I stand before You now
The greatness of Your renown
I've heard of the majesty and wonder of You
King of Heaven, in humility, I bow
As Your love, in wave after wave
Crashes over me, crashes over me
For You are for us, You are not against us
Champion of Heaven,
You made a way for all to enter in
I've heard You calling my name
I've heard the song of love that You sing
So I will let you draw me out beyond the shore
Into Your grace
You make me brave
You make me brave
You call me out beyond the shore into the waves
You make me brave
You make me brave
No fear can hinder now the Love that made a way
You make me brave
You make me brave
You call me out beyond the shore into the waves
You make me brave
You make me brave
No fear can hinder now the promises You've made
You Make Me Brave
You Make Me Brave Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
Amanda Cook's song "You Make Me Brave," released with a video on April 5, 2014, is a worship anthem centered on God's empowering presence and nature. The song opens with an expression of awe before God, acknowledging His immense greatness, majesty, and wonder. The lyric "King of Heaven, in humility, I bow" establishes a posture of reverence in recognition of His supreme authority and glory.
The heart of the song's message unfolds as it describes God's love as powerful waves crashing over the individual. This imagery portrays love that is overwhelming, immersive, and inescapable. A foundational truth is declared: "For You are for us, You are not against us." This statement of God's favorable disposition towards humanity is coupled with the assertion that He is the "Champion of Heaven," who "made a way for all to enter in." This speaks to the redemptive work of God that provides access to His presence and grace.
Responding to this profound revelation of God's character and action, the lyrics describe hearing God's personal call and His song of love. This divine invitation prompts a willingness to move beyond comfort zones and perceived limits, specifically mentioned as being drawn "out beyond the shore into Your grace" and "into the waves." This signifies a step of faith, leaving the safety of familiar ground to venture into deeper reliance and trust in God's leading.
The central theme is encapsulated in the repeated declaration, "You make me brave." This bravery is not an inherent quality of the individual but a direct result of God's influence and presence. Stepping out "beyond the shore into the waves," which might naturally inspire fear or hesitation, becomes possible because it is God who initiates the call and empowers the response. The song powerfully asserts that "No fear can hinder now the Love that made a way," linking the bravery directly to the assurance of God's unfailing love and His finished work in clearing the path. This idea echoes scriptural truths such as Romans 8:31, which asks, "If God is for us, who can be against us?" and Isaiah 43:19, where God says, "See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland." The bravery described is rooted in the confidence that God's promises are reliable and unstoppable. "No fear can hinder now the promises You've made" highlights that trust in God's faithfulness overcomes the power of fear, enabling believers to walk forward in the assurance of His word, much like Peter stepping out of the boat onto the water in Matthew 14, empowered by Jesus' command. The song serves as an inspiration to lean into God's character and calling, finding the courage to face challenges and venture into the fullness of His grace, knowing that His presence empowers and His promises endure.