Lyrics
As I lie in the desert,
Longing to be picked back up.
I lift my eyes to heaven,
And I call your name aloud.
Can you make it beautiful?
Can you help me love this place?
'Cause I feel inadequate
For the trial that I face.
But I'd give all I know to be called a child of yours.
Though it may cost my soul I can't think of wanting more,
Wanting more.
You're my cool refreshing fountain
When the desert air is warm.
You're my tall and mighty mountain
In the middle of the storm.
Can you make it beautiful?
Can you help me change my view?
'Cause I feel inadequate,
But I feel much closer to you.
And I'd give all I know, to be called a child of yours.
Though it may cost my soul, I can't think of wanting more.
And I would give all I know, to be called a child of yours.
Though it may cost my soul, I can't think of wanting more,
Can you make me beautiful?
Can you help me love this face?
'But I won't give up the race.
Video
Meaning & Inspiration
“Beautiful” frames spiritual struggle through the stark image of a desert. The singer feels inadequate for the trial at hand, yet continues to call toward heaven and seek a changed perspective. God appears as both a refreshing fountain and a strong mountain, images that hold together tenderness and stability. The repeated question about making life beautiful is not a request for easy circumstances alone; it gradually becomes a prayer for inward renewal and the grace to accept a wounded sense of self.
The desire to be called God’s child anchors the song’s hope in belonging rather than personal sufficiency. Its desert language may recall biblical prayers of thirst for God, while the image of water in a dry place aligns with promises of divine provision. The final mention of continuing the race also reflects New Testament language for persevering in faith. Across these images, weakness remains honestly acknowledged, but it is placed beside trust that God can sustain, reshape, and draw a struggling person closer through hardship.
Related Scripture
- Psalm 63:1 The psalm compares longing for God to thirst in a dry land.
- Isaiah 41:18 God promises water and springs in dry and barren places.
- Hebrews 12:1 The passage calls believers to run their appointed race with endurance.