This song is part of a brand new studio album from Church Works Media titled Shout Out for Joy, now available to stream and download everywhere! (Links: CD | Stream | Digital Download)
THE FATHER LOOKS ON ME
Words by Chris Anderson; Music by Rebekah Holden
Tune name: RAVINEWOOD
The Father looks on me and sees
Not what I was or am;
He views the righteousness of Christ,
And not my cursèd sin.
The Father looks and pities me;
He knows that I am dust.
He treats me not as I deserve,
But as though I were just.
The Father looks on me and gives
A loaf and not a stone.
He showers me with perfect gifts,
For all my needs are known.
The Father looks on me with love—
A child He’s welcomed home.
He found an orphan, poor and soiled,
Yet claimed me as His own.
The Father looks for me with hope,
For me, His wayward son.
I stand afar, detained by shame;
He cries for joy and runs!
The Father looks on me and smiles,
For it is Christ He sees;
“This is my own belovèd son,
In whom I am well pleased.”
© 2015 Church Works Worship (ASCAP) (adm at IntegratedRights.com).
Recording arrangement © 2023
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DOCTRINAL NOTES
by Chris Anderson
Because God delights in worship that is biblical, thoughtful and passionate—what we often call intentional—please consider the following overview of the biblical texts and doctrinal themes behind the hymn “The Father Looks on Me”:
“The Father Looks on Me” is a meditation on God’s love for His children, including allusions to several well-known Bible passages (Colossians 3:3; Psalm 103:13-14; Matthew 6:32; 7:7-11; James 1:17; Ezekiel 16:4-6; Romans 8:15; Luke 15:11-32; Matthew 3:17; 17:5). It addresses both theological and practical issues associated with the grand theme of God’s paternal care for those who have trusted Jesus Christ as their Savior.
This hymn is my first collaboration with my daughter Rebekah. She is a gifted and dedicated musician with a great ear for melodies, and she composed a tune that conveys the text beautifully. (Thanks to Greg Habegger for advice and to Shelly and Megan Hamilton for some harmonization help!)
We pray that this new hymn will help you marvel at the love the Father has bestowed on us by making us His children (1 John 3:1).
