared with me how he was worrying about a possible new job (which he ended up getting, yay!) and out of the blue Caleb suggested singing “He’s got Daddy’s job in His hands.” Pablo said it was such an encouragement to his heart!
What a blessing it is to remember that God has this whole world in His hands. He’s got it all under control, even when we don’t feel like He does! (Psalm 2)
When our country is deeply divided politically I can trust in God – He’s got this.
When I’m unsure of the future and waiting impatiently for an answer to prayer, I can let go and trust – God’s got this.
When I’m exhausted and at my wits end with some part of parenting, I can lift it up to God and ask for help because He’s got it.
Silly song? Hmm maybe not.
Sometimes our slow hearts need to be reminded of the same truth over, and over, and over until it’s pounded into us. So yes, while deep, theologically rich music is absolutely important, don’t throw out the simple songs. Sometimes they’re just what we need to hear.
He’s got the whole world in His hands,
He’s got the whole world in His hands,
He’s got the whole world in His hands,
He’s got the whole world in His hands.