In 2019 Bethel Music released its hit song The Goodness of God. If you haven’t heard it, have a listen:
You can see why it’s been popular, both on the charts and for worship in local church services. Musically it’s well written; it builds up the emotion and helps to draw those singing it to the feet of Jesus. Lyrically, it resonates deeply with what many of us Christians experience. God is truly good, and in His sovereign, providential care, He walks with us through every journey in this life.
I do have some questions about the bridge.
“‘Cause Your goodness is running after
Goodness of God, Bethel Music.
It’s running after me
Your goodness is running after
It’s running after me
With my life laid down
I’m surrendered now
I give You everything
‘Cause Your goodness is running after
It’s running after me (oh-oh)”
And repeat.
Does God run after us?
One of the major biblical influences of the song is found in Exodus:
“And he said, I will make all my goodness pass before you and will proclaim before you my name The Lord. And I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy.”
Exodus 33:19 ESV.
It certainly focuses on God’s goodness, as do many other passages in the Bible. However, in the text, God specifically mentions that His goodness will pass before you. If we look at the Hebrew (the original language), the text uses אַעֲבִ֤יר, which indeed denotes purposeful movement. There is no indication of desperation that running can suggest. God makes His goodness move ahead of us as we walk with Him. It’s a journey, not a race.
I imagine that the song is seeking to highlight and emphasise God’s deep desire to restore a relationship with humanity. In the Scriptures, there is one story that suggests God runs towards us. You can find it in Luke 15:11-32. In the story, a father’s son asks for his inheritance early. The father obliges, but the son leaves his household and squanders everything he owns. He ends up so desperate that he eats the food given to pigs. After a time, he realises that he can return to his father’s household.
“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him.”
Luke 15:20b ESV.
This story is in the form of a parable. It’s not found in the Bible for narrative’s sake. Jesus used these stories to emphasise and highlight characteristics within both God and us. In this context, it is absolutely true that the father ran towards his son. As followers of Jesus, we are Children of God (Romans 8:16). So it is valid to understand that God the Father runs to us. But it is important to remember the context of the story – the son was returning to the father. God does not run to us unless we make that first step (see Jeremiah 29:13, Matthew 7:7, and James 4:8).
God draws us closer to Himself, and when we turn towards Him, He makes Himself known.
Returning to the lyrics of the song, it emphasises that God’s goodness is running after us. I’m not convinced that it is. God has made His character evident to humanity (Romans 1:20), but it’s not a reckless action. It is by design. It is not unreasonable to suggest that someone within a congregation, who might sing this song, can come to the understanding that God will run after them, irrespective of their desire. They could be running away from God, yet God is there running behind them. Yes, it is possible God may change their heart. But most often, He doesn’t.
Why?
Because right from Genesis, the dawn of creation, He gave humanity free will to choose our own path. Therefore, if we as people run away from God, He gives us up to the direction we desire (Romans 1:26-32).
I recently attended a local church service, and they changed the lyrics in the song. Instead of running after, they used the words flowing over – prompting my thought and this subsequent post.
The idea of change to flowing over comes from Psalm 23 – where King David mentions that his “cup overflows”. It is certainly a scriptural sentiment, where God showers His children with His love, grace and goodness that our figurate cup does overflow.
I am not the first person to suggest or question the validity of the original lyrics to the song. Others have suggested following me. Irrespective of where you go, if a church opts to change the lyrics and sing it differently, they must ask the following question: if we feel so strongly about these lyrics, should we even support the song and, therefore, the composers?
The issues within Bethel Church have been well documented. I won’t comment further here. But if a church parish opts to change the lyrics to the song, do they not already advertise they don’t agree with the composer? And if so, how can they justify using the song in worship services, knowing that it will provide financial benefit to a church they now advertise disagreement with? Perhaps there can be greater unity within the Body of Christ which allows for this. Either way, whether you agree that the lyrics are wrong or not, it is food for thought.
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