Times.

One of my favorite songs is "Times" by Tenth Avenue North. The lyrics are absolutely beautiful. I first heard this song during college when I was first discovering what it meant to have a relationship with God. Growing up, I always tried to do the right thing. I went to church on Sundays, was nice to my parents and my sister, worked hard in school, etc.

While I knew that God loved me even when I messed up, I thought I had to earn his love by doing the right thing, and I was really hard on myself when I made mistakes. During my first year at A&M, the Lord opened my eyes to the truth that it is not by works, but by grace alone that Jesus saves us.

"For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast." - Ephesians 2:8-9 (added emphasis)

There is nothing I can do that will earn His love - the debt has already been paid - God sent His son to bear the weight of our sins so that we could be right with Him. And even though I still strive to do the right thing and glorify God in all things, I know He loves me even when I fall short (which is every day!).

"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." - Romans 3:23

Before college, I was completely missing the relationship aspect. God has shown me, and continues to show me, that He desires to be close to us, to have a relationship with us - He wants us to know Him. I didn't know Him - I just thought I needed "to be good." But I was totally missing the point!

I love this song. It talks of God's unconditional love for us: in times when we doubt, in times when we're hurting, in times of confusion. In good times and bad, He is there. He is a God of mercy and grace, and all we have to do is trust Him, have faith, and believe. So incredibly amazing! I hope God uses this beautiful song to touch your heart as He used it to touch mine!

"Times" - Tenth Avenue North