The creation of a song can sometimes be an unexpected journey, diverging from the artist’s usual path. For me, songwriting had always been within the realm of contemporary worship music, a style deeply rooted in my musical background. However, there was a distinct moment, a clear prompting, that signaled a shift towards creating something different – a hymn. Hymns, while familiar and appreciated for their theological depth, weren’t exactly my go-to genre for personal listening. Yet, this new direction felt compelling.
This journey into hymn writing began with a period of deep reflection on the cross of Christ. I found myself meditating on the immense cost to God the Father, the sacrifice inherent in giving up His Son, His beloved Son, to endure the agonizing death on the cross. This contemplation naturally led to a profound sense of personal introspection. What was my role in this monumental act of love and sacrifice? The answer was both humbling and convicting. It was my sin, and indeed the collective sin of humanity, that necessitated such a sacrifice. Furthermore, honestly confronting my own nature, I had to acknowledge that had I been present during those times, I might very well have been among the voices in the crowd, crying out “crucify Him.” This realization amplified the personal impact of Christ’s sacrifice, making it feel even more astonishing and deeply humbling.
From this intense meditation, a melody began to emerge. It flowed effortlessly, so naturally that it felt almost as if it were a borrowed tune from somewhere in the recesses of memory. The melody came quickly, almost instantaneously. However, crafting the lyrics was a more deliberate and time-consuming process. It involved careful consideration, numerous revisions, and a persistent effort to ensure that each line resonated with strength, truth, and emotional depth. The aim was to encapsulate the overwhelming depth of the Father’s love within the framework of a hymn, making it both accessible and profoundly moving.
It has been incredibly moving to witness how this hymn has resonated across the globe. Its use spans diverse church settings, from traditional congregations to more contemporary house churches. This widespread embrace is particularly exciting, suggesting a universal accessibility in its message and melody. Interestingly, the creation of this hymn, with its more traditional form, has led to some humorous, and perhaps premature, assumptions about my age. I recall hearing an anecdote about a couple who deeply appreciated the song and were quite surprised to learn that I was still alive! Such stories, while amusing, underscore the timeless quality of the hymn and the enduring power of the message it conveys about the immeasurable depth of the Father’s love.
