Jillian Edwards - But I Know You Lyrics
Lyrics
Door opener, door closer
You are good before it starts, you are good when it’s over
Life giver, now and after death
You are good when air fills lungs, and when there’s no more breath
I don’t know the mystery of your ways
I don’t know the purpose of the pain
But I know You
I know You
In the ashes and ache of a shattered soul
In a cold aftermath all alone
But I know You
I know You
I am held in Your love and You won’t let go
I know you and that’s all that I need to know
You are faithful when my eyes can’t see
The shore of your healing when I’m still lost at sea
But I know You
I know You
In the ashes and ache of a shattered soul
In a cold aftermath all alone
But I know You
I know You
I am held in Your love and You won’t let go
I know you and that’s all that I need to know
I may never know the mystery of your ways
I may never know Your purpose for this pain
But I know You
I know You
In the ashes and ache of a shattered soul
In a cold aftermath all alone
But I know You
I know You
I am held in Your love and You won’t let go
I know you and that’s all that I need to know
Video
Jillian Edwards - But I Know You (Lyric Video)
Meaning & Inspiration
Jillian Edwards’ "But I Know You," released on May 15, 2020, as part of her album *Meadow*, offers a profound meditation on faith amidst uncertainty and pain. The song dives immediately into the deep waters of divine sovereignty and human struggle, articulating a trust that anchors itself not in understanding God’s intricate plans, but in the unwavering character of God Himself. It speaks to the universal experience of confronting life’s inexplicable hardships, where explanations are scarce, but the need for comfort is immense. Edwards crafts a narrative that acknowledges the honest doubts and questions that arise in suffering, yet ultimately points to a greater, more sustaining truth: knowing God intimately.
The song’s core message begins by establishing God’s absolute authority and goodness through phrases like "Door opener, door closer" and "Life giver, now and after death," affirming His presence and goodness at every stage, from the beginning to the end, in life and in loss. This echoes Scripture’s declarations of God’s omnipotence and steadfastness, much like in Psalm 139, which speaks of God knowing our unformed days, or Job 1:21, where Job blesses God even after profound loss, acknowledging His sovereign hand in both giving and taking away. It sets a foundational truth before the lyrics courageously admit to the human limitations of understanding divine providence. The candid admission, "I don’t know the mystery of your ways / I don’t know the purpose of the pain," is a raw and relatable cry. This sentiment resonates deeply with passages like Isaiah 55:8-9, where God declares His thoughts and ways are higher than ours, and Romans 11:33, which marvels at the unsearchable judgments and inscrutable ways of God. Edwards gives voice to a common spiritual tension: the desire to comprehend suffering versus the reality of divine mystery.
It is in this tension that the song’s most powerful declaration emerges with the recurring chorus: "But I know You." This isn't a superficial knowledge, but a deep, relational intimacy that holds firm "In the ashes and ache of a shattered soul / In a cold aftermath all alone." These vivid descriptions paint a picture of profound grief and isolation, yet even in these desolate spaces, the comfort remains. The refrain "I am held in Your love and You won’t let go / I know you and that’s all that I need to know" becomes a secure anchor. This powerful reassurance finds its roots in numerous biblical promises: Psalm 34:18 reminds us that the Lord is near to the brokenhearted, and Psalm 23:4 comforts that even in the darkest valleys, God is with us. The unbreakable grip of divine love is central to the Christian faith, as articulated in Romans 8:38-39, which assures us that nothing can separate us from the love of God, and John 10:28-29, where Jesus affirms that no one can snatch His own from His hand. Edwards brilliantly translates these theological truths into a personal testament of enduring faith.
Further enriching the message, the second verse acknowledges the challenge of spiritual sight: "You are faithful when my eyes can’t see / The shore of your healing when I’m still lost at sea." This captures the essence of walking by faith, not by sight, as encouraged in 2 Corinthians 5:7, and trusting in God’s faithfulness even when the path ahead is obscured and the promise of healing feels distant. It speaks to the steadfast love mentioned in Lamentations 3:22-23, affirming God’s consistent nature regardless of our perception. The song concludes by reiterating the humble acceptance of not knowing the "mystery of your ways" or "Your purpose for this pain," solidifying the central theme that an intimate knowledge of God's character transcends the need for answers to every perplexing question. "But I Know You" is an encouraging anthem for anyone navigating life’s storms, reminding us that while understanding may elude us, the presence and love of God are more than enough to sustain us. It invites contemplation on the sufficiency of knowing God Himself, rather than merely His plans, fostering a robust and resilient faith that thrives even in the face of the unknown.