This song is taken directly from Jesus' words in Matthew 11:28-30. However, this song was born not simply as a reflection on the scripture but as a divine inspiration in which I felt more like a translator than a songwriter. There was no element here of the hard work of song crafting. On the other hand, I felt like I needed to get out of the way

This song is taken directly from Jesus' words in Matthew 11:28-30. However, this song was born not simply as a reflection on the scripture but as a divine inspiration in which I felt more like a translator than a songwriter. There was no element here of the hard work of song crafting. On the other hand, I felt like I needed to get out of the way and just document what I was hearing.

It began as I slept.

I woke up Tuesday morning, September 28, 2021 with a series of phrases and the faint sound of a melody running through my head as if it was being sung to me in a dream. After quickly rising and going to the piano, I recorded a quick voice memo of the song and began preparing for the workday. As I went about getting ready to leave, more and more lyrics came to mind. Throughout my commute, I would be at a red light recording additional voice memos as the lyrics continues to form.

Let me be very clear: this isn't usually how songs happen for me, so I was making every effort to keep up with the inspiration that was flooding over me.

It was a Tuesday. And Tuesdays are typically the day when we gather as a church staff to pray for our congregation and for one another. That particular Tuesday was proving to be a rather heavy day emotionally as we shared some significantly challenging moments in the lives of our church family for which we were praying. As we began to share our own personal prayer requests, one of our staff members shared some incredibly heartbreaking news and it became quite clear to me that the song that was forming throughout my morning was not one that was given just for me. And so after we prayed together, I began to share these words as a hopeful promise to us of God's love and care.

I am with you when your heart is filled with grief
I am with you when it's so hard to believe
I am with you and I will never ever leave
I am peace, so come to me

Come unto me all you who are weary
Come unto me and I will give you rest
Bring me your fear,
Your hopes, and your burdens
For I am with you and I will give you rest

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” —Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV)

"Come Sing for Joy" serves as a joyous response of worship to the revelation of all that God has done on our behalf. Its foundation is in the language of the imperative of the opening strains of Psalm 98, “Sing to the Lord a new song for he has done marvelous things. His right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him.” (Psalm 98:1).

"Come Sing for Joy" serves as a joyous response of worship to the revelation of all that God has done on our behalf. Its foundation is in the language of the imperative of the opening strains of Psalm 98, “Sing to the Lord a new song for he has done marvelous things. His right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him.” (Psalm 98:1).

The first verse focuses on creation’s praise (Psalm 98:7-8) and invites the worshiper to join with all creation in lifting this song of God’s salvation. The chorus sings of God’s deliverance of all things through Jesus and his ultimate deliverance as the King who will come again.

The second verse invites the worshiper to sing over those who cannot, at this time, sing this song for themselves (the lost, the least, the weak, the poor), while the final chorus points to the day when all will be put to right and God’s justice will be made known to all of creation. And the party at the end of this song represents the joy yet to come.

This is a song meant not just to be heard, but to be joined. So turn it up and come sing for joy.