Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Will You Be There?




"Will You Be There" - by Skillet


A couple nights ago, I gave Skillet's Alien Youth album a listen. I'll be brief and to the point, because there's just so much about this album that I love. I was greatly moved when I listened to this one particular song.

I'll be honest. For most of this past year or so, my relationship with God was extremely fragile and unstable. I was disciplined to memorize Bible verses, and though I memorized them verbatim, for some, I didn't allow the time to sink in. For example, God promises in John 1:12-13: "Yet to all who received Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God--children born not of natural descent, nor of human derision or a husband's will, but born of God." The implications and power behind these verses are grand beyond measure. One of my favorite passages is Deuteronomy 8, which reminds God's people of His power and His goodness. Please read it for yourself before continuing:


Just as the close of the chapter warns against, unfortunately, this past year, I recognize how I have come to "worship" and elevate two things to the status of "gods": my schoolwork and my best friend. By investing so much energy and "worship" into idols, however, my faith in God remains in constant flux--at times, strong and enduring, but at other times, dwindling. I found myself at some extremely low points in which I questioned God's hand in my life, and the security I have in Him. This song illustrates beautifully the desperation I felt at many times: "Will You be there as I grow cold / will you be there as I'm falling down?... / When I'm in retreat, can I run to You / Will my pain release at Your mercy seat?"

What I love in this song is the bridge that gives an answer to these uncertainties:

Are You saying, "Yes"
Oh, I gotta believe it!
Are you saying yeah
When Your love falls down I can rest my eyes
Feel Your grace and power flood into my life
As my brokenness and Your strength collide
When Your love comes down
Falling down!

God, it takes faith. But God, I gotta believe it! Please pray for me. Thanks.

[Like Tim, I want to thank those of you who read this far. XD]

3 comments:

michelle said...

I will give you a real comment later on....I am kind of tired now x____X it might take a while....

Tim Young said...

I really like how this song is cry/prayer directly to God in our dryness. And also, the line that you bolded, I feel is so true. In order to let God touch us, we need to believe his answer. Otherwise it's kind of like we just choose our own lies over His truths. it's so difficult, but thank God's grace for helping us along. Thanks Neilson =].

michelle said...

here's the real comment =]

Like you, I also felt extremely fragile and unstable. Even now, I still get broken down really easily. Because of my brokenness I did feel closer to God, but at the same time I knew that I wasn't treating Him right. This song reminds me how faithful and loving God is. He's always there whenever we are going through our highs and lows. I really like this line: "Will you be there as I grow cold." I've been cold towards Him and others, and yet He was still there for me. He doesn't deserve the treatment I give Him. He understands my hurt...He knows that the pain makes me a cold person.

haha i know how you feel because I feel like I went through the same thing...not exact, but close enough =P Anyways, this is a really good song. I really appreciate the song and your sharing. We'll keep praying for each other =] Thanks Neil!