Multigenerational band We the Kingdom invited listeners into the family of God with their self-titled sophomore album, We the Kingdom, which featured "Miracle Power," and "Jesus Does." They released their debut studio album in 2020, which features the hit songs "Holy Water," "Child of Love," and "Dancing on the Waves." The band's story began nearly five decades ago. The group's patriarch, Ed Cash, and his brother, Scott--11 years his junior--grew up in a home filled with music. It seeped into the brothers' blood, and by the time they were both teenagers, they were playing in bands and harboring dreams of that elusive rock star life.
In his teens, Ed strayed from his Christian upbringing and chose a life of alcohol and drugs. "One of my best friends in high school died from a heroin overdose, and I remember getting that news, and it absolutely overwhelmed me because I knew that could've easily been me," he remembers. "I thank God that for whatever reason He spared me, He rescued me."
We the Kingdom has the gift of encouragement, and every song lifts me. The band has an infectious and upbeat musical style, layering strong and distinguished vocals over the top of one hooky melody after another. I had the chance to speak with Ed, Scott, Andrew, and Martin about their song "The Plans."
Please tell me the personal story behind this song.
Andrew: The song "The Plans" is about having faith in God's plans for us despite uncertainty. The song's chorus comes from the Old Testament book of Jeremiah, which says, "'For I know the thoughts that I think toward you,' said the Lord, 'thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end'" (Jeremiah 29:11, KJV).
Scott: This song offers a message of hope in the midst of uncertainty, with a reassuring reminder that life always unfolds exactly the way it's meant to. As we enter a new season in 2024, we are confident in God's plans for us. We are so thankful to Franni for all she's poured into the band and fully support her on her journey.
Which Bible verses connect to the message of the song?
Jeremiah 29:11 (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.'"
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."
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."
Proverbs 3:5-6 (NKJV): "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight."
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."
Philippians 4:13 (NKJV): "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
Romans 8:38-39 (VOICE): "For I have every confidence that nothing--not death, life, heavenly messengers, dark spirits, the present, the future, spiritual powers, height, depth, nor any created thing--can come between us and the love of God revealed in the Anointed, Jesus our Lord."
What is the takeaway message?
Ed: God's grace is so much bigger than our shame. His love is so much bigger, and [our hope for this song is that] we walk out each day in the celebration and freedom of knowing God has great plans for us. If we are going to live at peace, that calls us to live in the present. I've been working on living in the moment. The whole idea is that if we can live in the present and invite Christ into our day-to-day moments, it changes everything.
Lyrics
When I am anxious
When I am afraid
I take it to God
I call on His Name
If the mover of mountains
Is listening to me
Why should I worry?
Why should I fear anything?
For I know the plans He has for me
Yes, I know the plans He has for me
For my good
To give me a hope and a future
When I am waiting
For His promise to come
Sometimes He is silent
But I'm never alone
He walks in the valley
He quiets the storm
He stands in the fire
So why should I fear anymore
For I know the plans He has for me
Yes, I know the plans He has for me
For my good
To give me a hope and a future
For I know the plans He has for me
Yes, I know He's working everything
For my good
To give me a hope and a future
Oh, yeah
Shepherd of my soul
All my life
All I've seen
Your endless love
Surrounding me
With every breath
I will be found by You
If I set sail
Or spread my wings
And find myself
On the farthest sea
You're waiting there
I will be found by You
I will be found by You
If God is for me, then who can be against me?
Closing Thoughts
As a believer, know that heaven is calling out to you. God is real, and He is near. He is the author of our lives and knows what's best for us--much better than we do. That's a reason to sing this empowering anthem in gratefulness to Him.
This song has been resonating with me as I realize that Jesus commands us to trust God completely; no matter my circumstances or personal distractions or concerns. "The Plans" is about faith and letting God's plans be revealed in our lives.
Jesus loves us just as we are, not who we pretend to be. Not only does He love our weaknesses, but he also blesses us because of them. Being poor in spirit, meek, persecuted, and insulted brings blessings from God, which is all we need. I love knowing that, in my brokenness, I'm actually closer to Him. It's so wonderful to know that failing by the world's standards is what we are called to be as devoted followers of Jesus.
All of us forget to let God be in 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 "to-do" lists get in the way of spending time with Him.
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.
As the song proclaims, "All my life/All I've seen/Your endless love/Surrounding me/With every breath/I will be found by You." No matter your circumstances, you must remember, "For I know the plans He has for me/Yes, I know He's working everything/For my good/To give me a hope and a future." Amen to that.
NRT lead contributor Kevin Davis is a long-time Christian music fan and an avid collector. He 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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