(Isaac) This Is My God came to be last summer when we were doing a teaching series through Exodus. In chapter 15, right after God parts the Red Sea and rescues the people of Israel from the Egyptian army that was pursuing them, Moses busts out into a song. The words were rich and triumphant and I decided to use them to write a song that would go along with the sermon that week. I wrote the song that afternoon, performed it at church following Sunday and then didn't touch it for a while. A few weeks later, James started playing with some different musical ideas and began incorporating them into the song. After that it really started to take shape.
For me it was really cool to see the song evolve from a more laid-back, acoustic track to a more upbeat, triumphant fanfare that really captures the celebratory tone the lyrics and original text from Exodus 15 have. The melody and lyrics changed very little, but instrumentation and feel of the song changed tremendously, which I really liked. It's one of the unique things about being part of a creative team: you have an idea someone else really gets a vision for and you end up with something you never could have created on your own. I think songwriting is often very personal, so it can be difficult to let other people tinker with something you've created, but that vulnerability can really pay off, especially if you are blessed to be part of a group of artists and musicians you trust. This song would not be what it is if it weren't for the incredibly talented people I get the privilege to write and create with. Because of the collective effort of that group we get to take a song Moses and the Israelites sang in worship to God nearly 3,500 years ago and use it to give praise to that same, worthy God with our church family today. Pretty cool.
lyrics
Sing to the Lord for he has won
Sin is broken it is done
He is my strength, he is my song
He has become my salvation
This is my God I will praise him
God of ages, I exalt his name
He goes to battle for me
I am not alone
Though sin pursues me
I will not be overcome
He overthrows my enemies
The greatness of his majesty has won
All creation is compelled to sing
This is my God I will praise him
God of ages, I exalt his name
This is my God I will praise him
God of ages, I exalt his name!
Who is like our God?
None are holy
All the earth will sing
He is holy
He has rescued us
With his steadfast love
And forever, my God will reign
And forever, my God will reign
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