Don Moen - I just want to be Where You are Lyrics

I Just Want To Be Where You Are

I just want to be Where You are Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration

Don Moen's song "I Just Want to Be Where You Are" is a deeply moving expression of a worshiper's fundamental desire for intimacy with the divine. The recurring plea, "I just want to be where You are," establishes the central theme: a longing for proximity and closeness with God. The lyrics emphasize this desire not as a fleeting wish, but as a continuous state, expressed through phrases like "Dwelling daily in Your presence" and the rejection of worshipping "from afar." This highlights a yearning for an ongoing, intimate relationship rather than a distant acknowledgement.

The song speaks of God's "dwelling place," portraying it as the ultimate destination for the believer. The repetition of the desire to be in this place "forever" underscores the eternal nature of this longing and the hope of perpetual communion. The call "Draw me near to where You are" acknowledges God's initiative in bringing the worshiper closer, recognizing that true intimacy is a result of divine grace as much as human desire. This reflects a posture of humility and dependence on God's leading.

A powerful moment in the lyrics comes with the declaration, "O my God You are my strength and my song / And when I’m in Your presence / Though I’m weak, You’re always strong." This stanza introduces the transformative power of God's presence. It recognizes human vulnerability and weakness but contrasts it sharply with God's inherent strength, which becomes accessible and evident when one is in His presence. This provides a source of comfort and reassurance for the believer.

The imagery expands to describe the experience of being in God's presence as "Feasting at Your table / And surrounded by Your glory." Feasting at a table often symbolizes fellowship, communion, and provision, suggesting a deep level of intimacy and nourishment found in God's presence. Being "surrounded by Your glory" evokes a sense of awe, wonder, and protection, picturing the worshiper enveloped in the radiant manifestation of God's holiness and majesty. These lines paint a picture of God's presence as a place of abundance, security, and profound spiritual experience.

The inclusion of spoken parts in the song, particularly expressing "O God, that’s our prayer," reinforces the collective nature of this longing for God's presence. It turns the individual plea into a communal declaration, uniting believers in their shared desire for dwelling in God's presence, feasting at His table, and being surrounded by His glory. This shared expression amplifies the sincerity and universality of the song's message within a faith community. The song's enduring popularity is a testament to how deeply this theme resonates with those seeking a closer walk with God. A video featuring this song was released on December 29, 2015, helping to spread this message visually to a wider audience.

The themes explored in "I Just Want to Be Where You Are" are deeply rooted in scripture. The concept of God's dwelling place is central throughout the Bible, from the tabernacle and temple in the Old Testament (Exodus 25:8, 1 Kings 8:13) to the promise of God dwelling with His people eternally (Revelation 21:3). The desire to be drawn near to God echoes passages like James 4:8, "Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you." The idea of God as strength and song is found in scriptures such as Isaiah 12:2 and Psalm 118:14, while the experience of God's strength in human weakness is highlighted in 2 Corinthians 12:9. Feasting at God's table relates to communion and the spiritual nourishment provided by Christ (John 6:35, Luke 22:19-20), and being surrounded by God's glory speaks to His manifest presence and holiness (Exodus 33:18-22, Psalm 23:6). Overall, the song serves as an inspirational reminder of the believer's ultimate focus: an intimate, continuous relationship with the divine presence.