You’ve probably heard the melody. It’s that stripped-back, almost raw sound that feels more like a late-night living room session than a polished stadium production. Good Plans Red Rocks Worship isn’t just another track on a Sunday morning playlist; it’s a specific cultural moment in the CCM (Contemporary Christian Music) world that caught fire because it felt... well, honest.
People are tired of the gloss.
When Red Rocks Worship released "Good Plans" as part of their Things of Heaven project, they weren't necessarily trying to reinvent the wheel. They were just capturing a sentiment. The song, led by Brandon Lake and the Red Rocks team, leans heavily into the theology of Jeremiah 29:11, but it strips away the Hallmark-card sentimentality that usually ruins that verse. It’s about trust when things look like a total wreck.
The Story Behind Good Plans Red Rocks Worship
Red Rocks Worship comes out of Red Rocks Church, based in Denver. They aren’t a tiny operation. We’re talking about one of the fastest-growing churches in America, yet their music often feels surprisingly intimate. "Good Plans" was birthed during a season of global instability. You can hear it in the lyrics. The song doesn't pretend that life is easy. Instead, it doubles down on the idea that even in the "waiting" and the "process," there’s a sovereign design.
It’s catchy. But it’s the bridge that usually gets people.
The repetition of "You’re not finished yet" acts as a sort of rhythmic therapy. Musicologists often point out that successful worship songs rely on "the hook," but Red Rocks tends to rely on "the build." They start quiet. A single guitar or a lonely synth pad. Then, they layer the vocals until it feels like a wall of sound hitting you. It’s a classic cresendo, but they execute it with a grit that feels less like a performance and more like a desperate plea.
Why this song stands out from the CCM crowd
If you look at the Billboard Christian charts over the last few years, there’s a lot of "same-ness." You have the standard four-chord progressions and the predictable "woah-ohs." Good Plans Red Rocks Worship breaks that up by leaning into a folk-rock sensibility. It feels grounded.
Honestly, a lot of it comes down to the vocal delivery. When you listen to the live recording, you can hear the cracks. You hear the room. That "room sound" is a massive trend in modern recording because listeners are increasingly allergic to over-processed, Auto-Tuned perfection. We want to hear the wood of the stage and the breath of the singer.
The Theology of "Good Plans" Explained (Simply)
Let’s get into the weeds for a second. The lyrics talk about God’s plans being "better than my own." That’s a hard pill to swallow if you’ve just lost a job or a loved one. The song tackles the concept of Divine Providence—the belief that God is actively steering the ship, even through the storms.
- The Scriptural Anchor: It pulls directly from the heart of the "peace" scriptures.
- The Narrative Arc: It moves from personal doubt to corporate declaration.
- The "Now and Not Yet": This is a theological term for the tension of living in a broken world while believing in a perfect future.
Critics of contemporary worship sometimes argue that songs like this are too "me-centered." They say it’s all about my plans and my life. But if you look at the lyrics of "Good Plans," the focus shifts pretty quickly to the character of the Creator. It’s less about "give me what I want" and more about "I trust what You’re doing."
That’s a big distinction.
The Impact on Local Church Worship Teams
Every worship leader in the country has probably tried to chart this song by now. It’s a staple. But it’s deceptively hard to pull off. Why? Because if you don’t have the right dynamic control, it just sounds like a loud, messy rock song.
I’ve seen dozens of local teams try to recreate the Good Plans Red Rocks Worship vibe. The ones that succeed are the ones that understand the silence. The song needs space to breathe. If the drummer is smashing the cymbals from verse one, the ending has nowhere to go. It’s about the journey of the song, not just the destination of the final chorus.
Practical Tips for Musicians
If you’re a musician looking to cover this, pay attention to the acoustic guitar work. It’s the engine. The strumming pattern is driving but not aggressive. And for the vocalists: stop trying to sound like Brandon Lake. The power of this song is in the sincerity, not the vocal runs. Use your natural voice.
What Most People Get Wrong About Red Rocks Worship
There’s this misconception that "mega-church music" is all corporate and soulless. People think it’s a bunch of guys in skinny jeans in a basement trying to write a hit. While there is definitely a business side to the industry, the writers at Red Rocks—people like Tyler Roberts and Kiki Brasher—are actually deeply involved in the local pastoral care of their congregation.
The songs are often responses to what the people in their pews are going through.
"Good Plans" wasn't written in a vacuum. It was written for a community that was struggling with anxiety and the "what ifs" of the future. When you realize the song has a pastoral heartbeat, it changes how you hear it. It’s not a product; it’s a tool.
The Visual Identity of the "Things of Heaven" Project
The aesthetics of the live recording also played a huge role in its success. They used warm lighting, lots of shadows, and a "circular" stage setup. This isn't just for looks. It’s designed to break the "performer-audience" barrier. By putting the band in the middle and the people all around, it feels more like a communal campfire than a concert.
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This visual branding is part of why the song did so well on YouTube and Google Discover. It looked like something you wanted to be a part of. It felt inclusive.
The Longevity of the Message
Will we be singing this in ten years? Maybe. The "shelf life" of worship songs is notoriously short these days. We cycle through "hits" every six months. However, songs that tap into fundamental human needs—like the need for security and direction—tend to stick around longer than the "victory" anthems.
Think about "It Is Well With My Soul." It’s survived because it meets people in the dirt. Good Plans Red Rocks Worship has a bit of that DNA. It’s a "through the fire" kind of song.
Key Takeaways for Your Playlist
- Listen for the Dynamics: Notice how they use volume as a storytelling device.
- Check the Lyrics: Read the words without the music once. They hold up.
- Watch the Live Version: The interaction between the singers and the room adds a layer you can't get from the studio track.
Actionable Next Steps
If you’re looking to dive deeper into this style of worship or want to incorporate these themes into your own life, here is how to actually engage with the material:
- Study the source material: Read Jeremiah 29 and Psalm 139. These are the "textbooks" for the lyrics. See how the songwriters took ancient poetry and made it modern.
- Analyze the arrangement: If you’re a creative, map out the song. Write down where the instruments enter and exit. It’s a masterclass in building tension.
- Practice intentional listening: Don't just have it on in the background. Sit down for six minutes, put on headphones, and just listen. Notice the small stuff—the shaker in the background, the subtle vocal harmonies, the way the bass enters.
- Apply the "Waiting" principle: The song is a reminder that waiting isn't wasting. If you're in a "waiting" season, use the bridge of this song as a daily confession.
The reality is that Good Plans Red Rocks Worship works because it’s relatable. We all want to believe there’s a plan. We all want to feel like the chaos of our lives isn’t just random noise. Whether you’re a person of faith or just someone who appreciates a well-crafted song, there’s no denying the craft and the heart behind this track. It’s a rare instance where the hype actually matches the substance.