Cory Asbury - Dear God Lyrics

Dear God

Dear God Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration

Cory Asbury's song "Dear God," released on July 31, 2020, presents a deeply personal and honest dialogue, capturing the internal struggles many face in their relationship with the divine and their own self-worth. The song opens from the perspective of someone grappling with the pressure to earn approval, both from God and others. The lyrics express the relatable frustration that comes with perceived failure despite earnest effort, highlighting the paradoxical experience where trying harder seems to lead to greater difficulty and a feeling of wanting to give up. It powerfully conveys the burden of seeking external validation and the isolating experience of being "stuck inside my head" when trapped in cycles of self-doubt.

The initial verses reveal a vulnerability in questioning whether adherence to rules or increased religious effort could ever bridge the gap of perceived inadequacy. This striving is depicted as a futile exercise, like "chas[ing] the wind," leading to a moment of poignant questioning about the purpose of such relentless effort. Yet, amidst this struggle, a shift begins to occur. The speaker recognizes the limitations of trying to control or understand everything and contemplates surrendering to "the mystery," finding a glimmer of hope not in effort, but potentially in expression or connection, symbolized by "a melody." This realization sparks a renewed, albeit perhaps hesitant, desire to "try again."

The song then dramatically shifts perspective, offering a response from "Dear child," representing God's voice. This divine reply directly addresses the human plea, countering the feelings of inadequacy and striving with an affirmation of unconditional love and pride. The message is one of unwavering acceptance, assuring the listener that God's thoughts towards them are constant and enduring. It offers a comforting truth: even when the individual felt like giving up, God's perspective never wavered. This part of the song gently dismantles the idea that worth is based on perfection or performance.

From this divine viewpoint, imperfections and doubts are not barriers but are met with understanding. The core message delivered is that the individual has "always been enough," challenging the performance-based mindset that initiated the conversation. God acknowledges the human struggle and wrestling with difficult questions, confirming divine presence and attentiveness throughout those challenging moments. The invitation is extended to relinquish the need to figure everything out and instead "fall into the mystery," promising a meeting point within "the melody" – perhaps symbolizing connection, peace, or a new way of relating. The closing lines offer encouragement not just to try again in the human sense of striving, but to simply "try just to try again," and significantly, to "love again," suggesting a release from the internal pressure that hinders openheartedness. The song beautifully illustrates the journey from a focus on performance and worthiness to the liberating truth of grace and unconditional love, echoing themes found in scripture about God's enduring presence, acceptance, and desire for relationship over rigid religious striving.