Ron Kenoly - For the Lord Is Good Lyrics

For the Lord Is Good

For the Lord Is Good Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration

Ron Kenoly's song "For the Lord Is Good" is a vibrant invitation to worship, centered on the foundational truth of God's character. Released in video format on December 7, 2017, this song serves as a clear call to action for believers, drawing them into a posture of praise and thanksgiving before the divine. It begins by encouraging listeners to enter God's presence with a spirit of gratitude and joy, specifically mentioning entering gates with thanksgiving and courts with praise, which evokes imagery often associated with approaching a king or entering sacred space. The act of rejoicing and declaring God's name as great and mighty sets a tone of joyful adoration from the outset.

The call to worship expands beyond a simple command, specifying *how* praise should be offered. The lyrics mention using musical instruments like the trumpet, timbrel, and harp, aligning with biblical injunctions for musical praise. This verse broadens the scope of worship, calling not just humans but "every creature in Heaven and earth" to participate. This universal call emphasizes that all creation has reason to lift a sound of praise and sing with all their heart, highlighting the pervasive nature of God's glory and the appropriate response from all that exists.

The core message of the song is powerfully stated and reiterated in the chorus: "For the Lord is good and His mercy endures forever." This declaration serves as the fundamental reason for the preceding calls to worship. God's inherent goodness and the unending nature of His mercy are presented as the bedrock upon which all praise is built. The repetition of this central theme, often supported by background vocals reinforcing the declaration, makes it memorable and emphasizes its truth and importance for the worshiper. It's a statement of theological fact that underpins the entire song's purpose.

The song also directs focus specifically to Jesus, identifying Him as the Son who is exalted and the Maker of everything. This shifts the worship from a general focus on God's attributes to an acknowledgment of Jesus' divine nature and His role in creation. The call to bow down before Him and lift hands in praise and raise voices to sing reinforces the reverent and active nature of worship directed towards Christ. This verse grounds the praise in the person of Jesus, making the worship not just about God's general goodness but about His goodness manifested and made accessible through the Son.

Throughout the song, the central message of God's goodness and enduring mercy provides the motivation for every act of praise. The song's structure builds from entering God's presence, to the manner and scope of praise, culminating in the declaration of God's goodness and mercy, and finally focusing on the exaltation of Jesus. This thematic flow creates an uplifting and focused worship experience. Many of the song's themes resonate deeply with scripture; the invitation to enter gates with thanksgiving and courts with praise is strongly reminiscent of Psalm 100:4. The call to praise with various instruments aligns with Psalm 150. Most notably, the phrase "His mercy endures forever" is a powerful refrain found throughout numerous psalms, prominently in Psalm 136, where it is repeated in every verse, underscoring its significance in biblical worship and understanding of God's character. The exaltation of Jesus aligns with New Testament teachings regarding His nature and position. The song effectively distills these biblical themes into a contemporary worship anthem that is both simple in its message and profound in its truth, inspiring believers to respond to God's unchanging nature with heartfelt and enthusiastic praise.