A little over 50 years ago, Bill and Gloria Gaither, two of the most prolific and popular Southern Gospel music writers and performers in the world wrote a song about just that, called Because He Lives. They have composed over 700 songs, but this is the most popular one.
The 1960s were unsettling to the Gaithers. Bill had been stricken with a severe case of mononucleosis and Gloria and some other members of their church faced some painful false accusations. Across the nation, the “God is dead” idea was growing and drug abuse and racial tension were increasing. And then, in that chaotic period, they discovered that they were having a baby. They were excited of course but concerned about bringing a baby into such a messed-up world.
It is said that one spring day, Bill’s father, George brought to their attention a tiny blade of grass pushing through layers of dirt, rock, and concrete to reach the sunshine above. The blade of grass epitomized a strong will to live and to overcome odds to fulfill its destiny. It became a symbol of how God works in His creation.
During that time, God graced Gloria with a sense of gentle peace. Panic gave way to calmness and an assurance that only the Lord can impart. She was assured that the future would be sure because she was in God’s hands. Gloria was inspired to write a song expressing the hope that was shaped by the resurrection of Jesus, as well as that blade of grass and the birth of her son.
Today, we continue to live in times of uncertainty, overwhelming trials, evil, and godlessness throughout all corners of the earth. It is inevitable that at times, we will have times of anxiety and anguish. But we have hope and a sure future because Jesus lives. Scripture validates the message of the song. Be encouraged by these few passages.
[John 11:25-26] Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?
[1 Corinthians 15:20–22] But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive.
[John 14:19] A little while longer and the world will see Me no more, but you will see Me. BECAUSE I LIVE, YOU WILL LIVE ALSO.
YouTube – Because He Lives – Jessy Dixon
God sent His Son they called Him Jesus
He came to love heal and forgive
He bled and died to buy my pardon
An empty grave is there to prove
My Saviour lives
Verse 2
How sweet to hold our newborn baby
And feel the pride and joy he gives
But greater still the calm assurance
This child can face uncertain days
Because Christ lives
And then one day I’ll cross that river
I’ll fight life’s final war with pain
And then as death gives way to vict’ry
I’ll see the lights of glory
And I’ll know He reigns.
Chorus
Because He lives I can face tomorrow
Because He lives all fear is gone
Because I know He holds the future
And life is worth the living
Just because He lives