Graves into Gardens

We sung this Elevation worship/ Brandon Lake song at church last Sunday. It stuck in my head. I’ve been singing it all week.

I searched the world
But it couldn’t fill me
Man’s empty praise
And treasures that fade
Are never enough.

Then You came along
And put me back together
And every desire
Is now satisfied
Here in Your love

Oh, there’s nothing better than You
There’s nothing better than You
Lord, there’s nothing
Nothing is better than You
This is not a traditional hymn to be sung with an orchestra or organ. It is a heartfelt description, a confession of a loving, deeply satisfying, relationship with God. It’s not about a past event or religious theory. It’s a song of appreciation and worship to a God who changed my life and continues to be the best thing that ever happened to me.  

I’m not afraid
To show You my weakness
My failures and flaws
Lord, You’ve seen them all
And You still call me friend

‘Cause the God of the mountain
Is the God of the valley
There’s not a place
Your mercy and grace
Won’t find me again

Oh, there’s nothing better than You
There’s nothing better than You
Lord, there’s nothing
Nothing is better than You
It’s about a God who accepts me as I am – no pretence, no ‘Sunday best’. It’s about a God who sees me at my worst, who knows my weaknesses and failures, yet still welcomes me, He’s the caring Shepherd who searches for His lost sheep, the loving Father who waits for His prodigal son to return, the Friend who remains loyal and constant through tough times.

You turn mourning to dancing
You give beauty for ashes
You turn shame into glory
You’re the only one who can

You turn graves into gardens
You turn bones into armies
You turn seas into highways
You’re the only one who can
Above all this is a song about transformation. It’s about a God who isn’t just with me in the tough times, but can change them. The lyrics point to scriptural examples – David and Isaiah who knew this God… Moses crossing the Red Sea on dry ground… Ezekiel’s valley of dry bones becoming an army… Jesus’ dead, crucified body coming back to life.

The song is sung with youthful energy and exuberance in the YouTube version. Last Sunday in church we celebrated its truth and reality with the elderly, the disabled, the weary and the ordinary.