“Good Mood” by Richlin || Worship With Me #22

This blog may seem like a shock, but it’s returning. There will be no set schedule for how these will be posted. I have some free time but am getting creative fatigue from my regular Bible study and devotional content. These blogs came back to me, and I was torn about doing them again. I’ve recognized that you guys are still looking them up, which helped. Then, I worked with God and the Holy Spirit to decide if it was supposed to be part of God’s plan for my blog and myself. After letting the idea simmer and praying about it, I have felt the nudge. So, here we are.

If you aren’t sure what I’m talking about, let me introduce you to my old series, “Let’s Listen To…” This series is about reviewing Christian songs, talking about what they mean, how I’ve felt the impact of this song, and some of my favorite lyrics. I will, however, change the title of this series. The Lord has said to change to “Worship with Me.” I want this series from here on out to be a connectional avenue for sharing Christian music with each other. To share the impact of music on the world in a way that impacts how we worship our Savior. The previous parts won’t change. They are a previous chapter of my blog, but God is breathing fresh life into this chapter. Let’s get into this.

Today’s song is “Good Mood” by Richlin. Richlin bases his music on his relationship with God, which his parents instilled in him. His music is his method of encountering the Holy Spirit. The melodies of his songs are a way to share the knowledge of who God is. He wants his music to be a source of encouragement and fresh passion for God. (Paraphrased from his Spotify bio)

I came across this song last year. I strayed away from listening to Christian music consistently. I felt like it was ALL I listened to, and I needed to mix it with the other songs on my Spotify playlist. However, that turned to skipping Christian songs again and again. Then, this song cropped up. It showed itself through a playlist about new Christian artists. The vibe of this song was immaculate. It hit the vibe I had been looking for at that point in my life: something that was low-key, vibe-y, and upbeat with a positive message. Let’s talk about that message.

I cannot find a direct interview with Richlin to discuss the song’s message. With that, let me share some of my favorite lyrics with you.

The opening verse hit me hard:

Somebody needs to hear the truth that He’s not mad at you

He’s not looking down frowning with an attitude

Not because of what do you, but who you’re tethered to

And they wonder why we call it “good news”

I mentioned that I had strayed away from listening to Christian music. I went through a lot last year and consistently wrestled with: “Am I really a good Christian? Am I really a good leader? Why would God still want to use me after messing up so bad?” It seemed like after my sextortion incident, I grew closer to him, but the more I stayed with my previous job, the more I grew further from him. I was listening to voices that weren’t him. I listened to voices agreeing and pushing on the doubts I was running into. The truth was that God wasn’t mad at me. I caved to my temptations, had consequences based on them, repented from that behavior, and became peaceful. God’s not angry with me, treating me differently because of what I did, but treating me differently because I was his child looking for forgiveness, healing, and wholeness. God knows I am human, and humans are innately sinful. Still, God knew I was sorry, hurting, frustrated, and anxious, which made his grace and mercy more powerful.

Honestly, even as I write this, I feel a lot of anxiety. When I said that I wouldn’t continue this series, I heard from God to write more Bible Studies/Devotional content. This was missing from the plan in December/January. So, writing this has me fearing: “Is this truly what God wants? Was it truly the voice of God that I heard? If it wasn’t, would God be mad at me?” I want to follow God’s path. He has it set for me, and I pray for the eyes to see what he sees. I didn’t want to do all this, and then I realized that God wasn’t talking to me. Yet, God isn’t mad at me at the end of the day. In fact, it reminds me of what the chorus says:

God is in a good mood, let me just remind you

His smile stays fixed on you

‘Cause it’s Jesus that He sees you through

Even on your worst day, after a mistake

Nah, He don’t change the way the weather do

Here’s some hope that you can do hold on to,

God is in a good mood

Even on my worst days. Even after I make mistakes. Even after I don’t hear God clearly. Even after I didn’t follow his path for me directly. Even after I do the things that go against his plan for me. God is still pleased with me. God is still happy that I’m trying to follow him. God is still happy that I seek repentance when I mess up. God still forgives and forgets, even when my mind wants to dwell and feel guilt and shame. It’s a reminder to rest in panic. It’s a reminder to find peace in the anxiety. It’s a reminder that God loves us the same before we screw up and after we screw up.

I hope you enjoyed this review. If there is music that you want me to listen to and speak about, leave a comment below. Please listen to this song at least once a day, every day this week. Let me know how the voice of God speaks to you during this worship experience. Until next time, stay blessed!