Jeremy Riddle - Surrendered in Praise Lyrics + Chords
Lyrics
Whenever I'm low and sinking down
When I'm overwhelmed and doubts abound
When I've lost all heart and the will to fight
When despair sets in and my day is night
Lift up my head, make steel my gaze
Cast out my fear, move me to faith
Surrendered in praise to Your glorious grace, Jesus
Whenever I'm tired and I feel alone
When oppression mounts and trials come
When the father of lies, his arrows fly
When there are no answers and my dreams, they die
In my heart of hearts where these battles rage
My strength it fails and my courage fades
In my distress I cry aloud to You
You lift my head, and You steel my gaze
You cast out fear, and I'm moved to faith
Surrendered in praise to Your glorious grace, Jesus
Video
Surrendered in Praise
Meaning & Inspiration
Jeremy Riddle's "Surrendered in Praise," released in 2009 as part of the album *The Now And Not Yet*, stands as a profound exploration of finding unshakeable hope and strength in God amidst overwhelming adversity. The song doesn't shy away from depicting the very real struggles of the human spirit – those moments of profound lowliness, sinking doubt, crushing fatigue, and the chilling sting of despair. It paints a picture of an internal battleground where strength fails and courage wanes, a relatable experience for anyone who has faced trials that seem insurmountable. Yet, it is precisely within this vulnerability that the song pivots, not to human ingenuity or self-help, but to a direct and urgent cry to the divine. The narrative arc clearly moves from personal capitulation to divine intervention, emphasizing a deliberate act of turning one's gaze upward.
The core message of "Surrendered in Praise" is the transformative power of shifting our focus from internal struggle to God's glorious grace, even and especially when we feel utterly depleted. The act of "lifting up my head" and making one's gaze "steel" directly echoes biblical imagery of resilience and unwavering faith. This is powerfully mirrored in scriptures like Psalm 27:14, which urges, "Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord." The casting out of fear and the movement to faith are not passive experiences; they are presented as divine actions prompted by a surrendered heart. This resonates deeply with passages such as 1 John 4:18, stating, "There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who is perfected in love has been perfected in love." The song argues that true strength isn't found in self-sufficiency but in acknowledging our limitations and yielding to God's greater power, a sentiment found in Philippians 4:13: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
The concept of being "surrendered in praise" is central to the song's theological depth. It suggests that praise is not merely a response to favorable circumstances, but a weapon against despair and a conduit for God's grace. This isn't a superficial joy, but a deep-seated worship that arises from the heart of conflict, mirroring the Apostle Paul's encouragement to "give thanks in all circumstances" (1 Thessalonians 5:18). The "glorious grace" of Jesus is presented as the ultimate source of this strength and liberation. When the "father of lies" sends his arrows and dreams seem to die, the song finds its anchor in the steadfastness of God, reminding us of His unfailing promises and His ability to redeem even the darkest situations. The repetition of God's action – lifting the head, steeling the gaze, casting out fear, and moving to faith – emphasizes His consistent faithfulness and His active role in guiding us through our deepest distress. This song serves as an anthem for those moments when our own strength is insufficient, pointing to a higher power and a powerful act of surrender that leads to profound liberation and unwavering hope.