Photo by Paulius Dragunas
Rend Collective is quickly becoming a popular favorite for reviews, along with Lauren Daigle, Jesus Culture, and the reigning king Hillsong. Joining Rescuer (Good News) and Build Your Kingdom Here is their hit song My Lighthouse for my prying eyes and honest critique.
Hopefully, this one will be better.
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?
There are many themes described in these lyrics. The main theme is that God is a beacon of light, a fortress that defends, protects, and rescues us from our own doubts. Verse 3 specifically sets the context of the pronoun “You” throughout the lyrics with an explicit mention of God. Without it, we could have easily interpreted “You” to be a great leader, but not necessarily God.
Other themes include:
- God is a leader and possesses great love.
- He is peace and gives internal peace to those who ask for it.
- He does not abandon His followers.
- He possesses truth.
- He rescues us.
- Our response to God’s rescue is prayer, worship, trust, and following Him.
- He is the fire that guides and a light that shines bright
I have nothing critical to say about its message. Well done, Rend Collective!
Score: 10/10
2. How much of the lyrics line up with Scripture?
All lines throughout this song are consistent with God’s Word.
Lyrics posted with permission.*
[Verse 1]
In my wrestling and in my doubts
In my failures You won’t walk out
Verse 3 sets the context of “You” as God. Despite our actions, God promises not to leave or forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:6, Psalm 118:6, and Hebrews 13:5–6).
Your great love will lead me through
Throughout the Scriptures, God’s lovingkindness is shown. Included in my sampling are Nehemiah 9:17, Psalm 17:7, Psalm 36:5-7, Psalm 63:3, Psalm 69:16, Psalm 117:2, Isaiah 54:8, John 3:16, John 13:34, John 15:13, Romans 5:6-8, Romans 8:37-39, Galatians 2:20, Ephesians 2:4-5, Ephesians 5:25, Titus 3:4, 1 John 4:8, and 1 John 4:16-19. Romans 5:6-8, in particular, is my go-to passage when speaking of God’s sacrificial love for us, enabling us to face any challenge.
You are the peace in my troubled sea, woah
You are the peace in my troubled sea
The peace described here is internal, speaking of the heart and soul of man (Matthew 11:28-30, John 14:27, John 16:33, 2 Corinthians 13:11, Philippians 4:6-7, Colossians 3:15, 2 Thessalonians 3:16, and James 3:17).
[Verse 2]
In the silence, You won’t let go
See commentary in Verse 1, lines 1 and 2.
In my questions, Your truth will hold
Jesus is the Truth (John 14:6) and testifies to the truth (John 1:14, John 1:17, and John 18:37) that we must seek out and know (Psalm 25:5, John 4:24, and John 8:31-32). We ought to handle the word of truth with much care (2 Timothy 2:15), as directed by the Holy Spirit (John 16:13). Ultimately, it will hold.
Your great love will lead me through
You are the peace in my troubled sea
You are the peace in my troubled sea
Repeats Verse 1, lines 3-5.
[Chorus]
My lighthouse, my lighthouse
In other words, God is Rend Collective’s refuge, stronghold, fortress, and shield. He is the defense to which Rend Collective appeals (Genesis 15:1, Deuteronomy 33:29, 2 Samuel 22:3, Psalm 3:3, Psalm 5:11, Psalm 12:5, Psalm 18:2, Psalm 20:1, Psalm 28:7, Proverbs 30:5, Psalm 33:20, Psalm 34:19, Psalm 46:1, Psalm 57:1, Psalms 59:1, Psalm 84:11, Psalm 89:18, Psalm 91:1-16, Psalm 115:9, Psalm 121:1-8, Psalm 140:4, Isaiah 41:10, 1 Corinthians 10:13, and 2 Thessalonians 3:3).
Shining in the darkness, I will follow You
God is A light that illuminates the darkness, warning of imminent danger (Psalm 107:10-16, Luke 1:79, John 1:1-13, John 12:46, Ephesians 5:8, Colossians 1:13, and 1 Peter 2:9). Jesus calls for those who hear His voice to follow (John 5:25, John 10:1-27, Hebrews 3:7-19, and Revelation 3:20), a step that Rend Collective has evidently taken.
My lighthouse, my lighthouse
Repeats line 1.
I will trust the promise
You will carry me safe to shore
Safe to shore
Safe to shore
Safe to shore
The promise trusted is God’s rescue for those who ask. Put another way, those who call upon the name of the LORD will be saved (Romans 10:9-12).
[Verse 3]
I won’t fear what tomorrow brings
As spoken by Jesus Himself in Matthew 6:34.
With each morning I’ll rise and sing
Rend Collective, perhaps like Jesus in Mark 1:35, prays and shows devotion to the Father early in the morning, waiting for His response.
My God’s love will lead me through
Derivative of Verse 1, line 3.
You are the peace in my troubled sea
You are the peace in my troubled sea
Repeats Verse 1, lines 4 and 5.
[Bridge]
Fire before us, You’re the brightest
Combines God as the fire that guided Israel (Exodus 13:21-22) with God as light (Psalm 27:1, Psalm 119:105, Psalm 119:130, Matthew 4:16, John 1:1-8, John 8:12, Ephesians 5:14, James 1:17, 1 Peter 2:9, 1 John 1:5-7, and Revelation 21:23).
You will lead us through the storms
See commentary in Verse 1, line 3.
Score: 10/10
3. How would an outsider interpret the song?
Rend Collective uses everyday language easily understood by those who do not yet know Jesus. They should have no trouble drawing similar conclusions to my own analysis regarding its message.
Score: 10/10
4. What does this song glorify?
Many of the themes surrounding God are about His actions and character, signifying worship for those who sing. Such zeal for His Majesty obviously glorifies Him.
Score: 10/10
Closing Comments
Rend Collective’s My Lighthouse is an excellent worship song. The clarity throughout each line brings a breath of fresh air to the recent critiques of my last reviews. Biblically accurate, Rend Collective brilliantly weaves together a Gospel message that is highly accessible to unbelievers, bringing glory to God.
Shout this one from the rooftops. Or from the lighthouses, as the case may be.
Final Score: 10/10
Artist Info
Track: My Lighthouse (listen to the song)
Artist: Rend Collective
Album: N/A
Genre: Contemporary Christian Music (CCM)
Release Year: 2014
Duration: 3:44
Agree? Disagree? Don’t be shy or have a cow! Calmly and politely state your case in a comment, below.
*Copyright © 2013 Thankyou Music (PRS) (adm. worldwide at CapitolCMGPublishing.com excluding Europe which is adm. by Integrity Music, part of the David C Cook family. Songs@integritymusic.com) All rights reserved. Used by permission.
Updates:
05/03/2022 – Slightly altered commentary to describe the lighthouse function of warning others of danger rather than following them. Thanks to Caitlin Fletcher for correcting me!
04/29/2021 – I incorrectly attribute Bridge’s first line to God as the all-consuming fire. This should have been the pillar of fire. I updated my commentary in sections 1 and 2.
Comments
Karen
This song never mentions Jesus once. It could be sung about Allah or any god.
beatrix
There are so many great descriptions of God in the bible. Lighthouse is never mentioned. Why not use one of the many other descriptors as opposed to a lighthouse.
Vince Wright
beatrix,
Thank you for your comment!
I don’t understand why human language has to be limited to Biblical terminology to describe God. Can you explain that to me?
-Vince Wright
Gerald Cox
Lighthouses have nothing to do with God. Just symbolic. The whole world is full of symbolism. satan is the ruler of this world. Final days.
**Edited by Vince Wright to remove statement from the artist, which has nothing to do with the song in question**
dyfrighughes
Thank you for your detailed reviews. I have agreed with many of your others but I’m less a fan of this one. Jesus is the light – it seems that some songwriters want to make something simple sound “cleverer”. A lighthouse differs in a number of respects – it carries the light, but is not itself the light. Is draws attention to danger, rather than pointing to God. A lighthouse often needs to work in partnership with another lighthouse – Jesus alone saves us. And finally, the singer responds with “I will follow you” – it’s a lighthouse; it isn’t going anywhere! I’m inclined to agree with Julian Whettam; some songs are well-intentioned and fairly biblical, but just silly. I find this one is in that category. Thank you for your diligent reviews.
Caitlin Fletcher
While I agree with your assessment, I take umbridge with the misunderstanding of the function of a lighthouse (though, the understanding of God is on point). Lighthouses are meant to warn mariners of danger – you don’t follow them. Remedied with a simple google search of “Purpose of a Lighthouse”.
Vince Wright
Caitlin,
Thanks for your correction! I update this review.
-Vince Wright
Rob Archer
My only problem with My lighthouse I will follow you is that Lighthouses are placed usually on rocks which are to be avoided and are static and are not to be followed. Ships do not follow ligthouses they avoid them – so how can I follow my lighthouse? Cant we just Sing ‘Light of the world, Light of the world shining in the dark I will follow you. ??? At least I think that is clearly biblical. Otherwise very good song and tune.
Vince Wright
Rob,
Thank you for your concern! The purpose of a lighthouse is to help ships navigate, both in daytime and night. Ever wonder why the towers have two colors? It helps them see their position in the day, so they can change their trajectory towards the right way. So it is with God: He is a Marker of sorts that helps us find the correct path. At least, that is what I believe Rend Collective communicates.
I hope that my article gave you something worth thinking about.
-Vince Wright
Rob Archer
Just had a look at Whitby Harbour on internet. There are two ‘Whitby Harbour Lighthouses’ one each on the East and on the West pier. It would be quite reasonable to follow the light of these two because they bring you safe into the harbour. (As distinct from Whitby High Lighthouse just south east which is to keep you away from coast line) So I guess it is just what type of lighthouse you have in mind.
Julian Whettam
Further to my comment about the rather confused use of symbolism in this song, it seems to me that you need another category in these reviews. You’ve got:
1. What message does the song communicate?
2. How much of the lyrics line up with Scripture?
3. How would an outsider interpret the song?
4. What does this song glorify?
I suggest an additional category, something like:
5. Do the lyrics make sense and is any symbolism used properly?
I think the confused symbolism and mixed metaphors in ‘My Lighthouse’ deserve a mention in categories 1 and 3 at least, and would certainly get picked up under use of symbolism.
Vince Wright
Julian,
Thank you for your suggestion! If there were a case for mixed metaphors, it could potentially show up in sections 1-3, and perhaps affect the scoring for 4. At this time, I do not see a need for a fifth category.
-Vince Wright
C.A. Joseph
i disagree with the above analysis due to the following reasons:
10 Reasons out of the many why JESUS is NOT a lighthouse.
1) JESUS is light and is the SOURCE of light.
A lighthouse is not the source of light, the light is in the lighthouse.
2) JESUS can never be switched off and can never fade off.
A lighthouse can be switched off or fade off due to any reason at anytime.
3) JESUS can never be defeated or destroyed by anything or anyone.
A lighthouse can be destroyed any time by anything or any human being or by nature.
4) JESUS is PRESENT EVERYWHERE. Hence HE can shine HIS Light anywhere at anytime.
A lighthouse can be at one place only.
5) The brightness of JESUS is many times brighter than the sun (remember Paul at Damascus Acts 22:6)
The lighthouse shines only in the dark
6) JESUS guides all mankind at anytime, anyplace and in many unique ways
A lighthouse guides only at one place and only one way
7) JESUS IS ALL POWERFUL and infinitely Dynamic
A lighthouse is STATIC and does not have any power in itself.
8) JESUS IS UNCREATED
A lighthouse is man made and man is created by GOD
9) JESUS IS the SOURCE OF all LIFE
A lighthouse does not have life in and of itself and can never be the source of life
10) JESUS IS SELF SUFFICIENT. HE was never dependent, is not and will never be dependent on anyone or anything from eternity past and forever.
A lighthouse is dependent on man to provide everything that it needs to function effectively.
Further there is a new age symbolism of the light house and fire which you can read in the following links
https://symbolreader.net/2016/05/23/symbolism-of-the-lighthouse/
https://www.buildingbeautifulsouls.com/symbols-meanings/five-elements-symbolic-meaning/fire-element-symbolic-meaning/
Finally we who are the followers of Jesus can be called lighthouses. We are called to shine the light that we receive from our Lord Jesus in this dark and evil world to direct the lost to THE SOURCE of LIGHT and SALVATION our LORD AND SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST! AMEN !!!
Trust the above is a blessing for all our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.
Yours in Christ
Brother Joseph
tastywallet
Joseph,
Thanks for your concern! I believe there are some issues with your commentary. They are as follows:
Jesus Himself said in John 10:9-16 that He is a door, where those who enter can find pasture lands. Yet, doors are:
1) Not the source of nature
2) Can fade
3) Can be destroyed anytime
4) In one place only
5) Shines only when another light shines on it
6) Opens only one to two ways
7) Is static and powerless on its own
8) Man made
9) Is inherently lifeless
10) Is dependent upon man
We could construct similar arguments regarding Jesus who compares Himself to bread (John 6:35), water (John 7:37-39), and a vine (John 15:5) using your argumentation. Or, we can recognize that Rend Collective, along with Jesus Himself, uses a literary device known as a metaphor to make points. In this case, I maintain that Rend Collective makes points about God as a stronghold and a beacon of light that guides those in the dark, both of which are functions of a lighthouse.
As far as its inherent new age usage, we must be extremely cautious not to commit the genetic fallacy by examining it in its own context rather than simply citing a lighthouses’ new age origins.
Finally, I find it fascinating that you constructed a new age argument for lighthouse, then proceeded to tell me that we are lighthouses. I agree with your conclusion that we are lighthouses in the sense you used it, but it seems to me a case of contradiction to the aforementioned new age argumentation.
-TastyWallet
Petra
Yes, thank you so much for reviewing (and the votes for) my request!!! And, wow, what a excellent score.
Sometimes we sing (a Dutch translation of) this song our church 🙂 Nice to know on what scripture they have based the lyrics.
tastywallet
Petra,
Thank you for your patience and you are quite welcome! I have no control over the votes, but am glad to review such a fine song.
-TastyWallet