I still remember the warm feeling and comfort of being coaxed to sleep as a young child. The soothing humming of my mother’s voice and the gentle patting of her hand on my side.

As a songwriter, I wanted to write a song that children could easily remember when they feel fearful and unable to sleep. But later I realised that even as adults, we too have fears and sleepless nights. We, too, sometimes need a lullaby.

In the winter of 2014, I took a spontaneous solo trip to South Korea for a month. I wanted time to learn to be independent and to sort out my life.

One night in a dark hostel room, as I reflected upon my past, I was met with a flurry of emotions that I could not comprehend or control. This was followed by tears I was choking to hold back.

I immediately called up an old friend who, in an attempt to calm me down, reminded me: “Feelings are fleeting. Things will get better tomorrow. Just trust God.”

Just being reassured that God is still in control helped me understand that my fears will pass, and that I don’t have to handle every single obstacle on my own. I prayed an honest prayer to God, admitting my weaknesses and asked Him to deliver me from my suffering.

I wanted His peace.

It was in that moment that I was inspired to write the song “Lullaby” before I dozed off to sleep. The next morning, my tears were dried up, my heart was light, and I woke up feeling miraculously refreshed and renewed.

Fast forward to March 2020.

I am living alone in Seoul, scrolling through social media and keeping up with the latest news online. The world is fighting to contain a rapidly spreading pandemic, on top of other pressing global issues. As of March 26, there are 9,241 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in South Korea.

If something were to destroy me, it would definitely be my own fear before anything else.

The future is progressively unclear and many of my plans have been put on hold. My loved ones who were coming to visit had to abruptly cancel their flights. My school semester just started after two weeks of postponement, but I’m unsure how long we can efficiently do distance learning in a painting major that requires time in the school studio.

Even the physical fellowship in church has been replaced with online interactions and worshipping weekly through livestreams. Reading news articles one after another about the selfish acts people have done out of desperation laid bare the sinfulness of mankind.

The daily reports on the rising number of deaths highlighted the fragility of our lives as well as our inability to take control and determine our lot.

And just like the time back in the winter of 2014, I felt so disheartened and my worry grew into a crescendo of anxiety.

Throughout the psalms, especially in Psalm 78, we read of the Israelites’ recurring cycle of disobedience followed by the subsequent consequences and discipline. This is followed by their pleas for redemption before God’s anticipated acts of divine mercy.

There is a deadlier virus than the ones we are battling in our world today, and that is sin. 

They were God’s own chosen nation, but due to their unrepentant defiance, God allowed them to go through those hardships for their sanctification. Likewise, the plagues that God sent to Egypt were horrific and dreadful, but God had a greater plan for the Israelites: to be redeemed to Himself and to bless them in a way they could not have imagined – intimate fellowship with Him in the Promised Land.

There is a deadlier virus than the ones we are battling in our world today, and that is sin. It is the sin of pride and self-reliance that our society thrives on.

If something were to destroy me, it would definitely be my own fear before anything else.

I find so many similarities with the Israelites in my own life. I was drowning in a sea of confusion and anxiety, but God held me up and set a firm foundation of His sovereignty under my feet.

He has taught me to put my trust solely in Him, and not in my own strategies. God has a greater plan worked out for us; all we need to do is stay faithful and trust in Him every step of the way.

Philippians 4:4-9 extols: “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me – put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”

In a time where there is so much unpredictability, let us change our perspective by dwelling upon His unwavering goodness.

Let us find peace by taking comfort in His promises of life everlasting and a love that never fails. Let us also take the opportunity to look outside of ourselves to practise Christ-like love and support others in need of comfort and practical aid.

Because after a period of tearful pleading, our eyes will be cleansed and made new to see God’s wonderful sovereign hand working for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28).

We are given a comforting peace that surpasses all understanding. God will heal all our wounds in time, and things will ultimately be better tomorrow or someday.

Take heart, this is our lullaby.

Lullaby

Everything will be just fine, tomorrow
Tomorrow
Everything will be just fine, tomorrow
Tomorrow or someday

As you hear this song,
Just cry out all you want
I’ll be here all night long

Sleepless night will be gone
You don’t need to feel alone
Wipe those tears and be strong

Things will get better
Time will heal your wounds away
Everything will be better, better, tomorrow

Things will get better
God will heal your wounds away
Everything will be better

Released today, “Lullaby” is now out on all major music platforms. You can also check out Mersie’s other songs on Spotify.