Here’s what I’ve been up to lately:
Adoleo recorded 12 songs for an upcoming release last Friday night. We invited a “choir” of singers to accompany us, some “caring adults” to make us snacks, the world’s best “tech guy” (John Debold) to assist with recording, and a church elder to check on his fantasy football team.
The idea for the recording was simple: capture the sound of a living room engaged in worship. When finished with post-production work (whatever that means), each song will feature one acoustic guitar track, one lead vocal track, and a chorus of voices. Of the 12 songs, 11 of them are new. Some of them were written for our recent album, but we just weren’t able to produce them in a fitting way for a full band.
The song captured in the video by Mark Arant’s iphone is one I wrote called “Make Me Whole.” It is a song I had recently reworked from a different song I had written about four years ago. (20 points to anyone who can recognize it) Ally really wanted to sing it, and I think she does an incredible job with it.
Lyrically, I’m really proud of this song, and it might be my favorite one of the whole project. It was inspired by Acts 9:32-35 (KJV).
“And it came to pass, as Peter passed throughout all quarters, he came down also to the saints which dwelt at Lydda. And there he found a certain man named Aeneas, which had kept his bed eight years, and was sick of the palsy. And Peter said unto him, Aeneas, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole: arise, and make thy bed. And he arose immediately. And all that dwelt at Lydda and Saron saw him, and turned to the Lord.”
The first verse of the song was inspired by reading through the weighty “Confessions” by Saint Augustine. I felt like I didn’t understand 90% of that book, but what I did get out of it was pretty powerful. Augustine begins his book by acknowledging his nothingness before his Creator. He writes on how he is but a vanishing breath, but one that is known intimately and deeply by His creator. He puts himself in as humble of a position as he can, and “confesses” it back to God. Through his confession that there is nothing ultimately good in him without the help of God, he is able to experience the complete joy of God’s grace and love.
The first verse of the song attempts to capture that idea. Confession is not just a once in a lifetime practice, but a discipline that should be a constant part of a Christian’s walk. I wanted lyrics that would apply to both the first-time believer as well as the seasoned disciple who is still striving towards perfection in Christ.
You see through me
From before I was born you have known me
You have known me (Psalm 139)
And you’ve seen how I have wandered
I confess Lord, and I turn back to you
The chorus of the song goes back to the story in Acts. We don’t confess without reason; we confess because we have faith that God can heal us, as it says in Scripture that “He opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” We confess with every intention of leaving behind the sin and all of the brokenness that it entails. I like the KJV version that uses the word “whole” to describe the healing that takes place. It captures the implications of both body and soul. As we confess and turn away from our sins of the flesh, our souls are able to encounter God more intimately and fully.
For You can make me whole again
Make me wholly Yours
Take my sin and brokenness
Make me whole again
The second verse focuses on what happens after the healing. It says “ALL in Lyda and Saron saw him, and turned to the Lord.” Aeneas’ faith wasn’t a “personal decision that worked for him,” it was a real healing that he couldn’t hide! As “God works all things together for the good of those who love him,” the very weakness of Aeneas was able to be used to bring God the most power and glory.
To preach for a second here, I don’t think most Christians feel like they can boast of what God has healed them from. Augustine “confessed” not only to God, but also to his fellow man, that they might see the work of God in his life. If someone has accepted Jesus Christ and grace, there is no shame in their former lives, as long as we have truly turned from it. Yet, we often keep our stories to ourselves. If we truly told people about what God has done for us, unashamedly and boastfully (in Christ), I think there would be a lot more people turning to the Lord. As it is, we think our own stories insignificant, our own lives purposeless, and our past struggles with sin as permanant restraints. Are we really free, then, if our sin is always with us? Are we truly whole?
I’m not saying everyone has to get up in church and tell everyone else the worst thing they’ve ever done. What I am saying, though, is that I’ve seen in my life how God has used even the worst of my sins for his glory when I’m willing to share them with others in a meaninful way. “What’s that you say? You feel trapped in your sin? So was I … but I know the way to healing.” The greatest evidence I can present for the existence of God is his work in my own life.
You speak to me
To my listening ear there is healing
There is healing
So let me rise, as with new limbs
I’ll serve God as a witness to you
The bridge of the song goes back to the initial heart of confession. It’s as simple and straight to the point as I could make it. No wordy language; no pretentious words open to interpretation; it’s confession straight from the gut between the sinner and a righteous God. “I’m sorry. I was foolish. I chased after foolish things. You’ve given me everything I need. Take me back again.”
Once again, the application is the same for both the newly repentant murderer and the lifelong Christian who just entertained some envious thoughts throughout the week.
I’m sorry Lord for wandering
With jealous thoughts unsatisfied
When I have all the things I really need
For selfish I have come to this unhappiness
I want to be made whole.
Advertisement
