Amanda Cook - You Make Me Brave Lyrics
Lyrics
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
Video
Amanda Cook - You Make Me Brave (Official Live Music Video)
Meaning & Inspiration
Amanda Cook’s "You Make Me Brave," released on June 17, 2014, as a single from her "You Make Me Brave (Studio Version) - Single" album, stands as a resonant anthem within contemporary worship, inviting individuals into a profound encounter with divine courage. Far from a fleeting melody, this song serves as a powerful declaration of God's empowering presence, articulating a journey from reverent awe to courageous trust in the face of the unknown. Its message speaks to the heart of Christian experience, reflecting a deep understanding of God's character and His active role in the lives of His people.
The song immediately establishes a posture of humility and reverence, beginning with the individual "stand[ing] before You now," acknowledging "the greatness of Your renown." This opening sets the stage for a recognition of God's immense majesty, echoing sentiments found throughout Scripture where believers are called to honor the Lord for His sovereign power and unmatched glory. Psalm 8:1 declares, "Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!" and Isaiah's vision in chapter 6 portrays a heavenly throne room where the seraphim cry, "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory." This foundational act of worship and submission, captured in the line "King of Heaven, in humility, I bow," grounds the song in a universal spiritual truth: true bravery begins with acknowledging God’s supreme authority.
As the song progresses, it shifts from awe to the immersive experience of God's overwhelming love. The imagery of His love crashing "in wave after wave" conveys an unending, irresistible force that envelops the believer, reminding us of the boundless nature of divine affection. This deep assurance is cemented with the transformative statement, "For You are for us, You are not against us." This declaration directly resonates with Romans 8:31, which asks, "If God is for us, who can be against us?" This foundational truth eradicates doubt and fear, establishing God as a benevolent "Champion of Heaven" who, through Christ, "made a way for all to enter in," referencing the ultimate act of salvation and access to God's presence offered through Jesus, as stated in John 14:6: "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."
The invitation to step beyond comfort forms a crucial turning point in the narrative. Having heard God "calling my name" and the "song of love" He sings, the individual expresses a willingness to be drawn "out beyond the shore into Your grace." This represents a radical act of faith, a decision to move from the safety of the familiar coastline into the vast, sometimes intimidating, expanse of God's purpose. It parallels Peter’s call to walk on water in Matthew 14:28-29, where Jesus beckoned him out of the boat into the unpredictable waves. This act of stepping out is not reckless but an intentional yielding to divine guidance, trusting that God's grace is sufficient to sustain and guide through any spiritual depth or challenge.
The repeated affirmation, "You make me brave," is the beating heart of the song, articulating the source of true courage. This bravery is not self-generated but divinely bestowed, enabling the believer to confront fears and embrace God's calling. When God calls us "out beyond the shore into the waves," it signifies His desire for us to grow, to trust Him in uncertain situations, and to experience His power in ways we wouldn't otherwise. The powerful assertion, "No fear can hinder now the Love that made a way," directly challenges the enemy of fear with the overwhelming truth of God's redemptive work. This aligns perfectly with 2 Timothy 1:7, which reminds us that "God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind," and Joshua 1:9, "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."
Ultimately, the song ties this courage to the unshakeable nature of God's commitment: "No fear can hinder now the promises You've made." This elevates bravery beyond a temporary emotional state, grounding it in the faithfulness of God Himself. It is a profound declaration that our courage stems from trusting in God's word and His covenant. Hebrews 10:23 encourages us to "hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful," while 2 Corinthians 1:20 assures us, "For no matter how many promises God has made, they are 'Yes' in Christ." This unwavering certainty in God's promises empowers individuals to face any wave, any challenge, knowing that the One who calls them out is utterly dependable. "You Make Me Brave" is a stirring reminder that a life of faith is a journey of increasing courage, not born of human strength, but cultivated in the deep, empowering ocean of God’s love and His eternal, unfailing word.