Melissa Michaels (pseud.) is a wife, mother, and follower of Jesus living and serving the Kingdom in Africa. Music has been a significant part of her relationship with her Creator, and she enjoys using words and music to communicate to Him and to bring Kingdom truths to all people in memorable and beautiful ways.

 

SYNC:  What is the story behind the song? How did the idea start and develop?

 

Melissa:  "The idea for 'This Way' developed as I found myself often discouraged after reading news or talking to family, friends, and neighbors about the current covid-19 pandemic (and then other current events that escalated). Focusing on eternity has been a go-to for me in trying to deal with life’s hardships, and I have never failed to find encouragement and comfort in looking ahead to the new heaven and new earth.

 

As I looked through SYNC’s webpage with ideas of songs that could encourage people during this time, one of the listed ideas lined up with this leaning of mine to bring encouragement by looking ahead. I wanted to encourage myself as much as anyone else, so this seemed the best way to do it.

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"This Way"

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The sky is overcast

Gloominess is matchin’ how I feel

Turning from the screen

My heart is heavy from the reel

 

The hospitals are full

The prisons are not far behind

Riots in the streets

Grieving families wishing they could just press rewind

 

Pre-chorus

Oh, I’m longing for the day

When every tear is wiped away

And I’m clinging to the words You say…

 

Chorus:

That You’re here with me now

And You’ll be with me forever

This brokenness is not here to stay

Though I walk through the valley filled with pain and tears

You are with me all the way

And things won’t always be this way

 

V2:

Protect my fragile hope

That what I see, will not always be

And the hardships that we face

Will— all one day be redeemed

 

Pre-chorus:

So I roll up my sleeves

I can walk this day through Christ in me

Bring His kindness to a world in need

 

Chorus:

You are here with me now

And You’ll be with me forever

This brokenness is not here to stay

Though I walk through the valley filled with pain and tears

You are with me all the way

And things won’t always be this way

 

Bridge:

//Now I see fighting

Forever there is peace

Now I see division

Forever—Unity

Now there is groaning

Forever—relief

Oppression covers this world

But forever we’ll be free//

 

You are here with me now

And You’ll be with me forever

This brokenness is not here to stay

Though I walk through the valley filled with pain and tears

You are with me all the way

Sayin’ “Things won’t always be this way..

No, things won’t always be this way.”

 

SYNC:  Did you write the song in order to bless or help anyone or any group in particular? If so, who and how?

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Melissa:  Well, as stated above, myself. =) After that, not a group any more specific than believers who are tempted to fear, discouragement and despair due to the state of the globe, and perhaps even the state of their own or a loved one’s health or heart. May it offer encouragement that this world is not the end, what we see here is not the ultimate reality, and not only do we have a great, life-giving hope to look forward to, we can face these difficult days because the God of the universe is here with us now. Not just forever in heaven, but now, in the dust and grime of earth.

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SYNC:  How does your song fit with the core idea of SYNC, which is that God is working a plan and we are SYNCing our lives with his work?

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Melissa:  God uses all things to bring Him glory and for the good of His people. He will use this season of His people’s lives for great purposes, and the more we can align our thinking with His, the greater joy and fruitfulness we will know. God’s plan is working toward a climax of a perfect eternity, and He helps His people walk the rough road to glory.

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