New Song Sunday • You’ve Already Won

Verse 1
There's peace that outlasts darkness
Hope that’s in the blood
There's future grace that’s mine today
That Jesus Christ has won

Verse 2
So I can face tomorrow
For tomorrow's in Your hands
All I need you will provide
Just like you always have

Chorus
I'm fighting a battle
That you've already won
No matter what comes my way
I will overcome
I don't know what you’re doing
But I know what you've done
I'm fighting a battle that
You've already won

Verse 3
There's mercy in the waiting
Mana for today
And when it's gone I know you're not
You are my hope and stay

Verse 4
When the sea is raging
Your Spirit is my help
He'll fix my eyes on Jesus Christ
And I'll say that is well
Oh I know that it is well

Bridge
I know how the story ends
We will be with you again
You're my Savior my defense
No more fear in life or death
I know how this story ends

The Worship Arts Team will introduce “You’ve Already Won” by Shane Barnard & Brian Fowler this Sunday. This song supports the overarching narrative of our upcoming series on Joshua. God promised the children of Israel the promised land and at every turn of their journey, He faithfully provided for them. Yet when it came time to take the land they were hesitant and afraid because of the giants that they saw in front of them. They didn’t realize that they were about to fight a battle that God had already won. 

The first verse focuses on just a few of the many things that Jesus provides to us through His sacrificial death. Peace, hope, and grace (unmerited favor) are secure possessions of a follower of Christ not only for the future but in the present as well. 

Scripture to contemplate for Verse 1: John 14:27, 1 Peter 1:3-6, Romans 11:6

The second verse is a prayer of trust and belief in God’s provision for us. It’s a response to the first verse in that it expresses faith in God because of what He has already done for us. And because God’s provision has always been there we can trust that the unknown needs of tomorrow will be met as well.

Scripture to contemplate for Verse 2: Genesis 22:8, Psalm 84:11, Matthew 6:25-30

The chorus is a recognition that we are indeed in a battle as we live out our lives on Earth. Whether it’s the battle to be obedient to God’s Word or the battles we face in a fallen, broken world, the outcome is the same. God wins! Many times it will be unclear what God is doing through these battles but we can see His track record and trust His character and believe victory is ours today.

Scripture to contemplate for the Chorus: 1 Timothy 6:12, John 5:39-40, Romans 8:18, 2 Corinthians 4:16-18, 1 Peter 5:10

The third verse points out that God’s provisions aren’t the things that sustain us or give us hope. It’s actually the Trinity (Father, Son, & Holy Spirit) that are the true gifts that actually sustain life and give hope. A vibrant, purposeful relationship with our Creator is the actual power behind our hope.

Scripture to contemplate for Verse 3: Isaiah 40:31, Joshua 1:5-9, Psalm 23:4

The final verse reminds us of one of the roles of the Holy Spirit. This role is to point us to the truth, specifically the truth of the person of Jesus. The more we allow our gaze to fall upon the beauty and majesty of our Savior, the dimmer our struggles and trials become, even to the point that in the midst of them, we can say with confidence that it is well with our soul.

Scripture to contemplate for Verse 4: Matthew 11:28-30, Hebrews 12:2, John 16: 13-15

The bridge is a bold declaration of faith in the outcome of our lives. No matter the twists and turns of our story, the final tale results in the redemption of all things and full restoration of presence with God. This kind of faith takes the sting out of life’s trials even the ones brought on by death.

Scripture to contemplate for the Bridge: Psalm 27:1, Psalm 32:7, Proverbs 18:10, 1 John 5:18

I’m praying that this song will give you hope and remind you of the awesomeness and worthiness of God. He truly is the strong tower that the righteous can run to and be saved. I hope that it will remind you that the gifts that He provides along the way are no match to the gift of Himself.

A few musical observations:

The song was composed in the key of C. The characteristics of this key were described by Ernst Pauer (a student of Mozart’s son) as “a pure, certain and decisive manner, full of innocence, earnestness, deepest religious feeling.”

The song’s structure is strophic in nature as is common with many hymns. This means verses or strophes are repeated before introducing a new section like a refrain or chorus. Its rhythmic structure can be described as a double Irish jig with some variations in the bridge section. The melodic content is influenced heavily by traditional Irish motifs.

The dynamics of the song (how loud or soft) support the idea of a journey. There are very soft sections that seem to imitate life’s quieter and more difficult moments. These sections lead into louder, celebratory moments that reflect life at its best. Some may criticize the bridge as overly repetitive but I see the slowly building dynamics as a meditation of the truth it trying to convey.

Lastly, let me know in the comments what you think about this song and how God is using it in your life.