Bebo Norman - I Will Lift My Eyes Lyrics
Lyrics
(Verse 1)
God, my God, I cry out
Your beloved needs You now
God, be near, calm my fear
And take my doubt
Pre-Chorus
Your kindness is what pulls me up
Your love is all that draws me in
Hook
I will lift my eyes to the Maker
Of the mountains I can't climb
I will lift my eyes to the Calmer of the oceans raging wild
I will lift my eyes to the Healer of the hurt I hold inside, I will lift my eyes, lift my eyes to You.
(Verse 2:)
God, my God, let mercy sing
Her melody over me
God, right here all I bring
Is all of me
Pre-Chorus
Hook
(BRIDGE)
Cause You are and You were and You will be forever
The Lover I need to save me
Cause You fashioned the earth and You hold it together God
So hold me now
(Hook)
(Ending)
God, my God, I cry out
Your beloved needs You now
Video
I Will Lift My Eyes - Bebo Norman (with lyrics)
Meaning & Inspiration
Bebo Norman's "I Will Lift My Eyes," released on January 31, 2008, is a deeply personal and yet universally resonant expression of faith grounded in vulnerability and hope. The song opens with a direct cry to God, acknowledging a state of need, fear, and doubt. This raw honesty sets the tone, presenting the singer as "Your beloved" in need of divine presence and comfort. The lyrical structure builds from this initial plea, articulating the foundational elements that draw the singer towards the divine: God's kindness and love are identified as the forces that uplift and draw one in.
The central declaration of the song is encapsulated in its hook, a powerful resolution to fix one's gaze upon God despite overwhelming circumstances. This isn't a passive wish but an active decision: "I will lift my eyes." The song identifies God by specific, powerful attributes directly relevant to the singer's struggles – the Maker of insurmountable mountains, the Calmer of chaotic internal or external storms, and the Healer of deep-seated pain. This reinforces the understanding that God's character is the source of hope and help precisely in the areas where human strength fails. The repeated commitment to lift eyes towards this capable God anchors the song's message.
Further exploring this theme, the song progresses to a second verse that continues the posture of surrender and reliance. It speaks of needing mercy to sing its melody over the singer and acknowledges that all one can bring to God is simply "all of me," a complete offering of one's state, flaws, and needs. The bridge expands the declaration of God's nature beyond immediate needs, affirming God's eternal existence and identity as the necessary "Lover" who saves. It grounds this truth in God's role as the Creator and Sustainer of the universe, concluding with a plea for God to hold the singer, reflecting the same power that holds creation together. This theological depth provides a strong foundation for the faith expressed throughout the song.
The song's message resonates deeply with biblical themes of turning to God in times of trouble. The act of "lifting eyes" is a recurring motif in scripture, often signifying looking to God for help and salvation, such as in Psalm 121:1-2 where the psalmist declares, "I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth." The song's portrayal of God as Creator, Sustainer, Healer, and source of mercy aligns with countless biblical passages highlighting God's attributes and faithfulness. It serves as a musical reminder that regardless of the magnitude of difficulties faced, hope is found by fixing one's focus on the unchanging character and power of God.
Ultimately, "I Will Lift My Eyes" offers listeners an inspirational pathway through fear and doubt. It encourages embracing vulnerability before God and making a conscious choice to trust in God's power and love when faced with life's overwhelming challenges. The song's enduring appeal lies in its honest portrayal of struggle coupled with its firm declaration of faith, making it a source of comfort and encouragement for those navigating their own difficult circumstances, reminding them to look to the One who is greater than any mountain, ocean, or inner pain.