If you're a fan of All Sons & Daughters' worship anthems like "Path of Sorrow," "This My Inheritance," "You Hold it All Together," and "I Surrender," you won't want to miss Plans, the recent solo album by David Leonard. As one-half of the GRAMMY-nominated All Sons & Daughters and a former touring member of NEEDTOBREATHE, David brings his unique blend of sincerity and introspection to this album, featuring hits like "Every Hour" and "Good Lord."
Plans, the album, offers a calming worship experience with rich music and deep, heartfelt songs. David's journey through heartache, depression, confusion, and ultimate redemption unfolds with raw honesty, making this project one of the most powerful and Spirit-led worship albums in recent years.
Following Plans, David has released singles "By His Wounds" and "God of This Place" from his album, Just Jesus. I had the chance to speak with him about "We've Got History" and explore the deep, prayerful lyrics and emotive, vertical expression that define his latest work.
Please tell me the personal story behind this song.
This song talks about finding solace and strength in a history of faithfulness and grace, highlighting the reliability and constancy of support and love received from God. The lyrics depict our connection with God, emphasizing His unwavering presence and assistance during our times of failure and struggle. This history we have with God is symbolizing His relationship with us built on trust and consistency.
Which Bible verses connect to the message of the song?
Psalm 40:1 (NIV): "I waited patiently for the LORD; He turned to me and heard my cry."
Isaiah 40:31 (VOICE): "But those who trust in the Eternal One will regain their strength. They will soar on wings as eagles. They will run--never winded, never weary. They will walk--never tired, never faint."
1 Peter 2:24 (NIV): "He himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; By His wounds you have been healed."
1 Peter 5:6-7 (NIV): "Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you."
Psalm 91:1-2 (NKJV): "He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, "He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust."
Psalm 23:1 (VOICE): "The Eternal is my Shepherd, He cares for me always."
Psalm 55:22 (NIV): "Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous be shaken."
Hebrews 4:15-16 (NKJV): "For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us, therefore, come boldly to the throne of grace that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need."
What is the takeaway message?
This song explores the themes of God's faithfulness and enduring grace over time. It reflects on a long, steady relationship with God, highlighting a, "history that I can count on" despite personal failures, struggles, and life's ups and downs. God's mercy is present even during difficult times and, "downfalls," reinforcing trust built over a long, shared history. The song serves as a reminder that regardless of present struggles, a history of grace exists to provide strength and hope.
Lyrics
Lord, your mercy
Meets my mourning
And your healing
Meets my hurting
When you′re lifted
Meets my burdens
Lord, your mercy
Meets my mourning
We got history
That I can count on
You've been faithful
Like the rising sun
You stayed with me
Even in my downfalls
We′ve got history
That I can count on
Yeah, I can count on
And when I failed you
You've been gracious
All my worries
You met with patience
And when my helpless
Meets your haven
Oh when I failed you
Lord, you've been gracious
We got history
That I can count on
You′ve been faithful
Like the rising sun
You stayed with me
Even in my downfalls
We got history
That I can count on
And I will not forget
Who you′ve always been
Who you've always been
I will not forget
Who you′ve always been
Who you've always been
We got history
That I can count on
You′ve been faithful
Like the rising sun
You stayed with me
Even in my downfalls
We got history
That I can count on
Yeah, I can count on (Lord, I can count on)
Every day I can count on (Lord, I can count on you)
Yeah, I can count on
Closing Thoughts
"We've Got History" connects with me as a believer, a husband, and a father in sharing David's sentiments behind the song. You can hear the songwriter's vertical expressions of relying on God for His breath and the Holy Spirit to sustain him. I love his intentionality and complete focus on God's provision in his life. The song has become one of my daily devotional prayers of thankfulness to Him for showing me grace and forgiveness despite my failures. We serve a loving and merciful God who accepts us as we are, not whom we pretend to be.
Even when you're saved, you still might beat yourself up about failure. You might feel unworthy of God's love. That's the point: you aren't worthy. You can't earn grace. It's a gift of unmerited favor from God to His children. Romans 5:8 tells us, "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Despite your sins, God still thinks of you as His child: a son or daughter. Only Jesus can give you your identity. What a powerful expression of what it means to accept that God never leaves or forsakes us. He's all we need.
Have joy and worship loudly about the love of God in your life. His grace takes away anxiety, guilt, and shame. Know that being His is enough. This song celebrates the freedom we're promised in God's Holy Word. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, "If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new." You're a new creation on the inside. The Holy Spirit has given you a new life. You're born again.
This song has an important message: there is always hope. Breathe it in like oxygen, and God will turn whatever you're going through into something different for His glory. I hope you feel the same joy and hope in Christ expressed in this song. Remember this truth, "And I will not forget/Who You′ve always been."
Gratefully accept God's love. Something that you freely receive from accepting Him as your Savior. This song gives words to express gratitude. It's a reminder to sing to God: "We got history/That I can count on/You′ve been faithful/Like the rising sun/You stayed with me/Even in my downfall." Amen to that.
NRT lead contributor Kevin Davis is a passionate enthusiast and dedicated collector of Christian music. He believes the message of Christian music has deepened his understanding of Christ.
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