As a songwriter, each song written has a story and is meaningful in a unique way. But there is one that we have sung at Calvary Spokane that has special meaning to me. I wanted to take a moment to fill you in on the backstory of the song Immanuel.
As most of you know, my family and I lived in Los Angeles for six years. During that time I served as the music ministry pastor at a church called Reality LA. Almost two years ago to the day our church held our Easter service in the amazing Gibson Amphitheater at Universal Studios Hollywood. As a worship leader, this was an amazing experience. Looking out and seeing over 6,000 people unified in praises to our King is something quite extraordinary. It’s one those moments that you realize how small you are and how big God is. It’s a humbling experience as a leader and makes you thankful that God would allow you to be a small part of what He is doing.
Later that day after all the activities were over, I went on Instagram and did a search for Reality LA. It was encouraging to see all the pictures that were posted from those who were in attendance that day. It was evident that God did a great work and changed the lives of many people. There was one picture in particular that I remember seeing of the worship band playing with the lyrics “You are stronger, you are stronger, sin is broken, you have saved me." At that point I had no idea who posted this; or what would transpire in his life over the next few days.
This young man met Jesus for the first time on Easter morning 2012. It was at that service that he believed on Jesus as his Lord and Savior. The following week he was literally the first person at church on Sunday morning. I remember seeing him sitting in the audience alone as we were finishing up soundcheck. At the time no one knew that it would only be a few days later that this young man would have a heart attack while working out at the gym. While he was in the hospital in a coma, one of our pastors went to visit the family. During that visit, our pastor had his own heart attack which led to him being hospitalized and having a pace maker installed. While our pastor was recovering from this, the young man passed away.
You can imagine how the staff and church felt during this tragic week. We were sad for the young man’s family, but also thankful that he believed on Jesus before his death. At the same time, we were praying for our pastor as he recovered from surgery.
It was this series of events and led me to dwell on the fact that God is Immanuel. He is with us in all of life's circumstances. I sat down with a few friends and we wrote these words together which turned into a song that resonated within our church body.
You are the God who goes before my battles.
You are the God who calms my anxious heart.
You are my rock, so I will not be shaken.
You are God, You are God.
I will not fear though the enemy surrounds me.
I will not fear though the storm keeps rolling in.
You never fail, Lord You will not forsake me.
You are God, You are God.
You are my God, You are my God.
Immanuel, you are with us.
Immanuel, you are here.
Immanuel, my heart will rest in you oh God, Immanuel.
You are my comfort, You are my hope.
My help in trouble, You are Immanuel.
You are my courage, You are my strength.
My shield in battle, You are Immanuel.
You are my healer, You are my refuge.
My Joy in trial, You are Immanuel.
You are my victory, You are my song.
For You are worthy, You are Immanuel.
I pray that these words and more importantly God's promise will encourage you this week. We can be confident that He is with us and will use all things for the good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.
Pastor Brian Ortize