Janet Paschal - Jesus, Savior, Pilot Me Lyrics
Lyrics
Jesus, Savior, pilot me
Over life's tempestuous seas
Unknown waves before me roll
Hiding rock and treacherous shoal
Chart and compass come from Thee
Jesus, Savior, pilot me
As a mother stills her child
Thou canst hush the ocean wild
Boisterous waves obey Thy will
When Thou sayest to them, "Be still"
Wondrous Sovereign of the sea
Jesus, Savior, pilot me
When at last, I near the shore
And the fearful breakers roar
Twixt me and the peaceful rest
Then when leaning on Thy breast
May I hear Thee say to me
"Fear not, I will pilot thee"
"Fear not, I will pilot thee"
Video
Jesus, Savior, Pilot Me
Meaning & Inspiration
Janet Paschal's rendition of "Jesus, Savior, Pilot Me," released on July 11, 2006, as part of her album *Home Again*, offers a profound meditation on divine guidance and unwavering faith. This classic hymn, brought to life by Paschal's expressive delivery, delves into the universal human need for spiritual navigation through the unpredictable journey of life, transforming a timeless plea into a deeply personal declaration of trust. The song's core message centers on surrendering control to a higher power, acknowledging both the perilous uncertainties of existence and the comforting assurance of God's presence. It speaks to anyone who has ever felt adrift, seeking a steady hand to steer them through the storms.
The opening verses immediately establish the metaphorical setting: "Over life's tempestuous seas, Unknown waves before me roll, Hiding rock and treacherous shoal." This imagery powerfully conveys the challenges and hidden dangers inherent in our earthly pilgrimage, where circumstances often appear overwhelming and the path ahead obscured. We confront unforeseen difficulties, much like a sailor navigating uncharted waters, constantly at risk of unseen hazards. The yearning for a divine compass and chart is palpable, a desperate recognition that human wisdom alone is insufficient for such a journey. This echoes the wisdom found in Proverbs 3:5-6, which encourages us to "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." The Lord's word, as described in Psalm 119:105, truly becomes "a lamp for my feet, a light on my path," offering the only reliable guidance through life’s complexities.
The song then shifts its focus to the immense power and calming presence of the divine. "As a mother stills her child, Thou canst hush the ocean wild, Boisterous waves obey Thy will, When Thou sayest to them, 'Be still.'" This verse draws a beautiful parallel between a mother's gentle comfort and God's sovereign control over even the most tumultuous forces. It directly references the biblical account of Jesus calming the storm in Mark 4:39, where He simply commanded the wind and waves, "Quiet! Be still!" and they obeyed. This demonstrates an authority that transcends natural law, affirming God's capacity to bring peace into any chaotic situation, whether it be an actual storm or the internal tempests of worry and fear. For those facing personal crises or global unrest, this promise is a profound source of solace, reminding us that no wave is too high, no storm too fierce for the "Wondrous Sovereign of the sea." His peace, as Isaiah 26:3 declares, is extended to those whose minds are steadfastly fixed on Him, anchoring them securely amidst any external turmoil.
The final verse poignantly anticipates the ultimate journey, the nearing of life's "shore," representing the transition from earthly existence to eternity. "When at last, I near the shore, And the fearful breakers roar, Twixt me and the peaceful rest, Then when leaning on Thy breast, May I hear Thee say to me, 'Fear not, I will pilot thee.'" This speaks to the Christian hope of a safe passage into the afterlife, where the final moments, often fraught with apprehension, are met with divine reassurance. The image of "leaning on Thy breast" evokes intimacy and absolute security, a profound sense of being cradled in the Savior's embrace. It is a yearning for the ultimate comfort and a personal word of welcome, a promise that the One who piloted us through life's storms will also guide us through death's door. This resonates deeply with Jesus's words in John 14:1-3, where He tells His followers not to let their hearts be troubled, promising to prepare a place for them and to come back to take them to be with Him. The ultimate "fear not" is the culmination of a life lived in trust, an assurance that God’s presence, as promised in Hebrews 13:5, will never leave or forsake us, even into eternity. "Jesus, Savior, Pilot Me" is more than a song; it's a prayer, a declaration of dependence, and a comforting reminder that with God at the helm, we are always headed for safe harbor.