The Author’s Plan

Instead of the usual type of post this week, I’m going to step out of my comfort zone a bit and share something that I hope will be an encouragement to you.

Somewhere in the neighborhood of ten years ago, I wrote the song in the video below, little knowing how it would come to minister to my own spirit time and time again. Oddly enough, the circumstances I found myself in as I wrote the lyrics, while unexpected, were not painful or even particularly difficult. I was confused, yes, but not shaken to the core. I was perplexed, but rather happily so, when it got right down to it. But the song came, so I wrote it down, having no idea that I would need it so much more years down the road.

In the intervening decade, as time passed, the song would move to the very back of my mind as other things and other songs came to the forefront, but then another “something strange” would happen, and God would remind me of this song and of His constant goodness and His faithful plan. I didn’t know what the next ten years would hold when I wrote this song, but God knew. And as truly painful, mind-reeling, shake-me-to-the-core events became parts of my story over the years, I’ve been reminded of God’s gracious provision—even of little things like this song that He gave me years before I would really need it.

And now, I am mindful of the unexpected, confusing, even difficult things that many of my readers are facing, and I know there are so many more challenges that I know nothing of. So today, I share this song with you, feeble voice and all, praying that in the middle of whatever you are going through God will use it to remind to you of His omniscience, His perfect plan, and His strong arms that are there to hold you and give you rest.

The pages of my life had been written by the Author's pen,

but empty pages lay ahead that looked unwritten and unread.

My mind began to picture what those pages could contain.

Then something happened, something strange, that I could not explain.

I didn't know. It hurt to think. My mind was playing tricks on me.

The more I thought, the worse it got. Why couldn't I see logically?

My mind was spinning, and the unknown filled my heart with dread.

But as I asked the Author "Why?" He smiled at me and said,

"My arms are strong to hold you. Come run into my rest.

Just crawl up in my lap, child, for I'll give you the best.

I know you're tired and worried and you don't understand,

but come and rest and trust in this: My plan's the perfect plan for you.

“And even though you can't see the end, just know that I've written it, my friend.

Your story's unfolding now, just sit back and you'll see how...

"My arms are strong to hold you. Come run into my rest.

Just crawl up in my lap, child, for I'll give you the best.

I know you're tired and worried and you don't understand,

but come and rest and trust in this: My plan's the perfect plan for you.”

Music, lyrics, video recording, and photo © Olivia Eanes