Gaither Vocal Band - I Wanna Put My Armor On Lyrics
Lyrics
There's a war going on that won't be waged
In the power of our hands
We can put our swords away
We can bow our heads and pray
And the gates of hell will never stand
Against us in that day
When the child of God begins to understand
I wanna put my armor on
I wanna stand in battle
And sing my Savior's song
It seems like I've been sitting
On my circumstance too long
Yeah, yeah
I wanna put my armor on
Oh, there is more to what He's called us to
Than what we've entered in
There's a battle for the souls of man
To save them from their sin
And if the Spirit is our sword in hand
It is certain we will win
And I wanna put my armor on
I wanna put my armor on
I wanna stand in battle
And sing my Savior's song
It seems like I've been sitting
On my circumstance too long, yeah
I wanna put my armor on
There is more to what He's called us to
Than what we've entered in
There's a battle for the souls of man
To save them from their sins
And if the spirit is our sword in hand
It is certain we will win
Oh, I wanna put my armor on
I wanna put my armor on
I wanna stand in battle
And sing my Savior's song
It seems like I've been sitting
On my circumstance too long
I wanna put my armor on
Yeah, yeah
I wanna put my armor on
I wanna put my armor on
Yeah, yeah
I wanna stand in battle
I wanna sing my Savior's song
It seems like I've been sitting
On my circumstance too long, oh...
I wanna put my armor on
Yeah, yeah
Video
I Wanna Put My Armor On
Meaning & Inspiration
The Gaither Vocal Band’s "I Wanna Put My Armor On," released on January 1, 1993, as part of their album *Peace of the Rock*, stands as a powerful anthem urging believers into active spiritual engagement. The song immediately establishes a profound truth about the nature of the Christian journey, declaring from its opening that the most significant battles we face are not fought with physical weapons or human strength. The lyrics articulate a spiritual war "that won't be waged in the power of our hands," directly referencing the Apostle Paul’s teaching in Ephesians 6:12, which reminds us that "we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places." The song then beautifully contrasts human might with divine intervention, encouraging us to "put our swords away" and "bow our heads and pray." This is not a call to passivity, but to strategic, faith-filled engagement, positioning prayer as a potent weapon and a conduit for God's power, aligning with passages like Philippians 4:6-7, which encourages us to bring our requests to God with thanksgiving, and James 5:16, assuring that "the prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working." The promise that "the gates of hell will never stand against us in that day when the child of God begins to understand" echoes Christ's own declaration in Matthew 16:18, that the gates of Hades will not overcome His church, reinforcing the ultimate victory found in Christ.
The recurring chorus, "I wanna put my armor on, I wanna stand in battle and sing my Savior's song. It seems like I've been sitting on my circumstance too long," serves as the song's fervent declaration and a profound spiritual wake-up call. It is a direct reference to the "full armor of God" described in Ephesians 6:10-18, a spiritual equipping that includes the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, shoes of the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. The desire to "stand in battle" speaks not of an earthly skirmish, but of spiritual readiness and a firm resolve to hold one's ground against spiritual opposition, as encouraged in 1 Corinthians 16:13: "Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong." The addition of "sing my Savior's song" introduces an element of praise and joy even amidst conflict, reminiscent of biblical accounts where praise preceded victory, such as in 2 Chronicles 20:21-22. Perhaps the most relatable line for many is the admission of having "been sitting on my circumstance too long." This acknowledges a common human tendency to be weighed down by personal struggles and challenges, leading to spiritual inertia, rather than actively engaging in the greater purpose God has for us. The song becomes an anthem for overcoming this stagnation and stepping into active faith.
The subsequent verses expand on this divine mission, affirming that "there is more to what He's called us to than what we've entered in." This challenges believers to look beyond their current understanding or comfort zone, recognizing the vastness of God's calling. The song clearly states this "more" is a "battle for the souls of man to save them from their sin," directly pointing to the Great Commission given by Jesus in Matthew 28:19-20, which instructs us to "go therefore and make disciples of all nations." This underscores the evangelistic heart of the Christian faith, emphasizing the eternal stakes involved. When the lyrics declare, "And if the Spirit is our sword in hand, it is certain we will win," it provides both clear direction and unwavering assurance. The "Spirit" as our sword unequivocally refers to the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God, as identified in Ephesians 6:17. This emphasizes the vital role of Scripture in spiritual warfare, as it is "living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword" (Hebrews 4:12). The certainty of victory when wielded by the Spirit is not arrogance, but a confident trust in God's power, reminding us that "if God is for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31) and that victory comes "not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts" (Zechariah 4:6).
"I Wanna Put My Armor On" transcends a simple hymn; it is a profound call to action for every follower of Christ. The Gaither Vocal Band delivers this message with their characteristic blend of powerful harmony and deep conviction, their voices carrying the weight and urgency of the spiritual truths presented. The repeated affirmation of wanting to "put my armor on" by the song's conclusion reinforces a steadfast commitment to engaging in God's work, not as a reluctant duty, but as an eager, understood purpose. This track from *Peace of the Rock* perfectly encapsulates the album's theme, suggesting that true peace isn't found in the absence of conflict, but in standing firm on the unshakeable foundation of Christ—the Rock—fully equipped for the spiritual battles of life. It inspires believers to shift their focus from personal preoccupations to the divine mandate, to recognize the spiritual reality around them, and to actively participate in the eternal mission, armed not with human might, but with divine power and truth. The song serves as a powerful reminder that our faith is not passive observation but an active, armor-clad engagement for the glory of God and the salvation of souls.