Already There

“Why?”

From pretty much the age of two, this is a question we ask of others and of ourselves for the entirety of our life in this world.  It is a question that can range from a simple form of curiosity, to a seeking of understanding, to a cry of desperation.  We continually seek to know.

Casting Crowns is one of my very favorite bands.  I know that different bands and their music speak to each of us in unique ways.  For me, their ability to create lyrics and melodies that relate to my joy and my gratitude, as well as my problems and my questions, is truly a gift from God.  Their song, “Already There” (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qtg9axTtNLg) speaks to our asking of “Why?” in a way I have not found others able to do.

“From where I'm standing
Lord it's so hard for me to see
Where this is going
And where You're leading me. 

I wish I knew how
All my fears and all my questions
Are gonna play out
In a world I can't control.”

The most frustrating part of us asking “why” is that in almost all instances, someone knows the answer to our question.  In all instances, God knows the answer because it is a part of His plan for each one of us in the world, and how He fits all of it together in perfection.

“From where You're standing
Lord, You see a grand design
That You imagined
When You breathed me into life. 

And all the chaos
Comes together in Your hands
Like a masterpiece,
Of Your picture perfect plan.”

This song, from start to finish, is a beautiful prayer.  It is a real and open conversation with God which shows how we move from the position of petulant child, asking “why?” without even know what we are asking, to a being filled with the Holy Spirit, knowing that God is in control and working all things together for our good.

“One day I'll stand before You
And look back on the life I've lived,
I can't wait to enjoy the view
And see how all the pieces fit. 

One day I'll stand before You
And look back on the life I've lived,
Cause You're already there
You're already there 

When I'm lost in the mystery
To You my future is a memory
Cause You're already there
You're already there 

Standing at the end of my life
Waiting on the other side
And You're already there
You’re already there”

I have to admit, there have been many times in the past year that this song has brought me to tears.  For those of you who have read my random musings over these past six years, know my opinion on “tears”.  When we are filled with the Holy Spirit…either due to immense happiness when He magnifies our joy, or heart-wrenching sorrow when He comforts us…something has to come out.  In my world, shedding tears in either of these instances is evidence of the Holy Spirit within us.

The tears I shed when hearing this song come from being immersed in the peace of Christ, which passes all understanding, picturing God standing at the point of Eternity, welcoming me in with open arms. It is sometimes hard to get my brain around, thinking about the fact that God has already seen my life play out.  But, He has, and that’s just how it is.

So, eventually, we will get to know how it all fits together.  We will have the privilege of standing with Jesus, seeing how everything…past, present and future…fits together and “why” we experienced all we did.  But, on that day, the irony and the beauty of our eternal life with God, is that when we have this chance to stand with Him and see all that was and is behind the “Why?”, we will no longer care…