If You Want Me To

One of the most fun parts of writing about music this year is the rediscovery of a song I had forgotten about.  As I have mentioned, music has a way to move us in ways that are unique.  The memories that a song, a melody or lyrics can elicit speak to how all of our senses work together to bring us closer to God, our sense of hearing just being one part.

“The pathway is broken and the signs are unclear
And I don't know the reason why You brought me here
But just because You love me the way that You do
I'm gonna walk through the valley if You want me to”

For me, one of the bigger challenges that my faith in God presents is trusting Him on what He is bringing me through.  It’s not that deep down in my core I don’t trust Him, it’s more like I forget to trust Him while I am in the midst of the struggle of that day.  Now, in the grand scheme of things, I have an amazing life and I really have no right to complain about anything going on. But, even though many of us may be richly blessed, we still have those days…weeks…months…years…when things just aren’t going right.

“ ‘Cause I'm not who I was when I took my first step
And I'm clinging to the promise You're not through with me yet
So if all of these trials bring me closer to You
Then I will walk through the fire if You want me to”

As I was flipping through music this morning, looking for inspiration, this beautiful song from Ginny Owens “If You Want Me To” popped up as a joyful surprise (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1q8pWgDsv1E).  The memories I have of this song came rushing back and I knew it was the one for today.  Ginny’s words and sublime piano playing are perfect.  The chord progressions in this song are beautiful, especially how they move down during the part of the chorus “…walk through the …”.  Listen for it; they sound like slow steps down into that valley, towards that fire, through that darkness.

One of our family traditions is to sing to our girls once they are tucked into bed at night.  As they grow up, this happens less and less, but we still get to do it every once in awhile, if they let us.  This song is one from Greta’s “repertoire”.  Besides “Baby Mine” from Disney’s “Dumbo”, this is probably one of my favorites.  I can remember many times, secretly standing outside the bedroom door, listening to her quiet voice, sing this beautifully to one of our girls.

The path God has us on at any given time may be different than what we had in mind.  We plan, we set our direction, thinking it will be the right way to go.  Then, life throws us a curve ball.  But, just because things aren’t going as we planned, does not mean they are not a part of God’s purpose for how He will change us.

“It may not be the way I would have chosen
When You lead me through a world that's not my home
But You never said it would be easy
You only said I'd never go alone 

So when the whole world turns against me and I'm all by myself
And I can't hear You answer my cries for help
I'll remember the suffering Your love put You through
And I will walk through the darkness if You want me to”

When listening to this song, I had forgotten how the end would often bring me to tears…maybe even a bit today…as I thought about the joy of seeing Jesus at the end of my life in this world.  The picture of standing there, looking into His eyes and knowing all is well, causes my heart to stutter with anticipation.  It allows me to move forward, one more step, trusting Him.

“When I cross over Jordan, I'm gonna sing, gonna shout
I'm gonna look into Your eyes and see, You never let me down
So take me on the pathway that will lead me home to You
And I will walk through the valley if You want me to
Yes, I will walk through the valley if You want me to”

Oh, and by the way, if you have not heard of her or figured it out by now from the video, Ginny is blind.  Amazing!

So, are you on a path right now that is a struggle?  Are you headed towards a tough time, knowing it will test your spirit and try your soul?  Know that you have One you can rely on to walk with you.  He has been through struggles and pain and sorrow.  Jesus knows your heart because He brought it into being and is with you every day.  Go ahead, walk through the valley.  He will walk with you.