His Hand is Stretched Out Still
I have been thinking about this song for probably 15 years. One of my wonderful church leaders in Spokane, WA gave a talk and highlighted a verse in Isaiah 9:12 wherein God outlines many of the wicked things humans do, but in the end reminds us “For all this His anger is not turned away, BUT his hand is stretched out still.” To me that means regardless of our mistakes, we have a loving God extending a hand, ready to accept our repentance and welcome us back. This thought is repeated often in scripture. I was impressed by that talk and have rehearsed that phrase in my mind many, many times since then. It is a source of comfort to me. I hope it will be to you too.
My amazing friend Josiah Cordes performs the cello solo and cello background on this track. His work on this song is so beautiful that it brings me to tears.
Lyrics
Lyrics
© 2025 by Craig Mecham
Isaiah 9:12
For all this His anger is not turned away, but His hand is stretched out still.
Feeling down and all around
The world just falls apart
From here to there and everywhere
Evil has a running start
Right is wrong and up is down
We're spinning around to die
Hope is lost, we can't count the cost
Blindness swallows the fading light
Even darkness and deep despair
Prison chains, bitter cup filled
Sinking down in hopeless ground
But His hand is stretched out still
His hand is stretched out still
In the early morning darkness
I lie awake amid the chill
Mistakes loom large and constant
But His hand is stretched out still
I am the proudest of the proud
I am blind to other's ills
I am the lowest of the low
Yet His hand is stretched out still
I'm in darkness and deep despair
Prison chains, bitter cup filled
Sinking down in hopeless ground
I see His hand is stretched out still
I take His hand; it is stretched out still
The sun breaks through my darkest night
New hope dawns a brighter day
In humble prayer I seek His face
Though I have wandered far away
Forgiveness found, my chains unbound
He has paid my debtor's bill
I am lifted up in mercy
For His hand is stretched out still
I leave behind my darkness
My heart with love is filled
Standing now on solid ground
Because His hand is stretched out still
Yes, His hand is stretched out still