Verse 1: Matt Papa
Let praises now awake the dawn
We'll greet Your mercy with a song
Your people stand and sing for all
Your lovingkindness
You've carried us in faithfulness
Upon the paths of righteousness
Our gracious King, You've crowned us with
Your lovingkindness
Chorus: Matt Papa
How great is your lovingkindness
Oh God of goodness
Our joy forever to sing the glad refrain
Of grace that saved us of sweet forgiveness
Oh oh, how great is Your lovingkindness
Verse 2: Matt Redman w/ Kristyn Getty
You lift us with a father's hand
You shelter us with Your commands
What heart could fully comprehend
Your mercies endless
You lead us through th shadows deep
Where doubts trace v'ry step it seems
But as the darkness breaks, we'll see
The morning promise
Chorus: Matt Redman & Kristyn Getty
How great is Your lovingkindness
Oh God of goodness
Our joy forever to sing the glad refrain
Of grace that saved us of sweet forgiveness
Oh oh, how great is Your lovingkindness
Verse 3: Matt Papa, Matt Redman & Kristyn Getty
A life laid down to rescue us
With arms outstretched upon the cross
The greatest gift there ever was
Of lovingkindness
A life laid down to rescue us
With arms outstretched upon the cross
The greatest gift there ever was
Of lovingkindness
Your lovingkindness
Chorus: Matt Redman & Kristyn Getty
How great is Your lovingkindness
Oh God of goodness
Our joy forever to sing the glad refrain
Of grace that saved us of sweet forgiveness
Oh oh, how great is Your love
Chorus: Matt Redman & Kristyn Getty
How great is Your lovingkindness
You're the God of goodness
Our joy forever
To sing the glad refrain of grace that saved us
Of sweet forgiveness
Oh how great is Your lovingkindness
Lovingkindness Video
Lovingkindness Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
Introduction
"Lovingkindness" is a song written by Matt Redman that focuses on praising God for His unfailing love and faithfulness towards His people. The song reflects on God's mercy, His guidance through difficult times, and His ultimate sacrifice on the cross.
Key Messages of the Song
The lyrics of "Lovingkindness" convey several key messages, highlighting different aspects of God's character and His relationship with His people. Let's examine these messages chronologically through the lines of the song.
Verse 1 begins with the call to awaken the dawn with praises to God. It speaks of greeting God's mercy with a song and acknowledging His people's standing and singing for His lovingkindness. The lines emphasize God's faithfulness and righteousness, as well as His graciousness in crowning His people with His lovingkindness.
The chorus echoes the theme of God's lovingkindness and emphasizes its greatness. It declares that God is the God of goodness and that our joy is found in singing about His grace and forgiveness.
Verse 2 continues the theme of God's faithfulness and guidance. It speaks of God carrying His people with a father's hand and sheltering them with His commands. The lines acknowledge the presence of darkness and doubts in life but express hope in God's promise of a breaking dawn and the light that will overcome.
The chorus is repeated, reinforcing the message of God's great lovingkindness and the joy found in singing about His grace and forgiveness.
Verse 3 shifts the focus to the ultimate act of lovingkindness – Jesus' sacrifice on the cross. It speaks of Jesus laying down His life to rescue humanity, extending His arms on the cross as the greatest gift of lovingkindness. These lines highlight the centrality of the cross in God's demonstration of His love and mercy towards humanity.
The final chorus repeats the declaration of God's lovingkindness and the joy found in singing about His grace and forgiveness.
Meaning and Inspiration
The song "Lovingkindness" is a powerful anthem of praise and gratitude towards God for His unfailing love and faithfulness. It acknowledges God's mercy, His guidance through difficult times, and the ultimate act of lovingkindness displayed on the cross.
The inspiration behind the song is rooted in the biblical concept of God's lovingkindness, which is often translated as "steadfast love" or "mercy" in various Bible translations. The songwriters draw upon biblical imagery and verses to express their awe and gratitude for God's lovingkindness.
The overall theme of the song is centered on the steadfast love and faithfulness of God, which is a recurring theme throughout the Bible. The writers aim to remind listeners of God's character and His actions in their lives, leading them to respond in praise and worship.
Biblical Analysis
To critically analyze the biblical foundation of the song, we will examine the key messages and references used in the lyrics.
The opening lines of the song draw inspiration from Psalm 57:7-8, which speaks of awakening the dawn and praising God among the nations. This biblical reference sets the tone for the song's theme of praise and worship.
The repeated emphasis on God's lovingkindness aligns with various passages in the Bible. Psalm 136:26 declares, "Give thanks to the God of heaven, for his steadfast love endures forever." This verse echoes the sentiment expressed in the song regarding the greatness of God's lovingkindness.
The second verse of the song reflects on God's guidance through difficult times and the hope found in His promises. This theme is reminiscent of Psalm 23, where David describes God as a shepherd who leads and comforts His people.
The final verse of the song focuses on Jesus' sacrifice on the cross as the ultimate act of lovingkindness. This aligns with John 15:13, where Jesus says, "Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends." The songwriters beautifully capture the essence of God's love demonstrated through Christ's sacrifice.
Overall, the song "Lovingkindness" is firmly rooted in biblical themes and references. The writers draw upon the Psalms and the teachings of Jesus to convey the message of God's unfailing love and faithfulness towards His people.
Critical Evaluation
"Lovingkindness" is a powerful and biblically inspired song that effectively communicates the message of God's unfailing love and faithfulness. The lyrics are rich in biblical imagery and draw from various passages to convey the theme of lovingkindness.
The song's structure and melody create an atmosphere of worship and reflection, allowing listeners to engage with the lyrics on a deeper level. It serves as a reminder of the foundational truths of the Christian faith and encourages believers to express their gratitude and praise to God.
One minor critique of the song is that some of the biblical references may not be explicitly mentioned in the lyrics. However, the overall message aligns with biblical teachings and conveys the essence of God's lovingkindness.
In conclusion, "Lovingkindness" is a beautiful and meaningful song that captures the essence of God's unfailing love and faithfulness. It effectively communicates biblical truths and encourages listeners to respond in praise and worship. The song's message and lyrics are grounded in Scripture, making it a valuable addition to contemporary Christian music.
