Quick recap, Neil wrote his side of the story. Well, on my side, it would be quick similar but I try to add some depth to it.
We actually have been bouncing ideas about writing songs together for years. Life and ministry kept us busy till 2016, once I came back KL (after spending 2 years in KK), we had our usual catch up session at myburgerlab Sunway (yes, our usual hangout spot).
After a hearty meal, he told me he has some songs he couldn't finish for years and particularly one song that he felt there's something to it and he asked if I could try to make it work. I said, challenged accepted. Not long after that, I heard his draft and spend some time to workout a chorus and verses that would fit into what he had.
The first verse and pre-chorus was what I received from him that time. Pre-chorus for me was the hook, it's something you cannot run from. It's like the main message or anthem for that melody or song.
The verse 1 and pre-chorus goes like this...
If faith could move a mountain
With faith that's not as tall
Then oh, you mountain move
If faith was all it took
To cross the sea on foot
Then oh, we'll make the move
Pre Chorus :-
We will not be shaken
We will not be moved
We won't be afraid
For You are with us
One story that hits me immediately when I heard(or read) the first verse and pre-chorus is the story of Peter trying to walk on water to Jesus (Matthew 14:22-33) and Neil confirmed that the story of Peter is one of the inspiration to this verse and pre-chorus.
Taking all that into consideration and reflection while understanding the theme and the flow of the song, I spend some time to ponder and then try out some lyrics to complement all those.
Next half of the song was written by me, which was the chorus and verse 2. It is a reflection of Hebrews 11, a passage is about faith. It's also a call for response on the message about faith, which I hope it will reflect and complement what Neil wrote in the first half.
Verse 2
If faith is all we need
To see what can't be seen
Then oh, we'll trust in You
If faith is all it takes
To know His endless grace
We rest our hope in You
Chorus
God above it all
Nothing can compare
To Your Majesty O Lord
Even through our darkest days
We won’t be afraid
For You’re always here
For You are with us
To Neil's credit, he adjusted the chorus a bit by changing some lyrics. Anyway, after writing my part, I bounced that back to Neil and it is his turn to ponder. Not long after that, he feedback that he recorded a demo of it with the OneAccord team then "challenged" me to sing it at FCC. That time, I wasn't ready or even convinced until a few months before 2017's praiseunited, I heard the demo version and then, there's this stir in my heart to do it in FCC Saturday service. Long story short, did it and the response of the congregation really impressed on me that God is doing something through this song.
In fact, we had an opportunity to sing this song together in 2017's praiseunited. Here's the footage :-
Watching all the worship videos in both FCC and ENC encouraged me in many ways. Firstly, I just knew in my heart that God is using this song to minister to people especially in the area of trusting Him.
Secondly, it feels like an anthem for each of our churches because sometimes life can be tough and unpredictable, but knowing God is in control can be a real encouraging thought.
I just love how Psalms is written -- in the place of joy and trouble, the Psalmist choose to rejoice and trust in God.
Psalm 62:1-2 - "I am at rest in God alone; my salvation comes from Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold; I will never be shaken".
Here's some trivia part of the song :- I actually was invited to witness the post-production side of the song at the studio, after they recorded it live at their church. During that process, I joined the other OneAccord members in adding our vocals as layers for the live recording. So, that means, there's a small small small percentage of my voice in the recording, basically I am like "in the crowd" singing. Hahaha.
Alright, that's basically the story and I hope you have been blessed by this song. If you haven't, well, here's some facts for you to search, the song is featured in One Accord's "Forgiven seas" worship album, which you can purchase or stream at :-
bit.ly/ForYouAreWithUs
bit.ly/ForYouAreWithUsSpotify
And here's the Youtube music video of it...
Here are the previous articles I wrote which highlights that song too :-
https://timlimworshipjournal.blogspot.com/2018/02/for-you-are-with-us-neils-story.html
https://timlimworshipjournal.blogspot.com/2018/01/more-for-you-are-with-us-testimony.html
I think it's a testament of collaboration together.
Moving forward, well, Neil and I have written a few more songs together.. but let's see if any of those will be out like this song.
Anyway, thank you for reading this and God bless!
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