New Song: In Feast Or Fallow

Once in a while a song comes along that jumps off of the record and I immediately know we’ll be singing it at @V21Church. The title track from Sandra McCracken’s new album is one of those songs. Perhaps it was spurred on by hearing the familiar voice of our dear friend @ThadCockrell, who led worship at @V21Church and who we eagerly support in his mission of music. Deeper than this familiarity is the song itself. The lyrics speak of a trust in God that goes beyond our situation; a daily struggle for most people. The ebb and flow of our lives can overtake us, dictating our faith, joy, and peace. This should not be, as the cross of Christ is sufficient to sustain us and fulfill our needs; while our situation changes God does not. Easier said than done, right? I feel this deeply, as the past five years have been full of ups and downs in the life of my wife and I. One reason I love gathering on Sundays is the encouragement of the body of believers lifting up truth in song, and it’s during these times I’m reminded that we are not alone in our pain.

This week begins our four-week Psalm series, where we examine the role of the believer’s response, both as individuals and in the congregation. This song is a fitting theme for this series, as our call is to lean on God wholeheartedly regardless of where He has us. Here’s what @SandraMcCracken had to say about “In Feast or Fallow” in an interview with @PatrolMag:

“It’s like in farming, have you ever heard of the idea of crop rotation where you use the field for so many seasons and then you give it a rest just so the nutrients in the soil can renew itself and be ready for another harvest? It’s the idea of seasons and of rest and work and the natural, organic life cycles. The record is about the way that happens in our creativity and in the ebb and flow of our life. So that’s what the words mean, “in feast or fallow.” The fallow is when the land goes resting for a period of time.”

Read more about her thoughts on this song here on her website. Listen to this song below and meditate on the lyrics prior to Sunday. Visit Sandra McCracken’s site for information on buying this song (or the whole album – it’s fantastic). Come Sunday, sing your heart out. I will be, and literally cannot wait to worship with you all.

I love you, people of Vintage21 Church.

In Feast Or Fallow
Words and Lyrics by Sandra McCracken

When the fields are dry, and the winter is long
Blessed are the meek, the hungry, the poor
When my soul is downcast, and my voice has no song
For mercy, for comfort, I wait on the Lord

In the harvest feast or the fallow ground,
My certain hope is in Jesus found
My lot, my cup, my portion sure
Whatever comes, we shall endure.
Whatever comes, we shall endure

On a cross of wood, His blood was outpoured
He Rose from the ground, like a bird to the sky
Bringing peace to our violence, and crushing death?s door
Our Maker incarnate, our God who provides.

Repeat chorus

Bridge:
come, oh come, Emman- u- el
come, oh come, Emman- u- el

When the earth beneath me crumbles and quakes
Not a sparrow falls, nor a hair from my head
Without His hand to guide me, my shield and my strength
In joy or in sorrow, in life or in death

Repeat chorus