Lost - But Still He Loves You

 "Lost - But Still He Loves You" is written by John Willard Peterson (November 1, 1921 – September 20, 2006) was a songwriter who had a major influence on evangelical Christian music in the 1950s through the 1970s. He wrote over 1000 songs, and 35 cantatas.

Born in Lindsborg, Kansas, he served as an Army Air Force pilot flying the China Hump during World War II. Later, he attended Moody Bible Institute and served on the radio staff there for a number of years.

In 1953, he graduated from the American Conservatory of Music in Chicago and shortly thereafter settled in Pennsylvania to continue his songwriting career. He then moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan, where for over ten years he was President and Editor-in-Chief of Singspiration, a sacred music publishing company. While there, he compiled and edited a hymnal called "Great Hymns of the Faith", (c) 1961. He also served on the board of Gospel Films, Inc. of Muskegon, Michigan.

He also had direct contact with popular Christian musicians of the day such as Bill Pearce and Dick Anthony. He resided in Scottsdale, Arizona, where he continued to write music. Peterson died September 20, 2006, aged 84, following a bout with prostate cancer.

Some of his more popular song titles include "It Took a Miracle", "Over the Sunset Mountains", "Heaven Came Down", "So Send I You", "Springs of Living Water", "Jesus is Coming Again", "Surely Goodness and Mercy", "This is the day that the Lord hath made" and "O Glorious Love". His cantatas include Night of Miracles and Down From His Glory.

In 1986, he was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame. 

To download the easy alphanotes and chord sheet music, look here. Enjoy!

Lyrics: 

1. Is your life without a purpose like a wand'ring star, 

Meaningless it all appears, as viewed from where you are? 

Have you faced the truth that God is real and cares for you?

Thru His Son, our Savior, He can give you life anew. 

Chorus:

Lost - but still He loves you, Lost - in sin astray:

Jesus died upon a cross to take sin's guilt away!

Like a sheep that's straying on the mountain dark and cold,

Lost - but still He loves you, and He longs to bring you back into the fold.

2.Why then drift along with emptiness and dark despair?

Trust in Christ, accept God's love and all His blessings share! 

He will prove Himself to you a thousand ways and more

You'll begin to understand what you're created for. 

(Chorus)