Amber Nelon Thompson - This Is the Only Life for Me Lyrics
Lyrics
The world tries to give me reasons
Why I shouldn't serve the Lord
They say, "Don't believe it
If you can't touch or see it
It must not be worth living for"
But they can say what they will
'Cause my hope is built
On more than the eye can see
And I'm proud to say
This is the only life for me
And the longer I know Him
The more that His peace is abiding in me
And my love is deeper
Now than when I first believed
Though the path where He leads me
It may not be easy
Sometimes I don't understand
Oh, I still have to say
This is the only life for me
He never promised all of my days
Would turn out right
I have my share of trouble
When life is a struggle
And the sun just refuses to shine
But in my darkest hour
I find the power
That gives me the strength I need
And I'm here to say
This is the only life for me
And the longer I know Him
The more that His peace is abiding in me
And my love is deeper
Now than when I first believed
Though the path where He leads me
It may not be easy
Sometimes I don't understand
Oh, I still have to say
This is the only life for me
Oh, I still have to say
This is the only life for me
Video
Kelly Nelon Thompson - For The Life Of Me
Meaning & Inspiration
Amber Nelon Thompson’s song, "This Is the Only Life for Me," stands as a powerful testament to unshakeable faith, resonating deeply within the rich tradition of gospel music that her family, including Kelly Nelon Thompson whose work like "For The Life Of Me" was released on December 10, 2020, has so profoundly shaped. This particular piece immediately draws the listener into a profound contemplation of spiritual conviction in a world often seeking to undermine it. It is a bold confession, articulating the deeply personal yet universally understood struggle of maintaining spiritual truth amidst secular skepticism, ultimately affirming a life wholly surrendered to a divine calling.
The song begins by confronting the pervasive arguments of the world, which "tries to give me reasons why I shouldn't serve the Lord," echoing a familiar skepticism that demands tangible proof: "Don't believe it if you can't touch or see it." This initial challenge sets the stage for the song's central declaration, as the speaker firmly counters this worldly perspective, asserting that her "hope is built on more than the eye can see." This powerful assertion directly aligns with the biblical understanding of faith as "the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen" (Hebrews 11:1), emphasizing a trust in realities beyond the immediate grasp of the senses. It is a profound declaration that one's spiritual foundation transcends the transient and the material, finding its anchor in the eternal and unseen, much like walking "by faith, not by sight" (2 Corinthians 5:7).
As the narrative progresses, the song delves into the journey of faith, revealing that "the longer I know Him, the more that His peace is abiding in me." This speaks to the transformative power of a deepening relationship with the divine, where peace that "surpasses all understanding" (Philippians 4:7) becomes a constant companion. It acknowledges that this growth also entails periods of uncertainty and difficulty, where "the path where He leads me, it may not be easy, sometimes I don't understand." This candid admission of struggle and incomprehension reflects a genuine human experience, yet it never wavers from the core commitment. It subtly echoes the wisdom of Proverbs 3:5-6, which encourages trusting in the Lord with all one's heart and not leaning on one's own understanding, for He will make the paths straight. The deepening love mentioned is a testament to the enduring nature of divine connection, moving beyond initial belief to a more profound, resilient bond.
The honesty continues as the song addresses the harsh realities of life, recognizing that "He never promised all of my days would turn out right," and that struggles are inevitable when "the sun just refuses to shine." This verse offers a realistic counterpoint to any simplistic view of faith, confirming that even devout lives encounter significant adversity, a truth underscored by passages like John 16:33 where Jesus states, "In this world you will have trouble." Yet, it is precisely in these "darkest hours" that the song finds its most inspiring message: the discovery of "the power that gives me the strength I need." This is not an invented strength, but a divine empowerment that manifests most clearly in moments of weakness, aligning with Paul's profound realization in 2 Corinthians 12:9, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." It points to a source of enduring resilience that allows one to confidently declare, even amidst trials, "This is the only life for me."
Ultimately, "This Is the Only Life for Me" is more than just a song; it is an anthem of spiritual unwavering. It calls out to anyone navigating the complexities of faith in a doubting world, offering a powerful example of steadfastness. The recurring declaration serves as a joyful surrender and a radical commitment to a life defined by Christ, irrespective of external pressures or internal doubts. It inspires others to embrace a similar conviction, to fully lean into the journey of faith, understanding that true life is found not in avoiding hardship, but in finding divine strength within it, and proclaiming with unwavering conviction that this path of devotion is, indeed, the only life worth living. This message serves as a potent encouragement for all who seek to deepen their walk with God, affirming that true peace and strength are discovered in fully committing to Him.