Photo by Michal Kmet
I reviewed O’Lord from Lauren Daigle’s album How Can It Be with a favorable score. Permit me to post again the main theme of this album:
“There’s a continuing theme on this record—trust,” says Daigle. “My heart’s cry is that people feel empowered as a body of Christ. It’s just heavy on my heart for all of us to rise up in unity and recognize the goodness of God. My hope is that people are empowered by knowing who they belong to, knowing that they are the son or daughter of God, and in response to that being able to worship fully, worship with complete abandon.”
Can she strike gold twice on the same album? Let’s find out!
Lyrics can be found at https://genius.com/Lauren-daigle-trust-in-you-lyrics.
Note to new users: This is a different kind of review site! Read About the Berean Test and Evaluation Criteria prior to reading this review.
1. What message does the song communicate?
It is a song of surrender to the LORD. There is brokenness over sin and unwavering trust, regardless of circumstances.
Like in her song O’Lord, even though it does not explicitly mention the name of Jesus or God, there are enough breadcrumbs to think it’s talking about God rather than a boyfriend. In reference to “You”, Daigle describes this individual as the desire of her rest, a mighty warrior, a king, One who can move mountains and part waters, the source of her strength and comfort, and the solid rock; a foundation to which she stands.
Score: 9/10
2. How much of the lyrics line up with Scripture?
Most of it does; however, some of the lyrics are vague. I also have a concern with the Chorus.
[Verse 1]
Lines 1 and 2: Describes personal sacrifice; the cost required to follow Jesus (see Matthew 16:24, Mark 8:34-38, Mark 10:28, Luke 9:23, Luke 14:27, Romans 12:1-2, Galatians 2:20, Philippians 2:5-8, Hebrews 11:6, James 4:7-10, and 1 Peter 5:6).
Lines 3 and 4: These are are unclear. Is this a reference to God’s omniscience? If so, we can apply 1 Kings 8:39, 1 Chronicles 28:9, Psalm 44:21, Psalm 139:4, Psalm 147:4-5, Isaiah 40:28, Matthew 10:30, John 16:30 [reference to Jesus], John 21:17 [reference to Jesus], Acts 1:24, Hebrews 4:13, and 1 John 3:20. Also, what exactly does God see that doesn’t change? This is not addressed throughout the rest of the lyrics.
[Verse 2]
Line 1: Probably a reference to internal warfare. If so, we can find Scriptural support in Romans 7:21-25.
Line 2: Continuing the idea set forth in Verse 1, lines 1 and 2, Daigle alludes to Matthew 11:28-30, to which we can find rest in Jesus.
Lines 3 and 4: God’s presence is with us no matter what challenges we face (see Deuteronomy 31:6-8, Joshua 1:5-9, Psalm 23:4, Psalm 46:1, Psalm 139:7-10, Isaiah 41:10, Jeremiah 23:23-24, Zephaniah 3:17, Matthew 6:25-34, Matthew 28:20, John 14:16-17, Hebrews 13:5, Romans 8:38-39, and Revelation 3:20).
[Chorus]
Line 1: Daigle makes a demand of God rather than a request, though I do not believe this was her intent. She alludes to Matthew 17:20.
Line 2: A literal event in Exodus 14:21-22 turned into a figurative statement, much like the “giants” in our lives in reference to 1 Samuel 17. While this does not bother many people, my concern is that we can forget an actual event took place.
Line 3: Reminds me of Proverbs 25:2. God doesn’t owe us answers, yet, we should seek them out.
Also, I think of 2 Peter 3:9. The context of this passage is about Jesus’ second coming and God’s desire for all to repent before Jesus comes back. 2 Peter 3:3 sets the context. The larger picture is about God’s timing. It is perfect!
What about answers? When does God provide them? For example, “to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 13:10). I’m certain the Old Testament prophets thought about these things. Jesus says as much in Matthew 13:17. Yet, the Old Testament prophets trusted God despite not knowing the things about the Kingdom of God that was first revealed to 1st Century Jews. In the same way, despite our asking and not receiving answers, we can still trust in God. That is the heart of what I believe Daigle attempts to communicate.
I can’t help but think about Psalm 22 when it comes to lack of answers and crying out to God. Particularly verse 2. How David must have felt that God was so distant, yet, knowing that God was near. I think it takes a deep, personal relationship with God to say something that bold. To your point, an unbeliever will not comprehend this without experiencing this intimacy with our Heavenly Father. You may be correct, that a God who doesn’t answer them will seem distant. They lack a relationship with Him.
Line 4: See 1 Corinthians 16:13, 2 Corinthians 1:24, Ephesians 6:11, Philippians 1:27, Philippians 4:1, Colossians 1:23, 2 Thessalonians 2:15, Hebrews 3:6, Hebrews 3:14, Hebrews 4:14, Hebrews 6:11, Hebrews 10:23, and 1 Peter 5:9.
[Verse 3]
Lines 1 and 2: Refers to God’s omniscience (see 1 Kings 8:39, 1 Chronicles 28:9, Psalm 44:21, Psalm 139:4, Psalm 147:4-5, Isaiah 40:28, Matthew 10:30, John 16:30, John 21:17, Acts 1:24, Hebrews 4:13, and 1 John 3:20).
Lines 3 and 4: Continuing the theme of surrender, Daigle has now given up her freewill, aligning it with God’s (see Matthew 10:38, Matthew 11:28-30, Matthew 16:24, Mark 8:34-38, Mark 10:28, Luke 9:23, Luke 14:27, John 15:1-11, Romans 6:13, Romans 12:1-2, Galatians 2:20, Philippians 2:5-8, Hebrews 11:6, James 4:7-10, and 1 Peter 5:6).
[Bridge]
Lines 1-7: The entire bridge describes several attributes of God, including:
- Strong (Nehemiah 8:10, Psalm 22:19, Psalm 28:7-8, Psalm 46:1, Psalm 118:14, Psalm 119:28, Isaiah 12:2, Isaiah 33:2, Isaiah 40:29-31, Habakkuk 3:19, Matthew 11:28-30, 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, Ephesians 3:16, Ephesians 6:10, and Philippians 4:13);
- Gives comfort (Psalm 23:4, Psalm 71:21, Psalm 119:50-52, Psalm 119:76, Psalm 119:82, Isaiah 51:3, Isaiah 57:18, Isaiah 61:2, Isaiah 66:13, Zechariah 1:17, Matthew 5:4, Matthew 11:28-30, and 2 Corinthians 1:3-7)
- Immutable (Numbers 23:19, Psalm 33:11, Psalm 102:25-27, Isaiah 43:10, Isaiah 46:10, Malachi 3:6, Romans 11:29, Hebrews 6:17, Hebrews 13:8, and James 1:17),
- Foundational (Deuteronomy 32:4, 1 Samuel 2:2, 2 Samuel 22:47, Psalm 18:31, Psalm 28:1, Psalm 62:2, Psalm 94:22, Psalm 118:22, Isaiah 28:16, Matthew 7:24-27, Matthew 21:42, Acts 4:11, 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, Ephesians 2:20, 2 Timothy 2:19, and 1 Peter 2:6),
- Incomprehensible thoughts (Psalm 40:5, Psalm 92:5, and Isaiah 55:8-9),
- Good plans for us (Jeremiah 29:11 and Ephesians 2:10); and
- Omniscience (1 Kings 8:39, 1 Chronicles 28:9, Psalm 44:21, Psalm 139:4, Psalm 147:4-5, Isaiah 40:28, Matthew 10:30, John 16:30, John 21:17, Acts 1:24, Hebrews 4:13, and 1 John 3:20).
[Outro]
Repeats line 4 of the Chorus.
Score: 8/10
3. How would an outsider interpret the song?
Much like in O’Lord, although the name of Jesus and God are absent, there’s enough in the lyrics to understand that it’s from a Christian background as opposed to a “Jesus is my boyfriend” type of song.
Score: 9/10
4. What does this song glorify?
God’s glory through steadfast trust in Him.
Score: 10/10
Closing Comments
Lauren Daigle’s Trust in You fits the theme that she is attempting to portray. Though some of the lyrics are vague, the majority is biblically accurate. She brings glory to God with a great message about her unshakable faith regardless of her circumstances.
Final score: 9/10
Artist Info
Track: Trust in You (listen to the song)
Artist: Lauren Daigle
Album: How Can It Be
Genre: Contemporary Christian Music (CCM)
Release Year: 2015
Duration: 3:31
Agree? Disagree? Don’t be shy or have a cow! Calmly and politely state your case in a comment, below.
Updates:
02/21/2020 – After a lengthy discussion with commenter Val, I added clarification to Chorus, line 3. This did not affect my rating.
Comments
Val Khieya
I have a concern about the line in the chorus “When You dont give the answers”
Isn’t every answer we need in the Word of God?
Hasn’t God already answered our questions in the Bible?
And thank you, for taking the time to do this review. 🙂
Vince Wright
Val,
Thank you for your concern! The Bible tells us Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth (see what I did there?); However, it does not answer every conceivable question we may have. God doesn’t either, at least, not in my experience.
The Bible is sometimes acronymed as “Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth”. It gives us a framework for Godly living that leads to an abundant life of internal peace and (usually) leads to external prosperity. Its forte lies within explaining who God is, who man is, how our relationship God was broken, and how God offers a way to put it back together. Yet, Daigle is right. Sometimes God doesn’t always answer our questions. It doesn’t explain why Stephen was martyred and not rescued by God. It doesn’t explain who killed Kennedy before I was born. It doesn’t explain why my son died in 2015. But, it gives us sound instructions for living a Godly life.
I hope that makes sense.
-Vince Wright
Val Khieya
Vince,
Thank you for your reply.
Daigle’s line caused me concern when I first heard it because it might show (to an unbeliever, say) a view of a God who is distant and unconcerned with us.
I’ve been thinking on your reply and I would like to bring up this verse:
‘Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.’
Jeremiah 33:3 NKJV
Also I’m sure you know the scripture where Jesus says this:
“Ask and you shall receive, seek and you shall find…”
My concern here is that someone who does not have a better understanding of God’s character may assume a view of God where He is distant and mysterious. I believe our songs should speak of God’s faithfulness and love; promoting biblical truth rather than our own experiences.
Vince Wright
Val,
I understand the concern! Your aim is a high view of Scripture, where we speak God’s truths rather than merely personal experience.
I’ve examined the Scriptures you provided and immediately thought about 2 Peter 3:9. The context of this passage is about Jesus’ second coming and God’s desire for all to repent before Jesus comes back. 2 Peter 3:3 sets the context. The larger picture is about God’s timing. It is perfect!
What about answers? When does God provide them? For example, “to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 13:10). I’m certain the Old Testament prophets thought about these things. Jesus says as much in Matthew 13:17. Yet, the Old Testament prophets trusted God despite not knowing the things about the Kingdom of God that was first revealed to 1st Century Jews. In the same way, despite our asking and not receiving answers, we can still trust in God. That is the heart of what I believe Daigle attempts to communicate.
I can’t help but think about Psalm 22 when it comes to lack of answers and crying out to God. Particularly verse 2. How David must have felt that God was so distant, yet, knowing that God was near. I think it takes a deep, personal relationship with God to say something that bold. To your point, an unbeliever will not comprehend this without experiencing this intimacy with our Heavenly Father. You may be correct, that a God who doesn’t answer them will seem distant. They lack a relationship with Him.
Side Note: Verse 24 is especially significant to me as it demonstrates David’s resolve. The Father has not abandoned him to die. I’ll talk more about this in my review of Stuart Townend’s How Deep the Father’s Love for Us!
Finally, I’d like to share a recent observation regarding ask/seek/knock. These exist in parallel passages in Luke 11:9-13 and Matthew 7:7-11. The last verse in each cited paragraph contain a difference! Check this out:
Luke 11:13 (NASB, emphasis mine): “If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him?”
Matthew 7:11 (NASB, emphasis mine): “If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him!”
While Matthew’s version is ambiguous as to “what is good” that God gives, Luke’s version is more specific. It is the Holy Spirit! This is that which we must ask, seek, and knock. It ties in neatly with Jesus’ repeated promise of the Holy Spirit.
Let me know what you think of this observation, as well as my response to your concern.
-Vince Wright
Val Khieya
Vince,
Your points about the Old Testament prophets and David are excellent, and I cannot help but agree with you, as even Daniel was told to “shut up the book and seal it” because the revelations were not meant for him.
As for your final point about “ask, seek, knock” I agree that my reference there may have been misplaced. Instead I would raise you John 14:14 and 15:7. But at this point we are in agreement, so there is not much point in endless counter arguments.
Thank You!
-Val
Vince Wright
Val,
My pleasure!
I’ve added my clarification to the review. Hopefully, it will help others who may struggle with this line.
Thank you for helping me improve my review! 🙂
-Vince Wright
T P K
Its kind of cute to me (and suppose God is busting a gut over this) that one would identify themselves by a secular club label (Such as Christian) are so quick to judge, fast with wrath and slow to do what Jesus entire mission entails, which is Love.
Seriously, Christian is a secular title, coined by those who did not trust in, or follow Jesus; look up it’s origin.
It seems to be to me, that those who first off display so much conflict over someone’s donning of a secular “club” label, would Don the same label and violate every law of God in one harsh statement. Is there no love in the Christianity Club, to WIN the lost, from the very world which they exemplify in their own dysfunction?
Come on brothers and sisters in Christ; let us practice humility wheras seeing a sin as “an act of some thing” rather than what God says sin is in His Word, “The condition of the heart that separates us from Him” then we have been equally misled. You do not see the heart, lest you claim to be God and actually are.
Where is the Word of God in your life when He says, “Judge not, lest ye be judged yourselves” or “the greatest of these (gifts) is love” or what about “be gentle as doves, to the world?” Did you cut those pages out?
Please try to understand, this thing is hard, following Jesus’ example. If it weren’t, Jesus would not have had to die, in order to give us the power of His Spirit. That Power, is what allows us to be kind when we would otherwise vent to a public forum all of the sins Got showed us about ourselves. Only by His Spirit are we able to love one another.
I would urge everyone as the time is near, to examine yourself first by these accusations you have conviently rend upon the internet community. (I do understand your frustration, and even the necessity of venting) I would suggest following Jesus example and direct our rage at Satan, the true culprit, rather than one another.
Thank you,
Follower of Jesus The Christ.
Vince Wright
T P K,
Thanks for commenting! While I agree with much of what you have to say, I am lost as to whom it is directed. Is this addressing the content of my review? If so, can you be more specific about where I errored? If not, what then is the purpose of commenting on my review?
-Vince Wright