This song is incredible. I tear up every time it comes on the radio. The first verse makes me stop and I sense a stirring deep within me that responds to the questions with a sense of uncertainty.
“Why are you striving these days?
Why are you trying to earn grace?
Why are you crying?”
I have no idea why. I just can’t slow down. I can’t stop….
“Let me lift up your face”
I can just picture Jesus reaching down where I’ve fallen and lifting my chin so I can look in His eyes. I see the love that is written all over His face and sense His yearning to be loved in return with the same abandon as He has shown me.
“Just don’t turn away”
That’s when I cower with shame. Why do I turn away?! I am staring into the face of Someone who loves me like no one else can, who wants to shower me with all the blessings He has to offer, who will never disappoint me, will always cherish me, and what do I go and do? I look away. I lose my focus. I get distracted.
“Why are you looking for love?
Why are you still searching as if I’m not enough?”
I don’t know why, God. Maybe because it seems easier to have something physical, something tangible that I can grasp. There are times when I feel romanced by You, but it’s easier to feel that from another physical person at times.
“To where will you go child?
Tell me where will you run?
To where will you run?”
I’ll run to things that give me temporary fulfillment, just like the prodigal son. I don’t realize that what I’m looking for is right in front of me. I am just a child. I need you Lord, to direct me, to reign me in when I pack my bags to become a runaway. I don’t know where I’m going. I’m just trying to hide from the things I’m too scared to face.
“And I’ll be by your side
Wherever you fall
In the dead of night
Whenever you call
And please don’t fight
These hands that are holding you
My hands are holding you”
Wow, I forget about that promise a lot. God will be with me wherever I go. When I faceplant in the dirt, when I wake up from an upsetting dream, when I kneel in the prayer room, and when I resist His help because of my pride. He’s wapping His arms around me and holding me tight.
So great. I just love this song. Gets me thinking.
March 12, 2009...11:23 pm
By Your Side
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3 Comments
March 13, 2009 at 6:22 am
Thanks, I needed that. I’ve liked that song but never really listened. It was very timely.
March 16, 2009 at 10:32 am
I LOVE that song! I always feel like Jesus is singing it to me when I hear it.
March 17, 2009 at 8:52 am
Thanks for sharing that Tabitha. I love that song too, but it was good to read the words and your responses too.