Hymns & Songs

Justin Chan is a Programme Executive at Methodist School of Music, Worship and Music department. As a reformed rock musician, he believes hymns and heavy metal can co-exist for the glory of God.

Dear God

It’s the middle of the morning. Claire, my newborn, is fast asleep. What a perfect opportunity to write. Alas, that opportunity is dashed when Claire lets out a cry—it’s time for a feed! Without hesitation, I shut off the laptop, make my way towards her cot and pick her up.

On reflection, there’s something familiar about casting everything aside at the sound of my daughter. That’s because I’ve re-enacted the essence of the father’s actions in the Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11–22). To me, the image of the father waiting for the return of his wayward child with such patience and longing is one of the most poignant scenes in the Bible. His response of love and not judgment catches me off-guard with its magnanimity and parental perception. Encountering the parable anew, I am invited to consider fatherhood as a reflection of God’s magnanimous heart.

Cory Asbury’s “Dear God” captures the spiritualised perspectives of both the wayward son and the father. While it may not be the most congregationally participative of songs (perhaps best used in an offertory setting), its raw, impassioned lyrics underscore a depth of emotions—from the son wanting to return to the father, to the father showering love on the son.

The first half of the song is, which is sung from the firstperson perspective, puts us in the shoes of the wayward son. The second half is from God’s perspective, which can be a dangerous creative move, but the lyrics are biblically sound. Indeed, Scripture tells us that God is “a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness” (Psalm 86:15), and our Lord Jesus “stand[s] at the door and knock[s]. If anyone hears [His] voice and opens the door, [He] will come in” (Rev 3:20).

The lyrics “just know that you have always been enough” hits home particularly for Singaporean kiasu parents. God doesn’t expect us to be “good enough”. He has boundless love, stands ready to forgive us for our misbehaviour and awaits our return home with longing and tenderness without us first producing a report card of our deeds, achievements or status.

Upon listening to this song, let us renew our minds and expand our hearts to love our children just as they are—with no expectations, no demands and no strings attached. The Methodist School of Music (MSM) equips and edifies both the individual and the church through music and the performing arts. Find out more at msmusic.edu.sg.

DEAR GOD

Dear God, I’ve been trying awful hard to make You proud of me But it seems the harder that I try oh the harder it becomes And I feel like giving up most of the time

Dear God, I’ve been chasing their approval and it’s killing me And I know the more I try to prove, oh the less I have to show And I’m stuck inside my head most of the time

Pre-Chorus But if I pray a little harder, if I follow all the rules I wonder could I ever be enough

Chorus 1 ’Cause I try and try just to fall back down again And I ask myself why do I try to chase the wind I should lean into the mystery Maybe hope is found in a melody So I wanna try again, oh I’m gonna try again

Dear child, I hope you know how much I love you and I’m proud of you And please believe the thoughts I have for you will never change or fade away And when you felt like giving up, I never did

Pre-Chorus ’Cause I’m not scared of imperfections or the questions in your head Just know that you have always been enough

Chorus 2 ’Cause you tried and tried and I saw you wrestle with Every how every why, I was right there listening So just fall into the mystery And I’ll meet you here in the melody, try just to try again So child would you try again Oh child you can love again

CCLI Song # 7151052 Words and music: Aodhan King and Cory Asbury

© 2020 Bethel Music Publishing (Admin. by SHOUT! Music Publishing Australia) / Cory Asbury Publishing (Admin. by SHOUT! Music Publishing Australia) / SHOUT! Music Publishing Australia