Why do I do things I hate?
Why do I say things that I shouldn't say?
When I know better, ya
I could love better
Some days I take it too far
Sometimes the world gets the best of my heart
I know who I am
Till I forget just who I am
When I find myself again
Standing knee deep in my sin
You chase me down
When I don't deserve it
You show me love, You don't make me earn it
I make a mess and I just start running, hoping You won't know
Oh, when I'm lost and I'm low in a place that I think You won't go
You chase me down
You chase me down
Sometimes I can't believe
You stay when You don't have to 'cause You won't leave
Whatever that looks like, yeah
That's what love looks like
You chase me down
When I don't deserve it
You show me love, You don't make me earn it
I make a mess and I just start running, hoping You won't know
Oh, when I'm lost and I'm low in a place that I think You won't go
You chase me down
You chase, You chase, You chase
You chase, You chase, You chase
I know this must be grace
'Cause You chase, You chase, You chase
You chase me down
When I don't deserve it
You show me love, You don't make me earn it
I make a mess and I just start running, hoping that You won't know
Oh, when I'm lost and I'm low in a place that I think You won't go
You chase me down
You chase me down
Chase Me Down
Chase Me Down Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
Chris Tomlin's song "Chase Me Down," released on October 8, 2020, immediately delves into the profound narrative of God's relentless love and pursuit of humanity. The song’s essence lies in the biblical truth that God is not a passive observer waiting for us to find Him, but an active, pursuing Father who seeks out His children, even when they are running in the opposite direction or feel lost and far away. It paints a vivid picture of divine grace that doesn't wait for us to clean ourselves up or prove worthy, but actively steps into our chaos, our wandering, and our brokenness.
This theme resonates deeply with numerous passages in Scripture that illustrate God's seeking nature. The parables in Luke 15, particularly those of the lost sheep and the lost coin, beautifully depict a shepherd who leaves the ninety-nine to find the one, and a woman who searches diligently for what is lost. They are not static images but portray God's active, persistent search. Similarly, the song evokes the promise in Jeremiah 31:3, "I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you," suggesting a love that is not only eternal but also persistently expressed through action. Romans 5:8 further underscores this, stating that God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us, a powerful act of pursuit even in our state of alienation.
The song captures this theological depth through its construction and energy, conveying both the vastness of God's love and the personal intensity of His focus on each individual soul. It speaks to the humbling realization that despite our flaws, failures, and attempts to hide or escape, God's goodness and mercy are constantly at our heels, as reflected in Psalm 23:6. It challenges the often-held notion that we must initiate the relationship or earn God's attention, instead placing the emphasis squarely on His sovereign initiative and unwavering commitment to draw us to Himself, echoing the truth in John 6:44 that no one can come to the Father unless the Father draws them. The song is an invitation to surrender to this divine chase, to stop running from the very love that offers freedom and belonging. It encourages anyone feeling distant or unworthy with the powerful assurance that God's desire for connection is so great, He will actively seek them out, demonstrating a grace that is truly unearned and overwhelming.