embrace the season.

I’m not a songwriter.

At least, I don’t think I am. If I could write a song, I would like to have written this one. It’s based on Jeremiah 29, one of my favorites. For me, this passage is all about truly embracing every season, especially the season you’re in. That’s why I find it funny that verse 11 has become the graduation verse, captioned under cap n’ gown photos that “look to the future.”

Even more, though, I hope this passage can encourage us to BE. To “build homes, plant gardens” — LIVE more fully NOW because verse 11 is true.

No matter what the circumstance, He reigns.

For me and many in my community, the last few months have been some deep waters. Babies are born, dear ones are falling in love and committing to marriage, but we’ve also said good-bye to precious friends we won’t see again until eternity. In spite of the range of emotions, I am coming to believe now more than ever that in death, in disappointment, in delay, in delight, He still reigns with goodness. That’s why I love this song.

Thank you, Aaron Keyes, for writing it.

Sovereign Over Us
Aaron Keyes, Jack Mooring, Bryan Brown

Your plans are still to prosper, You have not forgotten us
You’re with us in the fire and the flood
Faithful forever, Perfect in love
You are sovereign over us

There is strength within the sorrow
There is beauty in our tears
You meet us in our mourning
With a love that casts out fear

You are working in our waiting
Sanctifying us
When beyond our understanding
You’re teaching us to trust

Your plans are still to prosper, You have not forgotten us
You’re with us in the fire and the flood
Faithful forever, Perfect in love
You are sovereign over us

You are wisdom unimagined
Who could understand your ways
Reigning high above the heavens
Reaching down in endless grace

You’re the Lifter of the lowly
Compassionate and kind
You surround and You uphold me
Your promises are my delight

Even what the enemy means for evil
You turn it for our good
You turn it for our good and for your glory
Even in the valley you are faithful
You’re working for our good
You’re working for our good and for your glory