The volume control has broken on our car radio. Fortunately the Lord chose a new permanent volume setting that works for both me and the kids. If we max the bass and treble controls we can hear when driving with highway wind whistling past the windows and if we lower the bass and treble the volume is perfect when sitting still. Thank you God!

 

We do enjoy listening to Christian music and one recent hit by Natalie Grant in particular, titled In Better Hands from her Relentless album. The main message of the song is that we are in better hands if we are a Christian, the hands of the Lord Jesus Christ. The song ministers to me. I seriously like it. Yet, there are a few phrases that could be tuned up to be more Biblical. But how we should revise the lyrics?

 

In the first verse of the song Natalie sings…

 

 

Once while deep in counsel for a quagmire of sin I had fallen into, I noted a book on my counselor’s shelf titled, How to Love Yourself. I suggested that perhaps this book could help me feel better about myself. He gently pointed out that he doesn’t agree with all the messages of the books on his shelf. And this book in particular is a prime example of the world’s philosophy. He suggested that we stick to the Bible. He also asked me a hard question, "Can you love yourself after what you did?" I confessed that I could not.

 

He then assured me that I was in good shape because Jesus still loved me and was looking for people that hated themselves. Say what? Yes, Jesus said, "If anyone comes to me, and doesn't disregard his own father, mother, wife, children, brothers, and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he can't be my disciple" (Luke 14:26 WEB). The only way to love God is to remove the idols from our lives, especially the love of ourselves.

 

Frankly if we look in the mirror and like what we see we are blind. Do you sing with sultry Joy Williams, "I’ve got a secret to tell, a midnight confession, I love the life that I lead, but it’s no obsession"? Jesus demands that we have an obsession for him and eternity with his people and hate the lives we try to lead that are apart from his purpose. How should we blend that into Natalie’s song?

 

The lyrics above say that we cannot be free unless we reach for help. Yet the gospel of Christ says that no one wants God’s help apart from grace. Paul writes, "Isaiah is very bold and says, 'I was found by those who didn't seek me. I was revealed to those who didn't ask for me.' But about Israel he says, 'All day long I stretched out my hands to a disobedient and contrary people' " (Romans 10:20-21 WEB).

 

How should we add that into Natalie’s song?

 

Perhaps we should sing…

 

 

It seems more Biblical but I’m not sure it will win a Dove Award.