Verse 1
Days may be darkest, but Your light is greater
You light our way, God, You light our way
When evil is rising, You're rising higher
With power to save, with power to save
Chorus
You keep hope alive, You keep hope alive
From the beginning to end, Your word never fails
You keep hope alive, because You are alive
Jesus, You are alive
Verse 2
Death had a stronghold, but Your life was stronger
Rose from the grave, rose up from the grave, yeah
When evil is rising, You're rising higher
With power to save, with power to save, ohh
Chorus
You keep hope alive, You keep hope alive
From the beginning to end, Your word never fails
You keep hope alive, because You are alive
Jesus, You are alive
Bridge
There's hope in the morning
Hope in the evening
Hope because You're living
Hope because You're breathing
There's hope in the breaking
Hope in the sorrow
Hope for this moment
My hope for tomorrow
There's hope in the morning (Hope)
There's hope in the evening (Hope)
There's hope because You're living (Hope)
There's hope because You're breathing (Hope)
There's hope in the breaking (There's hope)
There's hope in the sorrow (There's hope)
Hope for this moment (There's hope)
My hope for tomorrow (There's hope)
Chorus
You keep hope alive, You keep hope alive
From the beginning to end, Your word never fails
Oh, You keep hope alive, You keep hope alive
From the beginning to end, Your word never fails
You keep hope alive, because You are alive
Jesus, You are alive, oh, yes, You are
Chorus
You keep hope alive, You keep hope alive
From the beginning to end, Your word never fails
You keep hope alive, because You are alive
Jesus, You are alive
Mandisa, Jon Reddick - You Keep Hope Alive (Lyric Video)
You Keep Hope Alive Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
Released on February 21, 2020, the lyric video for "You Keep Hope Alive" by Jon Reddick and Mandisa introduced a powerful declaration of faith into the world, offering a steadfast anchor in uncertain times. This collaboration brings together two distinct voices in Christian music to articulate a singular, profound truth: that hope is not a fragile human construct, but an active, sustaining force emanating directly from God himself. The song is a clear statement of reliance, rooted in the understanding that despite circumstances that might seem bleak or insurmountable, God's nature is to preserve, to renew, and to breathe life into situations that appear dead or lost. It speaks to the heart's cry for assurance when faced with doubt or despair, pointing not to self-reliance or positive thinking, but to the unwavering character of the divine.
At its core, "You Keep Hope Alive" serves as a musical liturgy of trust. It builds on the ancient promise found throughout Scripture that God is the source of all hope. Consider how Psalm 42:11 instructs the soul to "Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God." This song echoes that imperative, affirming that the very act of hoping is an act of placing faith in God's capabilities and faithfulness, not our own. The track’s arrangement gradually swells, mirroring the way faith can grow even from a tiny seed, demonstrating that God's power isn't diminished by the scale of our problems. Mandisa’s warm, resilient vocal pairs beautifully with Reddick’s grounded, earnest delivery, creating a sense of shared conviction and encouragement, as if fellow travelers on the faith journey are reminding each other of this essential truth. It’s a musical reminder that the God who raised Christ from the dead (Romans 8:11) is the same God who can bring hope to seemingly lifeless situations in our own lives, fulfilling the promise that with God, all things are possible (Matthew 19:26).
The message is not merely about the *feeling* of hope, but about the *source* of hope – a crucial distinction the song articulates. It's a theological truth set to melody, reminding us that hope is a gift sustained by the Holy Spirit, as Romans 15:13 states, "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." This depth is what gives the song its enduring strength; it connects the personal experience of needing hope to the immutable reality of God's power and presence. The production supports this, starting with a more intimate feel and building to a fuller, more anthemic expression, symbolizing the way God's hope can overwhelm despair. It prompts reflection on verses like Lamentations 3:21-23, which despite profound suffering, affirms, "But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." "You Keep Hope Alive" becomes a contemporary echo of this ancient confession of God’s enduring faithfulness as the ground for hope.
Furthermore, the song subtly points to the assurance that God is not only the source of hope but also its ultimate guarantee. Hebrews 6:19 describes hope as "an anchor of the soul, firm and secure," a concept deeply embedded in the song's foundation. It speaks to the unwavering nature of God's promises, reminding the worshiper that what God starts, He finishes. It’s a comforting thought in moments of wavering faith or protracted waiting, reflecting the confidence expressed in Philippians 1:6 that "he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ." This piece of music serves as a worshipful acknowledgement of this divine consistency, positioning God as the one who actively intervenes to preserve hope in the hearts of those who trust Him. It's an invitation to lean fully into this reality, to stop striving in our own strength, and to rest in the truth that the One who has the power to give hope is also the One who ensures it remains alive within us, regardless of external circumstances. The collaboration between Reddick and Mandisa feels less like a performance and more like a shared declaration, inviting anyone struggling to hold onto hope to join in the chorus of faith, affirming that God is truly the keeper of our deepest hope.
