“Sing, O Barren Woman…brighter days are surely comin’…”
Several years ago I led worship at Cold Spring Presbyterian Church’s fall women’s retreat. I led some group songs then shared some originals from my first album (Pressed, But Not Crushed), as well as the stories behind the songs. After I finished the music, I took a seat by myself in the back of the crowd. I did not know the speaker for the retreat, but I wanted to hear what God had put on her heart and mind to share with the women in attendance.
She began to read Isaiah 54:
Sing, O barren woman,
You who have not borne!
Break forth into singing, and cry aloud,
You who have not labored with child!
For more are the children of the desolate
Than the children of the married woman, “ says the Lord.
She spoke about the barren woman, not just about one who had not borne children, but for the one who had been afflicted, was weary from longing, and felt empty. Honestly, at that time, that was me, and I knew it. She spoke of hope to come, just as Isaiah spoke of the future glory of Zion.
Before she read further, she said, “Where is Shannan?” I raised my hand in the back, and she said, “I believe the Lord gave me this word for you and your music ministry, so listen..” and she continued to read:
Enlarge the place of your tent,
And let them stretch out the curtains of your dwellings;
Do not spare;
Lengthen your cords,
And strengthen your stakes.
For you shall expand to the right and to the left…”
She continued by telling me I had better expand the stakes on the tent I thought I was pitching, to stretch out the tent curtains, lengthen the cords, and strengthen the stakes….and I began to weep. This woman did not know me. She only knew a piece of the story I had shared during that day. Yet, she spoke a prophetic word over me and the ministry of my music. Her words could have been wrapped up in a simple sentence: God sees your obedience now and He sees where you are going.
It was the first time anyone had spoken over me like that. Just like in Zephaniah, it was like the Lord singing over me.
So why would I write a song about this? A few months later, I was still thinking of her words. It was a moment in time I never wanted to forget. Isaiah 54 had become a song of hope for me - not just a song of hope for an expanding ministry, but tangible evidence of God speaking to me through her.
I pray that’s what my music does for those who listen. I hope it’s a song of hope and God uses it to remind people that He sees where they are and where they are going.
As for the barren woman (or man) reading this…..if you’re the empty one, “lashed by storms and left undone,” then listen and don’t lose hope - the Holy One of Israel is Your Redeemer.
Sing, O Barren Woman (lyrics)
(Verse 1) Sing, O barren woman, sing. Oh, sing O barren woman, sing. Oh, sing O barren woman, brighter days are surely comin’. Sing, o barren woman, sing!
Go get ready for expansion, stretch your tent curtains wide. Lengthen cords and strengthen stakes in preparation. Spread your space on every side so your reach be multiplied, and sing, O barren woman, sing!
(Verse 2) Fear not, you will suffer no shame. Fear not, you will suffer no shame. Fear not, you will not suffer shame, the Lord Almighty knows your name. So fear not, you will suffer no shame.
For your Maker is your bridegroom, the Lord Almighty is His Name. The Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer. Though the hills may be removed, the Lord of all the earth had called you. So, fear not, you will suffer no shame.
Bridge: For the time is drawing near when the Lord will make it clear that His everlasting kindness has no end. His ways are higher than your ways, His peace will cover all your days, and with great mercy He will gather you in.”
(Verse 3) Watch and wait, O weary one. Watch and wait, O weary one. Watch and wait, O weary one, lashed by storms and left undone. Watch and wait, O weary one.
Your foundations will be sapphires and your gates of sparkling jewels, with your walls of precious stones and ruby towers. Rooted deeply in God’s righteousness, great will be your children’s peace, so watch and wait, O weary one.
Fear not, you will suffer no shame.
And sing, O barren woman, sing!