Give up, let Jesus take over
Oh, give up, let Jesus take over
Oh, give up, let Jesus take over, oh yeah
And He'll make a way for you
Well, if you've got mountains that you can't climb
Oh, and if you've got rivers that you can't cross
And if you've got valleys that you can't span
Let Jesus, let Jesus take a hold of your hand
Now if you got burdens too hard to bear
Oh, and if your load is more than your share
Kneel, kneel down, talk to Jesus because I, I know and I know He cares
And He'll, He'll make a way, make a way for us somehow
Sing it together, sing it, let Jesus take over
Oh, give up and let Jesus take over
Oh, give it up and let Jesus take over
And He'll make a way, say He'll make a way
He'll make a way for you
Gaither Vocal Band - Give Up (Live At Bon Secours Wellness Arena, Greenville, SC/2018)
Give Up Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
The song "Give Up" by the Gaither Vocal Band, recorded live at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, SC in 2018 and released in 2019, delivers a straightforward and compelling message of faith. Set against a backdrop of worship and performance, the song encourages listeners to release their struggles and burdens into a higher power's hands. Its simple structure and repetitive chorus reinforce the central theme, making it easily accessible and memorable for its audience.
The lyrics present various challenging scenarios – insurmountable mountains, uncrossable rivers, unspanable valleys, and burdens too heavy to carry alone. These are common metaphors for life's difficulties, trials, and overwhelming circumstances. Instead of offering complex strategies for overcoming these obstacles through human effort, the song proposes a singular, powerful solution: surrender. The repeated exhortation to "Give up, let Jesus take over" is not an encouragement towards defeat, but rather an active choice to cease relying solely on one's own limited strength and to instead place trust in divine capability.
The song underscores the belief in Jesus's active involvement in the lives of believers. It highlights His willingness to "take a hold of your hand" and His profound care, emphasizing this care as a foundational reason to turn to Him. The instruction to "kneel down, talk to Jesus" points to prayer as the direct means of communication and surrender. The core promise woven throughout the song is that, upon giving up control and letting Jesus take over, "He'll make a way for you," even "somehow," signifying God's ability to provide solutions and guidance in unexpected circumstances.
This message resonates deeply with various biblical teachings. The call to cast one's anxieties and burdens upon the Lord is echoed in scripture, such as in 1 Peter 5:7, which states, "casting all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." Similarly, Matthew 11:28-30 invites those who are weary and burdened to come to Jesus for rest, promising a light burden and an easy yoke for those who take it upon themselves. The concept of God making a way where there seems to be none is a recurring theme in the Bible, powerfully captured in Isaiah 43:19, "See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland."
Overall, "Give Up" serves as an inspirational anthem of trust and surrender. It reminds listeners that in the face of overwhelming challenges, reliance on self can be relinquished in favor of faith in Jesus Christ. The song's direct language and passionate delivery in a live setting amplify its encouraging message, offering hope and assurance that turning over control to Jesus results in His care and intervention, ultimately leading Him to create a path forward.
