Rescue Me from Me
Just got back from the studio where I recorded “Will You Say It Again?” (see prior post), and this gem: “Rescue Me From Me.” This song comes directly from Psalm 73. Interestingly enough it is one of the only songs I’ve “given up” on and then come back and finished after a 6-8 month hiatus. I had been processing a few of the verses from Psalm 73, particularly the pretty famous ones. Psalm 73:25-26 “Whom have I in heaven but You? And earth has nothing I desire besides You. My heart and my flesh may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” You will definitely see those words come out in the Pre-chorus and Chorus of the song. But, with no other inspiration, I had a simple chorus with nothing else. So, I put the song to rest and didn’t do much with it for the better part of a year. Then, my good friend Emily said that she had been reading that Psalm and meditating on it as well. She highlighted some ideas in the first part of the Psalm. The psalmist had been reflecting on life and realizing that the wicked were prospering and, could it be that he, in vain, kept God’s commands? How often in our life does it seem like that: we are struggling and evil people (or people who just don’t know Jesus) are doing just fine! Are you tempted to believe it isn’t worth it? I’ll be honest: I’ve had those thoughts. But, the psalmist doesn’t end there. He says, “If I had spoken out like that, I would have betrayed your children. When I tried to understand all of this, it troubled me deeply, until I entered the sanctuary of God, then I understood their final destiny.”
Sometimes we need a reality check. I know I do. What we can see in this world is so limited. What we do in this world impacts the next, but we cannot see or know how without God’s help. So, this song is about letting go of our thoughts and expectations in order to receive God’s perspective. That is how we will stay away from bitterness and discontentment of our present circumstances and embrace the joy in the trials of this life, knowing He is our ever present help. So, may He rescue us from all of our incomplete notions of how this world works and give us a fresh perspective. One where we acknowledge His control and His ever present sustenance of our lives. This all happens when we spend time in His presence and humble ourselves to His will. Hard to do, but I love rocking out to this and hope it encourages your heart as well as mine!
Rescue Me From Me
This is where it begins
Here in Your presence
As I enter in, eager to understand You,
Who am I to think I deserve answers
When I can’t even know myself?
You are too kind to give mind to me
My whole life is hung on this truth:
Whom have I in heaven but You?
My heart, my flesh may fail
But You’re the strength of my heart
The fire in the dark, Oh
How my thoughts can sway
But You’re the Rock cleft for me
On my stormy seas, Oh
And I will cling to You
This is where it can end
Here in Your presence
Every argument becomes insignificant
Who am I to think that I really know You
When I can’t comprehend Your grace?
You are too kind to give mind to me
As I search the world for the truth
May my desire become only You
The anger inside, Am I bitter and blind?
Can you rescue me from me?
Will I be defined by my stubborn pride?
Tell me, what do you see in me?