Verse 1
You may ask me why I serve the Lord,
is it just for heaven's gain,
or to walk the mighty streets of gold,
and to hear the angels sing?
Is it just to drink from the fountain,
that never will run dry,
or just to live forever and ever,
in that sweet old by and by.
Chorus
But if heaven never were promised to me,
even God's promise to live eternally.
It's been worth just having the Lord in my life,
living in a world of darkness,
He brought me the light.
If there were never any streets of gold,
even a land where we'd never grow old,
it's been worth just having the Lord in my life.
Living in a world of darkness,
He brought me the light.
Living in a world of darkness,
He brought me the light.
It's Been Worth Having the Lord In My Life
It's Been Worth Having the Lord In My Life Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
Pastor Shirley Caesar's song "It's Been Worth Having the Lord In My Life" presents a powerful reflection on the motivations behind faith. Released with a video presentation on February 2, 2024, this piece resonates with a timeless gospel message. The song opens by listing common perspectives on why one might serve God, posing questions about whether the pursuit is solely for future rewards like the streets of gold, eternal life in heaven, or drinking from a never-ending fountain. These initial queries acknowledge the popular imagery of paradise found within Christian belief, inviting listeners to consider if these future gains are the primary drive for their devotion.
The heart of the song lies in its compelling chorus, which offers a profound counterpoint to the questions raised in the verse. It asserts that even if the glorious promises of heaven – eternal life, golden streets, a land without aging – were not guaranteed, the relationship with the Lord *itself* holds immeasurable value. The lyrics emphatically state, "It's been worth just having the Lord in my life." The true benefit, as declared in the song, is the transformative presence of God in the present reality. Living in a world described as darkness, the Lord is credited with bringing light, a recurring theme emphasizing salvation, guidance, and hope found in faith regardless of future outcomes.
This focus on the intrinsic value of having the Lord in one's life aligns with several scriptural themes. The idea of light overcoming darkness is central to Christianity, perhaps most famously articulated in John 8:12, where Jesus declares, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." Philippians 3:7-8 also speaks to finding the worth of knowing Christ so profound that all other potential gains are counted as loss. Furthermore, scriptures like 2 Corinthians 5:17 speak to the present reality of being a "new creation" in Christ, highlighting a transformation that begins here and now, independent of future promises. Pastor Caesar's message underscores that the peace, guidance, and purpose found in a relationship with God in this life are sufficient grounds for faith, making the journey "worth it" even without considering the promised future rewards.
Through its simple yet profound lyrical structure and Pastor Shirley Caesar's renowned delivery, the song delivers an inspirational message. It encourages believers to examine their own motives, suggesting that while the hope of heaven is a powerful aspect of faith, the true, sustaining power and benefit come from the Lord's presence and the light He brings into the present darkness of life. This perspective shifts the focus from future destination to present transformation, making the song a powerful anthem about the immediate, personal value of living a life centered on faith.
