FACE TO FACE
"For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face:
now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known."
-1 Corinthians 13;12
"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God,
to them who are the called according to his purpose."
Romans 8:28
"And seek the face of the Lord always, that in patience ye may possess your souls, and ye shall have eternal life."
-D&C 101:38
The Story Behind the Song
I love the writings of Paul. One of my favorite scriptures has always been 1 Corinthians 13, and I love Paul’s description of how we now “see through a glass; darkly.” We think we know so much, and we rely so much on our worldly wisdom, but we know so very little compared to an omnipotent, all-seeing Father in Heaven. Our understanding will one day be opened to us and we will see Him face to face. President James E. Faust taught,
“Often we do not have even a glimpse of our potential for happiness and accomplishment in this life and in eternity because, as the Apostle Paul said, ‘Now we see through a glass, darkly.’ But the lens can be lightened and become crystal clear through the influence of the Holy Ghost. The Savior promised us that the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, will “teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance,” and “guide you into all truth.”
As I studied this topic, more and more scriptures came to mind and as I cross-referenced each of them, the words to the song quickly came into being. It’s almost all quotes from different scriptures, with very little of the lyric actually written by me, but I feel like the words were speaking straight to my heart. I feel at times as though the veil is thin, and I catch glimpses of what is behind that dark glass. I look forward to the day when I will see as He sees, and know, even as I am known, when I see Him face to face.
LYRICS
There are trials I must pass through daily
And hardships I’m called to endure
But I turn to my Savior while kneeling in prayer,
His promise of peace to ensure.
For all things work together for them that love God
Whose hearts and minds can remain pure
Now we see through a glass, darkly,
But then face to face.
I will know, even as I am known
By my faith I will see what He’s done for me
When I speak with Him face to face.
As we seek for the gifts of the Spirit
Being honest and faithful and true
Seeking all things of virtue and worthy of praise
And all good works to pursue.
For the Spirit reveals all the Lord has in store
The heavens revealed to our view.
Now we see through a glass, darkly,
But then face to face.
I will know, even as I am known
By my faith I will see what He’s done for me
When I speak with Him face to face.
By my faith I will see what He’s done for me
When I speak with Him face to face.