By Amellia Hausmann, Class of 2026
“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows” James 1:17
In our seminary class, we’ve been discussing the idea of common grace which is what the Apostle James is speaking on in this verse. His reminder is simply this: every good thing we experience ultimately comes from God.
I most often and most clearly notice this grace when listening to music.
My most recent encounter with a piece of music that made me consider this gift of grace was on the tail-end of a long drive to a wedding I was attending in Tennessee. I was driving through the mountains watching a beautiful sunset when a song that I had never heard came on and caught my attention. I listened to the lyrics describe a reverent relationship to someone elusive yet significant and ever-present, followed by the chorus repeating the phrase, “It all comes back to you.” These lyrics paired with my view of the changing sky over the Appalachian mountains made me think of my Creator and it became a sweet moment of peace and prayer. The song is called “It All Comes Back” by Lord Huron who, as far as I am aware, is not a Christian. If that’s true, then surely it wasn’t the artist’s intention that his song would stir the presence of God in me at that moment and make me pause to appreciate His Glory. So how is that exactly what occurred?
Through the common grace of God.
What I’ve been learning is that, if something is good and beautiful, and all good things come from God, then, regardless of who created it, that thing is from God. God can and does give talents and moments of revelation to people who may not even realize the source of their gift. And that beauty and talent still traces back to Him.
God gives beauty freely, He allows music to stir hearts, He allows sunsets to silence us, and He allows artists who may not even believe in Him to create things that awaken eternity in our souls.
Taking the time over these past few months to attempt to really grasp the gravity of this grace has altered the way I interact with the world around me. Recognizing its source, I now find myself more quick to appreciate all beauty and talent with a newfound sense of its dignity, knowing that it all comes back to Him.