Worship Unplugged: There was Jesus

Reflection

Zach Williams’s song “There Was Jesus” paints a beautiful picture of God’s unwavering presence through every chapter of life. The lyrics speak to moments of brokenness, uncertainty, and longing, reminding us that even when we couldn’t see Him, Jesus was right there beside us. This truth echoes the promise found in Matthew 28:20, where Jesus assures us that He will be with us always. Whether on mountaintops or in valleys, His presence is constant, offering hope and comfort no matter what circumstances we face.

It’s easy to look back on seasons of hardship and wonder where God was, especially when prayers seemed unanswered or when loneliness crept in. Yet as “There Was Jesus” reminds us, God’s faithfulness isn’t dependent on our ability to recognize Him in the moment. In the midst of loss, disappointment, or change, His quiet companionship often sustains us in ways we only understand later. The Bible is filled with stories of God showing up in unexpected places—meeting people in deserts, prisons, and storms—always proving that His love never leaves us alone.

This song invites us to reflect on our own journeys and notice the footprints of Jesus along the path. Sometimes His presence is felt in gentle nudges, a timely word from a friend, or a sense of peace that defies explanation. Other times, we only realize in hindsight that He carried us through what we thought we couldn’t survive. The invitation is to trust that, through every joy and trial, Jesus is there—faithful, loving, and close to the brokenhearted. His presence is a gift that transforms our pain into testimony and our doubts into deeper faith.

Personal Application

Recognizing God’s presence starts with pausing to remember where He has met us before. Try taking a few moments today to look back on difficult seasons and ask, “Where was Jesus?” Often, we find that He was working behind the scenes—providing strength, sending encouragement, or opening doors we never expected. This kind of reflection can deepen our trust that, no matter what lies ahead, Jesus will continue to walk with us through every circumstance.

Trusting God in our struggles is an ongoing journey. It means choosing to believe His promises even when feelings tell us otherwise. When challenges arise, we can lean into prayer, Scripture, and worship, knowing that these are ways God draws near to us. Sometimes, simply whispering “There was Jesus” can shift our perspective, reminding us that we’re never left to face life’s battles on our own. Let His faithfulness anchor you, especially when answers are slow in coming.

Sharing our stories of God’s presence can be a powerful encouragement to others. Consider who in your life might need to hear about a time when Jesus showed up for you—a family member walking through loss, a friend wrestling with doubt, or a coworker feeling overwhelmed. When we speak honestly about our struggles and the ways God has met us, we offer hope and invite others to look for Jesus in their own lives. Our testimony becomes a living reminder that He is still at work, still present, and always faithful.

Thought-Provoking Questions

1. When you reflect on your life, in what moments do you now see Jesus’s presence that you missed at the time?
2. What helps you recognize God’s faithfulness during seasons of uncertainty or pain?
3. How can you create space in your daily routine to become more aware of Jesus’s presence?
4. Who could be encouraged by hearing your story of God’s faithfulness, and how might you share it?

Prayer

Jesus, thank You for Your promise to be with me always. Help me to remember Your faithfulness in every season and to trust Your presence even when I cannot see or feel it. Open my eyes to notice the ways You are working in my life and give me courage to share my story with others. May Your love and companionship fill my heart with hope and peace, and may I walk each day knowing that I am never alone. Amen.

Legal Disclaimer: Faith Forward Ministries of Washington County does not own the rights to any songs referenced in this series. All song titles, lyrics, and musical works remain the property of their respective copyright holders. The use or mention of these songs is for educational and inspirational purposes only and does not constitute an endorsement of any band, recording artist, or music publisher.