Apr 26, 2019
Reprinted from the Sabbath Recorder, July/August 2018
by Sarina Villalpando
Maranatha Community Church in Colton, CA
Music is a really powerful language. Sometimes we come across songs that aren’t necessarily qualified as “Christian” but personally move us in a spiritual way and, in a sense, a feeling of being closer to God. Some songs make us feel moved so we relate to what’s said and it helps us focus and clarify what God is doing in our lives. I think it’s good to find different ways, whether big or small, that God speaks to us.
The other day when doing homework, an acoustic version of the song “I’ll Go the Distance” from the Disney movie “Hercules” came on and it just brought to me this warm feeling—like a hug from God. Lately I have been having trouble knowing my place, where I belong, or where God wants me to be. Sometimes I feel like there are more bumps in my life than smooth. I constantly wonder if I’m in the right place and if I’ve made the right choices. And I’ll admit that sometimes I question why God has me go through the things He has me go through.
The song “I’ll Go the Distance” represents to me a story and a feeling. It represents the journey of wandering around, knowing there’s this beautiful end goal—but there’s going to be trouble finding it and it won’t be easy. It has so much meaning. My favorite word is “strength.” God is my strength. For a few years I’ve dealt with anxiety and depression—it is strength that gets me through it all. God gives me the strength to wake up in the morning, get out of bed, get through the day, and to just keep living. Along with this, running has been a way I’ve always coped. I love to run and just clear my mind and release all my thoughts to God.
I think that “I’ll Go the Distance” can be a very moving, spiritual song if you really listen to the words and slow it down. Your story may not be the same as mine, and it may not have the same meaning to you as it does to me. I decided to break down some of the lines in the song to bring some support to the lyrics.
“I have often dreamed of a far off place
Isaiah 30:18—Therefore the LORD longs to be gracious to you, And therefore He waits on high to have compassion on you. For the LORD is a God of justice; How blessed are all those who long for Him.
Where a great warm welcome will be waiting for me
John 14:2-3 (NIV)—My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.
Where the crowds will cheer
Zephaniah 3:17—The LORD your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.
When they see my face and a voice keeps saying
Isaiah 43:2—When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you.
This is where I’m meant to be
Jeremiah 29:11—“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
I will find my way
Psalm 119:105—Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.
I can go the distance
Micah 6:8—He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?
I’ll be there someday
If I can be strong
Philippians 4:13—I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
I know every mile
Isaiah 41:10—So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Will be worth my while
I would go most anywhere
Deuteronomy 31:8—It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.
To feel like I belong
Colossians 1:16—For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him.
I am on my way I can go the distance
Psalm 23:4—Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
I don’t care how far
Matthew 6:33—But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
Somehow I’ll be strong
Psalm 46:1—God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.
I know every mile
Will be worth my while
Genesis 29:20—So Jacob served seven years to get Rachel, but they seemed like only a few days to him because of his love for her.
I would go most anywhere to find where I belong I will beat the odds
Romans 8:37-39—No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
I can go the distance
Psalm 91:11—For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways;
I will face the world
2 Peter 3:9—The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.
Fearless, proud, and strong
Romans 15:13—May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
I will please the gods
1 Timothy 2:3-4—This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.
I can go the distance Till I find the Hero’s welcome
John 3:16—For God so loved the world, that he gave
his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
Right where I belong”
Romans 5:5—And hope does not put us to shame,
because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.
Always remember how strong God’s love is and that it will never abandon you. God created you and you belong to Him. The journey will be long but it will be worth every mile.
