One of my favorite worship songs sounds like an old fashioned hymn, but it was written in 1995. I love the title of this very worshipful song: “How Deep the Father’s Love for Us.” I’m neither a hymn guy or a praise song guy. I’m a guy that appreciates good music. I like a little country, a little hip-hop, a little Sinatra, and a lot of rock and roll. And I really love music that quickens my heart for God. That’s what How Deep the Father’s Love does for me. Every time I hear this song, I am compelled to not only sing aloud, but make it a prayer of thanksgiving.
Why? Well just listen by clicking HERE.
And the lyrics? Wow! – How deep the Father’s love for us – How vast beyond all measure – That He should give His only Son – To make a wretch His treasure – How great the pain of searing loss – The Father turns His face away – As wounds which mar the Chosen One – Bring many sons to glory.
And then…
How great the pain of searing loss – The Father turns His face away – As wounds which mar the Chosen One – Bring many sons to glory
Behold the man upon a cross – My sin upon His shoulders – Ashamed, I hear my mocking voice – Call out among the scoffers – It was my sin that held Him there – Until it was accomplished – His dying breath has brought me life – I know that it is finished – I will not boast in anything – No gifts, no power, no wisdom – But I will boast in Jesus Christ – His death and resurrection – Why should I gain from His reward? – I cannot give an answer – But this I know with all my heart – His wounds have paid my ransom.
I’ve made no secret that I can find myself in the funk of depression. I’ve had seasons in my life when I’ve struggled to put one foot in front of the other. I’ve experienced deep and painful loss. I’ve spent plenty of sleepless nights wondering what I would do next, or how would I ever get out of the mess I was in. I’ve wept over wayward or broken children. I’ve preached my parent’s funeral and have lost everything temporal that I’ve owned to start over and feel the sting of shame, embarrassment and guilt.
But I’ve also lived long enough to hold five grandchildren and run in the park with three of them. I’ve seen God redeem this pile of worthlessness that I refer to as me, from a fear so deep seeded that it had me chained to an anvil thrown into the deep water. I’ve been rescued by a wife that loves me, even seeing the worst in me. I have been loved by daughters that I have disappointed…Befriended and cared for by a church that has walked through change after change with their pastor. And I’ve seen God’s unending patience with me, as new mercies are needed every new millisecond as opposed to every day.
In the end, I’ve come to know that I know this – How deep the Father’s love for us – How vast beyond all measure – That He should give His only Son -To make a wretch His treasure. Why should I gain from His reward? – I cannot give an answer – But this I know with all my heart – His wounds have paid my ransom.
Seek Peace Today, Chuck
