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Blog Post Sermon: “The Dreams We Dream: Rediscovering God’s Greatness in Our Journey”

The song “We Dreamed So Hard” beautifully captures the journey of life, youth, love, and the search for meaning. It’s a reflection on the innocent hopes we had when we were younger, the dreams we chased, and how those dreams often turn out differently from what we imagined. Yet, woven throughout the song is a deeper realization of God’s greatness—a theme that we often fail to grasp in the midst of our youthful ambition.

This song resonates with Christian Libertarian Ideology, which emphasizes individual freedom, the pursuit of God’s purpose, and personal responsibility. Additionally, the song speaks to modern human perspectives—our desire for control, the pursuit of meaning, and the acceptance of life’s unpredictability. Through it all, Scripture reminds us that while we may dream and plan, God’s love and greatness surpass anything we can imagine.

The Dreams of Youth and the Search for Meaning

“I used to lie up on my roof staring at the sky and the stars
I’d smoke cheap cigars, laugh with pretty girls, lie to my right and let in weed
Would dream about things and of places unseen, knowing love like one of a kind.”

This opening verse reflects the carefree days of youth—the time when life was full of possibilities, and we felt invincible. The imagery of lying on a roof, staring at the stars, and dreaming of unseen places captures the essence of youthful hope. In these moments, we often feel that life is ours to shape, that we can control our destiny and make our dreams come true.

However, as the song progresses, it becomes clear that even though we chase dreams with fervor, we often don’t understand the full picture of life or God’s plan. The line “We never knew how great you are” is a profound reminder that, in our youthful ambitions, we often overlook the greatness of God and His plans for us.

In modern human perspectives, this stage of life reflects the desire for independence and self-determination. We want to create our own path, pursue our own dreams, and discover the meaning of life through our experiences. But as we grow older, we begin to realize that there is something greater at work—something beyond our control and beyond our understanding.

Proverbs 19:21 reminds us, “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” While we dream and plan, it is ultimately God’s purpose that brings fulfillment and meaning to our lives.

The Freedom to Dream and the Lessons of Experience

“We’d ride the waves of youthful hope, casting wishes like fishing lines
Underneath the moon’s soft little glow, laughter would echo through the soft pines
Imagining lands far and wide, hearts intertwined, love undefined.”

The freedom to dream is a gift from God. In Christian Libertarian Ideology, freedom is at the core of our existence—freedom to pursue our passions, make choices, and live according to God’s design. However, with that freedom comes the responsibility to seek God’s guidance and wisdom, especially when our dreams are unclear or undefined.

The song reflects a common experience: chasing dreams with enthusiasm but without fully understanding the consequences. As the singer moves through life, they reflect on the beauty of those youthful dreams and the lessons learned along the way. “The tide hasn’t turned, and I wonder now what we have learned” speaks to the realization that life doesn’t always turn out the way we expect, but it is in these moments that we grow and learn.

Romans 8:28 offers encouragement: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” Even when our dreams don’t unfold as we hoped, God is working in the background, guiding us toward a greater purpose and using our experiences to shape us into the people He wants us to be.

God’s Greatness Beyond Our Dreams

“Oh, we dreamed so hard on every start
We never knew how great you are
In every night, in every dream, your love was more than it seemed.”

This refrain is the heart of the song—it speaks to the realization that, while we may have dreamed hard and chased after our desires, God’s greatness surpasses all of our ambitions. In the moment, we often fail to grasp how much God is working in our lives, how deep His love is, and how His plans are greater than anything we could dream of.

In Christian Libertarian thought, this speaks to the tension between our individual freedom to pursue dreams and the recognition of God’s ultimate sovereignty. We have the freedom to dream and plan, but it is only when we step back and acknowledge God’s greatness that we find true fulfillment.

Ephesians 3:20 reminds us of this truth: “Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us.” God’s power and plans for us are far beyond anything we can imagine in our human understanding. His love is greater than we realize, and His purpose for our lives is more profound than our dreams.

The Realization of Gratitude

“Now I lie beneath the sky, with a grateful heart and open eyes
For all the dreams that came to be, how great you are.”

As the song comes to a close, there is a shift in tone from reflection and wonder to gratitude. The singer moves from questioning the past to recognizing the blessings that have come from the journey. Lying beneath the sky with an open heart, the singer acknowledges the greatness of God and expresses thankfulness for all the dreams that came to be, even if they didn’t unfold exactly as imagined.

Gratitude is a key element of the Christian life. In 1 Thessalonians 5:18, we are called to “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” The singer’s realization of gratitude reflects a mature understanding that life’s journey, with all its ups and downs, is a gift from God. Even the dreams that didn’t come true taught valuable lessons, and the dreams that did unfold were part of God’s greater plan.

Conclusion: Embracing God’s Greatness in Our Journey

“We Dreamed So Hard” is a song that speaks to the human experience of dreaming, hoping, and learning through life’s unpredictable journey. It reflects the tension between our desires and God’s plans, between the freedom to pursue our dreams and the realization that God’s greatness surpasses all we could imagine.

From a Christian Libertarian perspective, this song highlights the importance of individual freedom, responsibility, and trust in God’s purpose. While we are free to dream, we are also called to recognize that true fulfillment comes not from our own efforts, but from aligning our lives with God’s will.

As we go through life, chasing dreams and facing challenges, let us remember that God’s love and greatness are always at work. In every night, in every dream, His love is more than it seems. And even when we don’t fully understand how things will unfold, we can trust in the promise of Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you… plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

May we all, like the singer, lie beneath the sky with grateful hearts and open eyes, knowing that in every dream, God’s greatness is beyond anything we could imagine.

Amen.

I used to lie up on my roof staring at the sky and the stars
I’d smoke cheap cigars, laugh with pretty girls, lie to my right and let in weed

Would dream about things and of places unseen, knowing love like one of a kind
But the future is now, and I wonder how it all worked out
Oh, we dreamed so hard on every start
We never knew how great you are

In every night, in every dream, your love was more than it seemed
We’d ride the waves of youthful hope, casting wishes like fishing lines
Underneath the moon’s soft little glow, laughter would echo through the soft pines
Imagining lands far and wide, hearts intertwined, love undefined

But the tide hasn’t turned, and I wonder now what we have learned
Oh, and we dreamed so hard on every start
We never knew how great you are
In every night, in every dream, your love was more than it seemed

We’d chase the dawn with open eyes, running wild through fields of green
Underneath the canvas sky, we would whisper secrets in between
Building castles in the sand, hand in hand, love so grand
But the sun feels set, now I wonder what we have met

Oh, and we dreamed so hard on every start
We never knew how great you are
In every night, in every dream, your love was more than it seemed
We’d paint the night with vibrant hues, dancing shadows in the firelight

Underneath the starlit blues, with every touch, the world felt right
Dreaming dreams beyond the shore, evermore, love’s sweet lore
The dream of dawn has come, and I wonder what we’ve become
Oh, and we dreamed so hard on every start

We never knew how great you are
In every night, in every dream, your love was more than it seemed
Now I lie beneath the sky, with a grateful heart and open eyes
For all the dreams that came to be, how great you are

Oh, and we dreamed so hard on every start
We never knew how great you are
In every night, in every dream, your love was more than it seemed

As Always, God Bless,

James Arthur Ferguson