Shirley Caesar, He’s Working It Out For You | Music Lifts

In the 13th edition of Music Lifts (2025), we’re uplifted by Shirley Caesar performing, “He’s Working It Out For You.”

Welcome to Music Lifts , a column highlighting songs that encourage, inspire, and uplift the spirit; songs exuding fortitude, positivity, and resolve, even in the face of adversity.  Featured songs aren’t genre-specific; songs may or may not be faith-based. The goal is for these songs to make you feel better – be LIFTED to new heights!  So, for the 13^th edition of Music Lifts (2025), we highlight “He’s Working It Out For You” as performed by Shirley Caesar.

“Though the pressures of life seems to weigh you down / And you don’t know which way to turn,” Shirley Caesar (1938 – ) sings, “God is concerned and He’s working it out for you.” Amen! Now that is a good word, pastor!  The legendary gospel musician provides surefire encouragement on “He’s Working It Out For You”, the opener from her 1991 album, He’s Working It Out For You. Initially, Caesar is accompanied by piano. Backed by a fabulous gospel harmonic progression, she embraces faith despite adversity. Her vocals are authentic, soulful, and spirited.  Every word the pastor sings, you buy.

In the second verse, accompanied by fuller instrumentation (piano, organ, bass, drums, etc.), Caesar sings, “Now you ask yourself, is there a word from the Lord / You need a blessing, and you need it right away / God is concerned, and He’s working it out for you.” In the third, her voice grows even more spirited, setting the tone for God’s wonder-working power. Despite no peace at home or work, bills, and failing health, the message remains the same: God’s working it out. The choir enters the mix before the three-minute mark, amplifying the spirit in the chorus:

“He’s working it out

He’s working it out for you

God cares

I’m so glad to know He cares

I’m so glad to know He cares

And He’s working it out for you.”

Meanwhile, Caesar ad-libs, riffing at her finest.  “He’s Working It Out For You” hails from the 1990s yet the message endures.  There is nothing anachronistic or dated about this moving gospel gem.

Shirley Caesar // He’s Working It Out For You // Word Entertainment LLC // 1991

Shirley Caesar, He’s Working It Out For You: Music Lifts No. 13 (2025) [: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Word Entertainment LLC; BD Jewel, Dave H, Jean-Daniel Francoeur, Joshua Brown, Vansh Mehta from Pexels; AcatXIo, OpenClipart-Vectors from Pixabay]