In the process, in the waiting
You’re making melodies over me
And Your presence is the promise
For I am a pilgrim on a journey
You will lift my head above the mighty waves
You are able to keep me from stumbling
And in my weakness
You are the strength that comes from within
Good Shepherd of my soul
Take my hand and lead me on
You make my footsteps and my path secure
So walking on water is just the beginning
Cause my faith to arise, stand at attention
For You are calling me to greater things
Oh how I love You, how I love You
You have not forsaken me
Oh how I love You, how I love You
With You is where I want to be
Shepherd (Official Lyric Video) - Amanda Cook | Brave New World
Shepherd Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
Released on September 25, 2015, as part of the album *Brave New World*, Amanda Cook's song "Shepherd" offers a deeply personal and scriptural reflection on God's guiding presence. The song establishes a narrative of trust and reliance on God through life's journey, portraying Him as the constant companion and protector. It begins by acknowledging the active work of God even in moments of waiting or during challenging processes, describing His presence as the ultimate assurance for the soul on a journey.
The lyrics paint a vivid picture of God's protective nature, using imagery of being lifted above "mighty waves," suggesting divine intervention and safety amidst turmoil. This aligns with biblical accounts of God's power over nature and His salvation. The song emphasizes God's strength being made perfect in human weakness, a theme found in scripture that highlights reliance on divine power rather than personal ability. The central plea, "Good Shepherd of my soul, Take my hand and lead me on," explicitly invokes one of the most comforting biblical metaphors for God's care, found prominently in passages like Psalm 23.
Building on the theme of guidance, the song declares that God makes one's path secure. This certainty provides a foundation for extraordinary faith, suggesting that challenging acts like "walking on water" are merely the initial steps when following God's call. The lyric "Cause my faith to arise, stand at attention" is a call to active, expectant faith, ready to respond to God who is beckoning towards greater purposes. This underscores a journey of faith that involves both secure guidance and courageous steps into the unknown.
The song culminates in an outpouring of love and devotion, expressed through the repeated affirmation, "Oh how I love You." This reflects a profound personal relationship with God, acknowledging His faithfulness ("You have not forsaken me"). The declaration "With You is where I want to be" encapsulates the ultimate desire for communion and abiding in God's presence, highlighting that the journey and the destination are intrinsically linked to being with the Shepherd. The song serves as an inspirational anthem of trust, reminding listeners of God's unwavering presence, strength, and guidance through every phase of life.
