With comparisons ranging from Demi Lovato to Britt Nicole, Riley’s vocals show the passion and confidence of a seasoned artist. Riley’s songwriting is real, honest, and vulnerable. And she’s positive, determined, and confident.
Her new album, Godsend, features an empowering theme of the Lord reigning in our hearts and minds. In song after song, we’re reminded that we can find the Lord's glory and strength in our weakness. Godsend gives listeners words to “Keep on Hoping” with declarations like: "There’s hope for a better tomorrow/There’s hope for joy over sorrow/Cause God’s still good/And He’s still got it all in control.”
Riley’s entire catalog ministers to me and my family. Her songs are upbeat and catchy, not to mention she’s a great role model for girls. Her songs are loaded with positive grace-filled messages of hope.
Her lyrics address the pressures of life, meaning Riley understands that true happiness—and her identity—only comes from her relationship with God. I had the chance to speak with Riley about her catchy new single, “For The Good.”
Please tell me the personal story behind this song.
I wrote my song, “For The Good,” while in quarantine during the pandemic and reading the entire Bible last year. The song’s deeply rooted in one of my favorite Bible verses of all time, Romans 8:28. It says, “we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
This verse has brought my family—my mom, dad, brother, and sister—and me so much comfort over the past couple of years. We’ve not only walked through a tough time as a family, but we’ve watched the world around us change. We experienced loss and hurt outside our family, and we needed to process that together.
As a family, Romans 8:28 brought us together in prayer. The wounds and scars from the hurt we’ve experienced aren’t healed yet. But, as a family, the loss has brought us closer in love and empathy. It has shown us how the Lord has redeemed so much of loss.
What Bible verses connect to the message of the song?
John 10:10(ESV): "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly."
Romans 8:28(NKJV): “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”
Hebrews 11:1(NLT): “Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see.”
Jeremiah 29:11-13(NIV): "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. Then you will call on Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart."
Psalm 9:10(NKJV): "And those who know Your name will put their trust in You; For You, Lord, have not forsaken those who seek You."
Isaiah 55:8-9(NKJV): "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways," says the Lord. "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts."
Philippians 1:6(NKJV): "Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ."
Philippians 4:6-7(NIV): "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
What is the takeaway message?
This is a song about choosing to trust in God’s plan. Never so much before have we needed the promise that God is working things together for our good. I hope this song encourages and reminds you—no matter what season you’re walking through—that God is with you and for you. It’s the nature of God to turn something that someone intended for evil and make something beautiful out of it.
I brought the song idea and Bible verse Romans 8:28 to my co-writer Colby Wedgeworth. One of the key takeaways we wrote in the song is found in the bridge, “I know You’re working/I believe good things are coming/I believe.”
I think that’s where the faith aspect on our end kicks in, to choose to believe when it is trying and when you can’t see how it is going to work for the good. That’s where we need to take steps in faith. It’s a tough journey. It’s not in our normal human response to trust in what we can’t see. But it’s something the Lord wants from us. He wants us to choose to believe—even when we can’t see. We need to walk by faith and not by sight.
It’s important to know that even during pain and hurting that maybe the things the Lord is working for the good are in different ways than you expect. And in our case, the Lord brought our family closer together, which is how He worked it for the good for our family.
Lyrics
Who can bend my burdens And make them beautiful Who can bring the healing To the hurt I hold
Who else could part the waters When I’m needing a way Though I’m walking Through the valley I’ll believe when You say I'll believe when You say
For the good, for the good You work all things together For the good, for the good Your promise stands forever
You alone are my greatest hope I trust You on the broken road You work all things together Like only You could For the good
Lord Your ways are higher
You know Your plans for me You give purpose and a future Even when I can’t see
So I will pray Through every heartache I will cling to this faith Though I’m walking Through the valley I’ll believe when You say I’ll believe when You say
For the good, for the good You work all things together For the good, for the good Your promise stands forever
You alone are my greatest hope I trust You on the broken road You work all things together Like only You could
For the good Of those who love You Those who love You For the good Of those who love You Those who love You
I know You’re working I know You’re working I believe I believe
Good things are coming Good things are coming I believe I believe
For the good, for the good
You will work all things together For the good, for the good Your promise stands forever
You alone are my greatest hope
I trust You on the broken road You work all things together Like only You could
For the good Of those who love You Those who love You For the good Of those who love You Those who love You
I know You’re working I know You’re working I believe I believe
Good things are coming Good things are coming I believe I believe
I know You’re working I know You’re working I believe I believe
Good things are coming Good things are coming I believe I believe
Closing Thoughts
As followers of Jesus, we know that we can trust God's Word. We’re all a work in progress. So, have faith and let God work all things together for your good. Spend time with God and let Him redeem and restore you.
We’re not at the end of our story. God's still writing our stories of redemption. He wants us to know that He's faithful to complete what He's started in those who've put their hope and trust in Jesus for their salvation.
We’re often reluctant to give God control of our lives. Stress comes from not living in faith. Life is not about the plans that we make, but about God's plans. Let go and let God take control. Don't let things like to do lists get in the way of spending time with Him. Wait for God to orchestrate the plans for your life. You have nothing to bring to God.
Are you expecting something in return? Instead, recognize that nothing compares to the greatness of knowing Jesus. Faith is when we are empty of ourselves and filled with Him and His Holy Spirit.
Submit to God and give everything you have to Him. According to God's Word in Jeremiah 29:13, you need to search for God with all your heart, and then you will find Him. In our fast-paced society, how often are you dedicating your whole heart to God? Do you offer up half-hearted prayers, or do you seek Him with all our heart?
Are you letting God be in control, or aren't you? Either He’s in control or He isn't. There’s no middle ground. Jesus gave His life for us. And we know that He believed in God's purpose. We, as believers, are eternally grateful that Jesus relied on God's will. This song reminds me that there is a reason for everything under heaven.
The creative use of biblical language in this song is a highlight. There are no ambiguous lyrics, which is refreshing way to boldly proclaim what you believe. We know from Isaiah 55:11 (NKJV), "So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void."
As His children, we can all rest in the knowledge that we can fully trust in God and lean not on our own understanding. We're all united in our struggles, in our spiritual warfare, and in our desire for truth and relationship.
The Lord wants you to spend time with Him every day. "For The Good" is a great reminder to spend time reading His Word, The Holy Bible, and to have a relationship with Him in prayer.
A sincere desire for God to take our thoughts captive is found in this song. It declares, “You work all things together/For the good, for the good/Your promise stands forever.” When you listen to this song, remember that Jesus wants to give you Himself, so you can bask in His light of life and not walk in darkness.
God wants to fill you with His light and mercy to make you new. In your weakness, you’ll find the Lord's glory and strength. This song celebrates that truth: “You alone are my greatest hope/I trust You on the broken road/You work all things together/Like only You could.”
“For The Good” is also a reminder that we can overcome hardships. That there’s a light at the end of the tunnel. God’s love is never-ending, and He is our refuge and strength. God’s resurrection power is available to those who believe in Him. That same power that defeated death and raised Jesus from the grave.
This song gives me more conviction to not feel worthless or afraid. With many areas in our lives, we spend a lot of valuable time worrying. We need to let our worries go and allow the Lord to be our redeemer.
If you’re struggling with depression, please know with certainty these life-giving words: “Lord Your ways are higher/You know Your plans for me/You give purpose and a future/Even when I can’t see.” Amen to that.
NRT lead contributor Kevin Davis is a long-time fan of Christian music, an avid music collector, and credits the message of Christian music for leading him to Christ. He lives in Pennsylvania with his wife and three daughters.
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