They Are Watching

Almost three years ago, my grandfather went to be with the Lord. It feels like yesterday...yet it also feels longer than nearly three years. It was a long, painful process to watch him slowly grow feeble, but through our tears, we rejoiced in his homegoing. Up until then, I was writing songs on a fairly regular basis. When he went home, it was hard for me to write. Nearly a year after he left us, God gave me a blessing through reading Hebrews chapter twelve, verse one and two. It says:

Hebrews 12:1-2
Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Upon reading and studying that passage, I penned the words to a very special song. In a world full hurt, sorrow, and loss, it is a comfort to know that not only is Jesus running with us in this race of life, but the saints - all the greats in the past who have gone to Heaven before us - they are watching us! They are cheering us on as we press toward the finish line. They beg for us to keep going, to not faint or give up. They cry out to us, encouraging us to drop the sin and all the meaningless things that weigh us down and pursue Christ Jesus and His glory with every bit of strength we possess.

If you are dealing with grief and loss, I hope these words will lift your spirit.

"They Are Watching"

Vs. 1

We are running a race in this life here on earth

But we don't run alone

We're surrounded by all of the saints gone before

And they're cheering us on

I have loved ones and friends, looking on, watching me

They don't want me to stop or give in

They are waving the banner of God's "faithful few"

And they cry "Keep running, and win!"

Chorus:
They are watching, they're cheering for me
They are watching, they're calling my name
When I think I can't take one more step
When the ground is all I can see
"Keep on running! You're almost there!"
Is the cry from those watching me

Vs. 2

When troubles and trials try and throw me off course

Or threaten to slow me down

I remember that Jesus is running with me

And His saints are gathered around

I'm to lay aside every weight, every sin

And focus my eyes on the throne

I'm to run for my King, I'm to run for that crowd

In the heavenly stands, looking on

Chorus:

They are watching, they're cheering for me

They are watching, they're calling my name

When I think I can't take one more step

When the ground is all I can see

"Keep on running! You're almost there!"

Is the cry from those watching me