WorshipLife Anthem: “Grace That You Have Shown” – by Mike Harland

My brother-in-law, Philip Stovall, is an amazing artist. Recently, he completed a series of paintings based on the seven “I am” statements made by Jesus in the Gospel of John. My wife, Teresa, used these as visuals for a Bible study she taught. When Philip finished the last one, he lined up all seven in our living room. It was so inspiring. I have since asked him to make several copies to share with others.

It makes me wonder.

If paintings depicting scenes from my life were done, what main themes would they show? If they were displayed, what would people observe about what I really believe? Even more appropriately, what if all the songs I have sung or written could be heard, one after another? What would the messages add up to say?

This time in my life is filled with grown kids, new grandchildren, and aging parents. It certainly causes me to look back over the years more often than ever before. It was one such reflection that led to the writing of these lyrics. Don Koch brought his usual musical genius and instinct about lyrics working well within a musical framework, and the anthem you hold is the outcome.

But the glance is not only backwards. The lyric anticipates the paintings yet to be and the songs not yet written or sung. Every moment of the past is a picture of God’s grace. There is no reason to doubt that the ones ahead will tell the same story—a story of a loving God who has called us and has never once left us on our own.

Though every painting would be unique, they would all be of the same thing.

Grace.

Find this WorshipLife Anthem and more at LifeWay.com/Worship.

Mike Harland is the Director of LifeWay Worship. When he’s not directing 30+ employees, you’ll find him leading worship at various churches around the country, writing/arranging worship songs and/or, writing his next book (checkout his latest book: Worship Essentials). In his spare time, he loves playing basketball and spending time with his family (and his two new grand-babies). Visit MikeHarland.com to keep up with all that Mike has going on.