I want you as you are, not as you ought to be
Won't you lay down your guard and come to me
The shame that grips you now is crippling
It breaks my heart to see you suffering
Cause I am for you
I'm not against you
If you want to know
How far my love can go
Just how deep, just how wide
If want to see
How much you mean to me
Look at my hands, look at my side
If you could count the times I say you are forgiven
It's more than the drops in the ocean
Don't think you need to settle for a substitute
When I'm the only love that changes you
Open your heart
It's time that we start again
Drops In The Ocean
Drops In The Ocean Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
"Drops In The Ocean" by Hawk Nelson conveys a powerful message of unconditional love and acceptance from a divine perspective to an individual burdened by shame. The lyrics describe a love that seeks the person as they are, not requiring them to change first or earn acceptance. It highlights the pain caused by shame and the desire of the speaker to alleviate this suffering. The central theme is that this love is unequivocally supportive, emphasizing "I am for you, I'm not against you," a direct statement of unwavering alliance.
The song then poses a question about the depth and breadth of this love and how much the listener means to the speaker. The answer is provided through a powerful image: "Look at my hands, look at my side." This points directly to the sacrifice made, a love demonstrated through suffering and self-giving. The immeasurable nature of forgiveness offered is likened to something vast and countless, exceeding "the drops in the ocean," emphasizing that no amount of past mistakes can outweigh the forgiveness available.
Further elaborating on the nature of this love, the song states it is the true, transformative love, urging the listener not to settle for lesser, ineffective substitutes. The message concludes with an invitation to vulnerability and a fresh start, encouraging the opening of the heart to begin again. The song serves as an affirmation of boundless grace and an invitation to receive it fully.
The music video for "Drops In The Ocean" was released on December 19, 2014. Music videos serve to visually accompany and enhance the song's message, often depicting scenarios that reflect the lyrical themes or featuring performance footage of the band. Videos in the contemporary Christian music genre frequently incorporate narrative elements illustrating struggle, redemption, or community, or focus on conveying the emotion of the performance itself, aiming to connect with viewers on a deeper level and amplify the inspirational message of the song.
The themes presented in "Drops In The Ocean" resonate deeply with various passages from Christian scripture. The concept of God being "for us" is found in Romans 8:31. The demonstration of love through sacrifice is central to the New Testament message, particularly referenced by the wounds on the hands and side (John 20:25-27, John 19:34), signifying the crucifixion of Jesus Christ as the ultimate act of love for humanity (Romans 5:8). The boundless nature of God's mercy and forgiveness is a foundational biblical truth (Ephesians 2:4-5, 1 John 1:9, Psalm 103:10-12), often described as being immeasurably vast, akin to the song's imagery of drops in the ocean. The call to come as you are and receive love and forgiveness reflects the New Testament invitation to all people regardless of their past (Matthew 11:28, Luke 5:32).
