Chorus
What You began You will finish
By Your strong hand I will prevail
Every trial You work in it
And Your faithfulness can't fail
Though I do not claim to understand
The mysteries of Your sovereign plan
I know the good work You began
You will finish
Verse 1
You are the One who works
in ways I cannot grasp
You are the One who knows
My prayers before I ask
Why should I doubt You
When without You I'd be lost
When I am tossed on the sea
You bring me back to the land
And what You began
Verse 2
You are the One who will work
All things for my good
You are the One who guards
My path before I look
Why should I try to walk
By sight and not by faith
Lord give me the grace to have
A childlike trust in Your plan
And what You began
What You Began
What You Began Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
Released on December 22, 2020, Sovereign Grace Music’s song "What You Began" offers a profoundly comforting and theologically rich meditation on the faithfulness of God in the life of a believer. The heart of this song beats with the truth that salvation is not merely an initial step taken by grace, but a complete work initiated and assured by God from beginning to end. It captures the essence of the biblical promise that the Lord is not only the author but also the finisher of our faith journey. This theme is a vital anchor in the often-turbuous experience of following Christ, reminding us that our standing is not dependent on our fluctuating performance or feelings, but on His unwavering power and commitment.
The core message resonates deeply with the assurance found in Scripture, particularly in passages like Philippians 1:6, which declares with certainty, "He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ." The song expands upon this glorious truth, painting a picture of God’s active, ongoing work in us, sustaining us through every trial and refining us by His grace. It acknowledges the reality of imperfection and struggle in the present ("the fight is long and hard") but pivots decisively to the unshakeable hope grounded in God's character. John 6:39 further reinforces this, stating Jesus’ promise concerning those the Father gives Him: "And this is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me, but raise it up on the last day." This divine resolve underlies the song's powerful affirmation that what God starts, He finishes, securing His people all the way to glory.
Analyzing the lyrical craftsmanship reveals a careful build-up, moving from the foundation of God's initial grace to the certainty of His future consummation. The music often supports this journey, perhaps starting with a sense of grounding or quiet confidence and expanding into a more expansive, hopeful declaration towards the end. The emphasis is clearly on God's sovereign power and grace, not on human effort. The lyrics might touch on the transforming process, the growth in holiness, or the endurance required in the Christian life, all framed within the context of God being the primary agent. This aligns beautifully with Romans 8:29-30, which outlines the golden chain of redemption – from foreknowing to predestination, calling, justification, and ultimately, glorification. The song implicitly celebrates each link in this chain, all secured by the One who began the work.
Moreover, "What You Began" speaks to the future hope that fuels present perseverance. The promise of "completion at the day of Jesus Christ" points towards the eschatological hope that is essential to Christian faith. This isn't just about getting saved; it's about being brought fully into conformity with Christ's image, a future reality guaranteed by God's faithfulness today (Romans 8:23-25; 1 John 3:2). The song serves as an anthem for those who feel weary or discouraged, pointing them away from their own weakness and towards the unfailing strength of God who "is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy" (Jude 1:24). It’s a powerful musical declaration that our security rests entirely in God’s hands, a truth that encourages steadfastness and worship.
In essence, "What You Began" is more than just a song; it is a sung theology lesson, a reminder that the Christian life is not a project we must complete for God, but a work He is faithfully completing in and through us. It draws from the deepest wells of biblical truth regarding God's sovereign grace and unwavering commitment to His people. For anyone seeking assurance, hope, or a renewed perspective on God's work in their life, this song serves as a powerful, biblically grounded affirmation that the One who called you is faithful, and He will do it (1 Thessalonians 5:24; 1 Corinthians 1:8-9). It’s a worshipful response to the breathtaking reality that God doesn't abandon what He starts, and His promised completion is as certain as His initial grace.
