As a teen I was told There had never been a time When I hadn't known the difference Between wrong and right. Now looking back across the years, Another truth has become clear— There has never been a moment When I doubted You were here. I haven't always understood Where You were leading me. I haven't always known the road Or what I'd someday see. But underneath a lifetime of questions, Through every unknown road, There has always been one certainty— One thing I've always known. I have always known You loved me, Through the sunshine and the rain, Through the prayers that found an answer, Through the ones that seemed in vain. I couldn't always see the reason. I didn't always know where life would go. But beneath each joy and heartache, There was one thing I would always know I have always known You loved me. I've known days when life was easy, When the blessings overflowed, And days I walked through heartache Down an unexpected road. I've known endings I resisted, I've watched cherished dreams let go, But even when I couldn't see You, I always felt You were close. Through years of raising children alone, Through nights I lay awake, Through doing the best with what I had And the choices I had to make. Through the love that filled my living, Through people who came and went, I didn't always know the purpose, But I always knew You were present. I have always known You loved me, Through the sunshine and the rain, Through the prayers that found an answer, Through the ones that seemed in vain. I couldn't always see the reason. I didn't always know where life would go. But beneath each joy and heartache, There was one thing I would always know— I have always known You loved me. I have always known. There were times I cried out, “Where are You?” Times I wondered what You'd do. There were moments I was angry At the things You let me walk through. But questions aren't the same as doubting That Your love for me was true. Even when I wrestled with YouI I knew Your love would see me through. Maybe that's the greatest blessing— Not a life untouched by pain, Not an over-sized umbrella That could shield me from the rain. Your gospel has been the rock beneath my feet When storms were all around, Not keeping me from being pelted— But giving me solid ground. A foundation firm and sure, When everything was crashing down. And beneath it all, a knowing Nothing ever could remove: Whatever else I didn't know, Lord, I have always known Your love. And now at sixty-three I'm looking back Along the road that brought me here, At a thousand little mercies I can finally see more clear. Some were obvious in the moment. Some took years before they were shown. But Your love was never hidden— That much I have always known. Before I knew how life would change me, Before I knew all that could be lost, Before I knew if hearts could heal Or how much the loss might cost— I knew. When I was young, I knew. When I was hurting, I knew. When I was celebrating, I knew. When I couldn't see Your plan— I still knew You loved me. I have always known You loved me, And I know You love me still. Not because my life has been perfect, Not because I always did Your will In every single choice and moment— There are things I've had to learn. But Your love was never something I could somehow lose or earn. And someday when this life is over, When I finally make it Home, I'm sure I'll recognize the feeling— It will be the love I've always known. Through every joy, Through every sorrow, Through every place my life has gone, There has never been a moment— I didn't know. You loved me then. You love me now. I have always known. I didn't know each answer. I didn't know each road. I didn't know what waited Around the turns I'd go. But I knew You. And I knew this: I was Yours. I was loved. I have always known.
