Your eye is on the sparrow
And Your hand, it comforts me
From the ends of the earth
To the depths of my heart
Let Your mercy and strength be seen
You call me to Your purpose
As angels understand
For Your glory may you draw all men
As Your love and grace demands
And I will run to You
To Your words of truth
Not by might, not by power
But by the Spirit of God
Yes, I will run the race
Till I see Your face
Oh, let me live in the glory of Your grace
I Will Run to You
I Will Run to You Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
Darlene Zschech's song "I Will Run to You" stands as a powerful expression of faith and devotion within the realm of contemporary Christian worship music. Known for her influential contributions to praise and worship, particularly through her years with Hillsong Worship, Zschech brings a heartfelt sincerity to this piece. The song serves as an anthem of trust, acknowledging God's constant presence and care, drawing listeners into a posture of humble reliance on His strength and guidance.
The song's background includes a significant presentation captured in a video format released on August 15, 2017, allowing the global worship community to experience the depth and passion behind the recording. This visual and auditory release further disseminated the song, allowing its message of surrender and pursuit of God to resonate widely. It reflects a continuation of Zschech's ministry focus on leading others into authentic worship experiences centered on biblical truth and the person of God.
Analyzing the song's meaning reveals layers of theological truth and personal commitment. It opens with an affirmation of God's detailed attention and comfort, highlighting His reach from the universal ("ends of the earth") to the intimately personal ("depths of my heart"). This establishes a foundation of God's omnipresence and loving involvement in the believer's life, leading to a desire for His mercy and strength to be evident. The lyrics then shift to God's calling and purpose, recognizing that even angelic beings understand the divine mandate, and expressing a longing for God's glory to draw all people, driven by His inherent love and grace.
The central declaration and most prominent theme of the song is the active response of the believer: "I will run to You." This commitment is qualified by identifying the source of this strength – not human ability or power, but the Spirit of God. This reliance on the Holy Spirit underscores the dependency necessary for spiritual growth and endurance. The resolve continues with the metaphor of running a race, portraying the Christian journey as one requiring perseverance until the ultimate goal is reached – seeing God's face. This pursuit is coupled with a deep desire to live fully within the radiance of His grace, acknowledging it as the sustaining power for the journey.
The themes explored in the song find grounding in various scripture passages. The assurance of God's attention to even the smallest details of life, such as the sparrow, echoes Jesus' words in Matthew 10:29-31, emphasizing God's care for His children. The declaration "Not by might, not by power, but by the Spirit of God" is a direct quote from Zechariah 4:6, highlighting the divine source of strength for accomplishing God's purposes. The imagery of "running the race" is a powerful biblical metaphor for the Christian life found in passages like Hebrews 12:1-2 and 1 Corinthians 9:24, speaking to the need for endurance and focus in faith. These connections underscore the song's foundation in biblical truth, making it not just an emotional expression but a declaration aligned with God's Word.
In essence, "I Will Run to You" serves as an inspiring call to action for the believer. It is a surrender of self-reliance and a declaration of absolute trust in God's provision, purpose, and power working through His Spirit. The song encourages perseverance in the faith journey, fixing one's gaze on the ultimate hope of being in God's presence and living continuously under the magnificent covering of His grace. It is a worshipful commitment to actively pursue God and His truth, relying solely on His strength to run the race set before us.
