Congregational Songs – New Songs for Corporate Worship

New Music Tuesday: “You Are There”

August 10, 2010

One of my favorite chapters of the Bible for many years has been Psalm 139.  It’s a very intimate song – but not in the way you would think or the way we would naturally write a worship song today.  Rather than emphasizing how intimate we want to be with God or what we will do to worship Him and be close to Him, it speaks of how intimately God knows us. “You Are There” focuses on Psalm 139:7-12.

I wrote this in my office at church with Mathew Linton, a friend of mine and one of the most innovative melody writers I know. To listen to more of his stuff (along with Laurianne Cates, the other half of the duo “Boot Hill & the Paramount Ship”), click here.

If I go to the heavens, / or make my bed in the depths, / if I rise on the dawn’s wings, / or make my home on the ocean shore, / You are there, You are there, / You are there. / Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, / Living God, You are there.

If I say, “The dark will hide me / and the light be like the night,” / even darkness will shine like daylight, / for the dark is like light to You. (chorus)

I can pray because You bought me, / and your Spirit dwells within, / and on that mountain, You made a promise / that no matter where I am, (chorus)

Copyright 2009 I Believe So Music / Manicotti Music (ASCAP).

You can find the chart and lead sheet here.

Filed under: New Music Tuesdays,Our Songs