This year has brought a rollercoaster of emotions and challenges that have seemed overwhelming more often than not . I ’ ve struggled with anxiety , a bit of depression , hopelessness in the long months of quarantine , and even doubt . I ’ ve asked God why the pandemic is happening , why my friends in Argentina can ’ t afford to pay rent or feed their families , and why there is so much division and animosity today ? I didn ’ t get a straight answer but as I reflect on some of the songs the Lord has inspired in my heart I ’ ve learned some powerful lessons about peace , hope , and endurance .
I was reading a book about the Sabbath in January and I started to realize how burnt out I had become . Sabbath was a foreign concept to me , rest was for the weak , and I was too busy to slow down . It ’ s ironic that “ Be My Shalom ” would be the first song to release in almost three years . It was beautiful to read about the word shalom . It isn ’ t a superficial , shallow peace , but “ peace that goes beyond all
Be My Shalom
understanding ” ( Phil 4:7 ). It ’ s the peace of Jesus in the midst of a storm that gave him rest while everyone was fearing death and destruction , it was peace , and ultimately trust in the Lord , that gave Jesus ’ flesh the determination to obediently go to the cross at the Father ’ s will . It is peace that leads our hearts and souls to a deep well , a calm stream , and green pastures in the midst of a global pandemic . Peace that brings mental fortitude to endure calamities . I needed this peace desperately . Functioning out of fear and worry was inhibiting me , silencing my praises , and fogging my vision . Shalom cleared the way , the peace of God resounding over my circumstances that He is in control . It was a powerful lesson .
Everything wasn ’ t okay though . People around the world were losing their jobs and everything in my life was canceled . I felt lonely and I witnessed a family member lose everything in a matter of days . The circumstances of their loss were daunting and the questions came , when will God provide ? I sat down in my kitchen and asked the Lord the same question . Are we small enough to pass through God ’ s fingers ? He has the whole world in His hands but I feel so insignificant . Will He notice ? There are bigger problems than mine all over the world ! “ Be Alright ” was born out of these authentic prayers . I couldn ’ t hold back at that moment , I needed to be raw , unfiltered with the Lord and I think many people can relate to that today . But here ’ s the good news ! God is big enough to handle my frustrations and my doubts . He isn ’ t swayed or discouraged . “ Be Alright ” starts out reminding us that His name calms the storms ,
Marcos Witt with Evan