I remember a time in the 1970s when I heard my wife and her sister sing a song called “Because He Lives” in our small, country church. With the melodious alto voice of my wife and the strong soprano voice of her sister the song radiated throughout the congregation with tremendous harmony. This may have been my first time to hear the song and I was incredibly pleased to hear the two sisters master it with their voices.
Knowing little about the origination of the song and the authors, I was glad to read it was written by Gloria Gaither. She and her husband, Bill, are tremendous writers and producers of good Christian music.
It was written in the late 1960s during a time of turmoil in our country and in their family life. Gloria was expecting her third child and Bill was recovering from mononucleosis.
The situation in the world, much like today, featured much unrest and fear among the citizens because of the actions of some people wanting to change the laws of the land and create havoc among anyone they could. People despised our leaders and the United States was in an unpopular conflict in Vietnam. It was dark times for the people of America and for the Gaithers. Like many expectant mothers of today it is traumatizing to think of what you are bringing your baby into.
Gloria was alone in a darkened living room being fearful for her unborn baby’s future when the Lord sent a calm and peaceful rest to her. The Lord’s joy overcame her fear of the frightening human circumstances. She fully understood the resurrection of Christ came to save those who believed in Him, accepted Him as their personal Savior, and gave promise of eternal life with Him.
Even with her thoughts of bringing a baby into a world full of sin and evil, drug-infested, and anti-God sentiments among many people, she found comfort in what God inspired her to write.
I have found comfort in this song many, many times. From the day I heard my wife and her sister sing this song, remembering the sweet harmony of the tune and the lyrics, made an impact on me and will continue to be with me until the Lord calls me home. My wish is that all the people of the world would take time and listen, really listen, to this song and its message to all of us.
It is my belief that if the world of today would turn back to more gospel music and messages and get away from the satanic music and values this world is producing, God will once again heal His people and land. Read the lyrics of this great song and see if you feel the same message that I received from it.
God sent His Son, they called Him Jesus,
He came to love, heal, and forgive.
He lived and died to buy my pardon,
An empty grave is there to prove my Savior lives.
(Chorus) Because He lives, I can face tomorrow,
Because He lives all fear is gone,
Because I know He holds the future, and life is worth the living just
Because He lives.
It is my hope that you will read or listen to the other two verses because the message is so clear and strong. We need to remember the times Gloria Gaither was talking about was the unrest of the 1960s and even though our country and world is going through the same torment today, our only hope is Jesus! Do you know Jesus as your Lord and Savior? If not, call on Him today and accept Him into your heart. You will be amazed where He will lead you if you are sincere in following Him.
