things.

I learned the song from a group of high school students about four years ago and ever since, it's been one of my favorite songs. Long before then, I had heard Pastor Larry Fullerton say that, "Everyone you meet is in a battle." Meaning that, everyone is facing something on some level at all times. This song really put words to what I had felt in my heart at various points in my life. The lyrics have struck resonating chords in my life in both major situations (difficulty in significant relationships, vocational struggles, personal failures, etc.) and less major situations.

I particularly appreciate the God-centeredness of the song - Emmanuel, which means "God with us". Knowing that He is with us. Knowing Him. That's the source of peace that goes beyond all understanding.

I also resonate with the line in the chorus that says, "I was hiding in the darkest night and then you found me. You are Emmanuel." That was so true. That often is so true. There are many metaphors that help get at the nuances of life -- when it comes to sin or struggle, it's easy to willingly "hide in the darkest night," but I'm thankful that He doesn't leave me there. He found me there originally back when I was in high school and poured grace and mercy into my life. I will continue to live in light of that same grace and mercy that he pours out continually to His glory.

Here's a link to the group's website: Kepano Green You can even hear a sample of the song from their site.

Glad to be found & thankful that He's everywhere,

C.
______________________________________

^{The song is in ChordPro format, so if you have a ChordPro interpreter, it'll be an easy cut/paste to show the chords above the appropriate lyrics. I use the most excellent "SongBook" by LinkeSoft on my trusty Palm Tungsten C and it displays quite nicely. If you don't have one, you can use this online interpreter.}

{title: Emmanuel}
{subtitle: Josh Kauffman}
{c: Capo 3}
{c: Hammer on/off throughout verse}

[G(add9)]I will seek You with my whole heart in the [Em7]center of the storm
And [C(add9)]remember, oh the [D]promise of Your [G(add9)]love.
[G(add9)]You are near to heavy-hearted, and the [Em7]broken You repair
Every [C(add9)]moment, even [Em7]sleeping, You are [D]there, You are[A7] there.

{soc}
[G(add9)]You have laid Your hand upon me, [D]let Your love surround me
[Em7]You are Emman[C(add9)]uel
[G(add9)]I was hiding in the darkest night, and [D]then You found me
[Em7]You are [C(add9)]Emmanuel,
[G(add9)]Emmanuel, [Em7]Emmanuel
{eoc}

[G(add9)]I have stumbled, I'm always falling and I am [Em7]humbled by my sin
But the [C(add9)]moment I con[Em7]fess them, You [D]forgive, You [A7]forgive.

{soc}
[G(add9)]You have laid Your hand upon me, [D]let Your love surround me
[Em7]You are Emman[C(add9)]uel
[G(add9)]I was hiding in the darkest night, and [D]then You found me
[Em7]You are [C(add9)]Emmanuel,
[G(add9)]Emmanuel, [A7]Emmanuel
{eoc}

Oh tell me, [C(add9)]Where can I [A7]go, from Your [Em]Spirit, from Your [G(add9)]presence?
[C(add9)]Come and take me [A7]home, to Your [Em]Spirit, to Your [A7]presence, yeah
[C(add9)]Never let me [D]go.


{soc}
[G(add9)]You have laid Your hand upon me, [D]let Your love surround me
[Em7]You are Emman[C(add9)]uel
[G(add9)]I was hiding in the darkest night, and [D]then You found me
[Em7]You are [C(add9)]Emmanuel,
[G(add9)]Emmanuel, [A7]Emmanuel
{eoc}

{soc}
[G(add9)]You have laid Your hand upon me, [D]let Your love surround me
[Em7]You are Emman[C(add9)]uel
[G(add9)]I was hiding in the darkest night, [MUTE]and then You found me
[Em7]You are [C(add9)]Emmanuel,
[G(add9)]Emmanuel, [A7]Emmanuel
{eoc}