"When Will I Become?"

I just finished writing my fourth song, both music and lyrics — and the first one completed when not under deadline for our annual community-group song-sharing night.

I have four others half-completed as well, and hope to finish them this summer.

I think it's safe to say now that I'm no longer just dabbling in music, but I'm a songwriter. It's quickly becoming a key way of worshiping God for me.

(Only one of the songs has been recorded in a final state so far, which I've posted below for your enjoyment/encouragement/pondering. Others are on the way.)

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WHEN WILL I BECOME?
lyrics by Steve Lansingh, music by Steve Lansingh & Amanda Caldwell, performed by Amanda Caldwell


(if the embedded version won't play, you can download the song here)

I’m living so small
Lord, can this be all
that you meant for me to become

I don’t want to settle
but do I have the mettle
to push through on what I’ve begun

I know I must die
and let you inside
if I hope to love everyone

and be more like my Savior
more like my Jesus
more like the Christ Immanuel
more like my Savior
more like my Jesus
more like the Lamb of Israel
more like my God
so full of love
when will I become

I think I’ve come far
then I look at the bar
that you set when you died on a tree

can I call myself yours
if I choose to ignore
all that you can accomplish through me

give me more of your Spirit
and let those who come near it
feel your touch in my words and my deeds

make me more like my Savior
more like my Jesus
more like the Christ Immanuel
more like my Savior
more like my Jesus
more like the Lamb of Israel
more like my God
so full of love
when will I become

I have not arrived … I am becoming
I’m not satisfied … so I’m still running
I can not stand by … I must do something

to be more like my Savior
more of his nature
more like the Christ Immanuel
more open-hearted
more joyous and love-led
just like the Lamb of Israel
more like my God
so full of love
please let me become

more like my Savior
more like my Jesus
more like the Christ Immanuel
more like my Savior
more like my Jesus
more like the Lamb of Israel
more like my God
so full of love
when will I become

more like my God
so full of love
please let me become