It’s Alright Now

We really are awsome at complicating things. We make Christianity into a complex set of theological maxims. Like the ancient Jews, we cling to the law and complicate it. We multiply the ten commandments into thousands of meaningless rules. Our founding pastor at Amana Christian Fellowship, Pastor Terrell Reed, has been delivering the simple message that it’s really all about the presence of Jesus. What separates the follower, the believer, the “Christian” from those who struggle is the knowledge and recognition of the presence of Jesus. I was reminded of that Sunday listening to Pastor Terrell and was reminded again yesterday when an old song favorite of mine played on my iPod during my daily swim. 

I remember the time I felt your hand upon me Lord.
I thought that I would never rise again.
For your spirit had broken the pride in my heart.
I knew that I needed to make a new start.
I wanted to feel your love and know you cared.

So I fell upon my knees and prayed “forgive me, Lord”
For living my life without you every day.
Then I felt like something within me had died.
When I raised my head and saw a new light.
I heard what sounded like a voice within me say:

“It’s alright now it’s alright now
There’s nothing to fear from me my friend
I’m saying it’s alright now.”

Many years have come and gone since I first met you, Lord.
And many are the times I felt your hand.
Leading and guiding every place that I go,
And helping me stand in the midst of the storm,
And giving me strength no matter what comes my way.

And I know when my life begins to fade from earth,
My heart will never cry or never fear.

For your spirit and love have given me strength
And the courage I need to see the King of Kings
I know I’ll hear the words of long ago

It’s alright now it’s alright now
There’s nothing to fear from me my friend
I’m saying it’s alright now

It’s alright now it’s alright now
There’s nothing to fear from me my friend

I’m saying it’s alright now
There’s nothing to fear from me my friend
I’m saying it’s alright now

It’s alright, just call on Jesus
He promised to love and protect you
And honor and rescue you
When you’re in trouble

Don’t be afraid he’s always there
It’s alright It’s alright

Just call on Jesus, he’ll make it right
It’s alright now

I pray for you that it is as it is with me…It’s alright now.