Inspiration Behind There Was Jesus:
Zach Williams wrote There Was Jesus reflecting upon his struggles with addiction and a failing marriage. Before recording this song, Zach sought Dolly Parton’s advice. This led to a joint collaboration of these two, with Dolly wanting to make sure that her part in this duet fit perfectly into There Was Jesus’ theme of faith and redemption.
Biblical Application:
To the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. 7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace 8 that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding, Ephesians 1:6-8.
Exegesis of There Was Jesus:
Every time I tried to make it on my own
Every time I tried to stand and start to fall
And all those lonely roads that I have travelled on
There was Jesus
This opening stanza reminds me of the Christian poem entitled Footprints where an individual going through tough times on earth thinks God abandoned him until looking down and seeing two sets of footprints in the sand. Jesus was right there all the time, walking side by side. This is what Zach realized as well.
When the life I built came crashing to the ground
When the friends I had were nowhere to be found
I couldn’t see it then but I can see it now
There was Jesus
Experiencing disappointment, failure and rejection can be a lonely period. When Zach was going through the difficult trials in his life, he didn’t sense or see God’s presence at the time. Looking back now, Jesus was there.
In the waiting, in the searching
In the healing and the hurting
Like a blessing buried in the broken pieces
Every minute, every moment
Where I’ve been and where I’m going
Even when I didn’t know it or couldn’t see it
There was Jesus
God gives all human beings free will, to choose as we please daily. Each choice leads to blessing or curses according to Moses in Deuteronomy 28. According to Zach, waiting for answers and being healed was excruciating. Despite being helpless and losing hope, Jesus was by his side.
For this man who needs amazing kind of grace (mm)
For forgiveness at a price I couldn’t pay (mm)
I’m not perfect so I thank God every day
There was Jesus (there was Jesus)
Zach is bearing his soul, reaching out to God for grace and mercy. Jesus was listening.
In the waiting, in the searching
In the healing and the hurting
Like a blessing buried in the broken pieces
Every minute, every moment
Where I’ve been and where I’m going
Even when I didn’t know it or couldn’t see it
There was Jesus
This chorus serves as a reminder that healing occurs in God’s timing, not yours.
On the mountain, in the valleys (there was Jesus)
In the shadows of the alleys (there was Jesus)
In the fire, in the flood (there was Jesus)
Always is and always was
No, I never walk alone (never walk alone)
You are always there
Sometimes human beings are so busy and pressed to get their job done, that they forget to slow down, be still and notice the presence of Jesus in and around their life.
In the waiting, in the searching
In the healing and the hurting
Like a blessing buried in the broken pieces
Every minute (Every minute), every moment (every moment)
Where I’ve been and where I’m going
Even when I didn’t know it or couldn’t see it
There was Jesus
Zach and Dolly speak of God’s omnipresence. This stanza also highlights God’s providence.
There was Jesus
There was Jesus
There was Jesus
To those who invite Jesus in, Romans 10:9-11, He will abide and walk with you.
Final Thoughts:
Revelation 3:20 provides one of the most fascinating images in the Bible. John writes about a door with only one handle, on our side of the door. While God continues to knock on the door of our heart, only we can let Jesus in. This is what Zach realized after writing There Was There. All human beings need to do is open this door for God to comw into your life.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 