Jeremy Camp - I Will Follow Lyrics
Lyrics
Though the desert be before me & there's no relief in sight
Though the enemy is breathin', all the lies into my mind
You will always carry me! Until my dyin' days
What You have for me is worth it 'cause I'll see You face to face!
(Chorus:)
I will follow, follow You wherever You go
And I will listen to the very promises I know
You are with me always with me, keeper of my soul
I will follow, follow You wherever You go
And the day is comin' quickly when, You break open the sky
And the armies all around You will be conquerin' the night
You gather all the children that are callin' out Your name
When the troubles are the here and now, I know it's not in vain
(Chorus)
You have my heart
I'll follow all the way
(Chorus)
Video
Jeremy Camp - I Will Follow (You Are With Me) (Lyric Video)
Meaning & Inspiration
Released on February 3, 2015, as part of the *I Will Follow (Deluxe Edition)* album, Jeremy Camp’s "I Will Follow" stands as a powerful declaration of unwavering faith amidst life's inherent challenges. The song immediately establishes itself not just as a piece of music, but as a profound testament to the Christian journey, articulating a deeply personal yet universally relatable commitment to God. It explores the spiritual landscape of doubt, perseverance, and ultimate hope, drawing the listener into a narrative of profound trust in divine guidance.
The song opens by painting a vivid picture of daunting circumstances, with the lines describing a desert before the individual and no relief in sight, coupled with the enemy's insidious whispers of lies. This imagery resonates deeply with the biblical motif of wilderness trials, echoing the forty years Israel spent in the desert (Deuteronomy 8:2) or even Jesus' temptation in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11). It acknowledges the reality of spiritual warfare, where the adversary actively seeks to sow seeds of doubt and despair (1 Peter 5:8, John 8:44). Yet, amidst this stark portrayal of struggle, a powerful promise emerges: "You will always carry me! Until my dyin' days." This directly references God's sustaining power and faithfulness, reminiscent of Isaiah 46:4, where God declares, "Even to your old age and gray hairs, I am he who will sustain you; I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you." The verse concludes with a triumphant declaration of ultimate reward, asserting that what God has prepared is worth every struggle, because the believer will ultimately see Him face to face, a glorious hope found in 1 Corinthians 13:12 and Revelation 21:3-4.
The chorus then solidifies the central theme, a resolute vow: "I will follow, follow You wherever You go." This isn't just a casual agreement but a profound act of surrender, echoing Jesus' call to discipleship, where taking up one's cross daily is prerequisite to following Him (Matthew 16:24, Luke 9:23). The commitment to listen to "the very promises I know" highlights the crucial role of God's Word as an anchor in uncertain times, a lamp for our feet and a light on our path (Psalm 119:105). It underscores the active choice to cling to biblical truth. The assurance that "You are with me always with me, keeper of my soul" provides immense comfort, reaffirming God's omnipresence and His sovereign care over every aspect of our being (Matthew 28:20, John 10:28-29, Psalm 121:7-8). This unwavering presence is the foundation for the audacious promise to follow, no matter the path.
The second verse shifts perspective from present struggles to future hope, looking forward to the glorious return of Christ. The image of the day coming quickly when God "breaks open the sky" is a clear reference to the Second Coming (Revelation 1:7, Matthew 24:30), a future event that reshapes our understanding of present reality. The mention of "armies all around You will be conquerin' the night" speaks to Christ's ultimate victory over evil and darkness, a triumphant scene depicted in Revelation 19:11-16. Furthermore, the gathering of "all the children that are callin' out Your name" powerfully alludes to the great assembly of believers, both living and dead, at Christ's return (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17). This future hope profoundly impacts the believer's perspective on current difficulties, as the song assures that "when the troubles are the here and now, I know it's not in vain." This sentiment aligns perfectly with Romans 8:18, which states that "our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us," offering a transcendent perspective on pain and trial.
The brief but potent bridge, "You have my heart, I'll follow all the way," encapsulates the essence of biblical devotion. It signifies a complete surrender of one's inner being, a giving of the entire self to God, as commanded in Deuteronomy 6:5: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength." This declaration transforms following from a mere act of obedience into an expression of profound love and total commitment, promising a lifelong journey of adherence to God's will. "I Will Follow" ultimately serves as a powerful anthem for anyone navigating the complexities of faith, reminding us that even in the bleakest deserts and under the weight of deception, God's promise to carry, His presence, and the hope of His return make every step of the journey worthwhile. It's an inspiring call to deepen our trust, cling to His promises, and confidently follow wherever He leads, knowing that He is the faithful keeper of our souls.