I really enjoy musical theatre, so last night’s Musicals: The Greatest Show on BBC1 was a real treat. One song stood out for me, a song I hadn’t heard before called ‘You Will Be Found’, from the Broadway hit Dear Evan Hansen.
It’s a song about loneliness, and the feeling that no-one notices you, that you are all alone. The message is simple – if you ask for help, someone will come by and befriend you. If you reach out your hand, help will come. No matter what struggles you are facing, despite how you may feel alone in the world, you’re not alone. There will be someone who will find you, someone to remind you you are not alone, and who will help you through the dark times.
The presenter, Sheridan Smith, said she had been playing the song continuously since hearing it. Her own struggles in life are well documented, and I am sure many other people in these lockdown days found themselves resonating with the song. Perhaps it has too optimistic a view of human nature, for help does not always come so easily or quickly. But I know myself how powerful friendship can be when we are feeling lonely, and how ready so many are to reach out a helping hand when we admit our need.
What strikes me though is how songs can tap into the mood of the times and how lyrics can reflect spiritual truth. This song reminds us surely of a God who came to seek and to save the lost, of Jesus the Good Shepherd who come looking for us in our need. I love the story in John’s gospel about the blind man, who having been healed was cast out by the religious leaders. When Jesus heard this he went ‘and found him’ (Jn 9:35). Remember the great gospel hymn, Amazing Grace, and this line – ‘I once was lost, but now am found, Was blind but now I see.’ That’s the heart of the gospel.
Today, whatever loneliness we face, or whatever darkness stalks our souls, we have this glad assurance, that if we ask God for help, he will come and find us. ‘This poor man called, and the Lord heard him; he saved him out of all his troubles.’ Psalm 34:6
Have you ever felt like nobody was there?
Have you ever felt forgotten in the middle of nowhere?
Have you ever felt like you could disappear?
Like you could fall, and no one would hear?
Well, let that lonely feeling wash away
Maybe there’s a reason to believe you’ll be okay
‘Cause when you don’t feel strong enough to stand
You can reach, reach out your hand
And oh, someone will coming running
And I know, they’ll take you home
Even when the dark comes crashing through
When you need a friend to carry you
And when you’re broken on the ground
You will be found
So let the sun come streaming in
‘Cause you’ll reach up and you’ll rise again
Lift your head and look around
You will be found
You will be found
You will be found
You will be found
You will be found
