Jonathan David & Melissa Helser + Bethel Music - Turning On The Lights Lyrics

Turning On The Lights

Turning On The Lights Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration

Released on March 4, 2022, "Turning On The Lights" by Jonathan David & Melissa Helser alongside Bethel Music arrives as a profound declaration of God's illuminating presence breaking into the hidden corners of life. This song isn't just a melody; it serves as a powerful anthem inviting us to confront the reality that nothing is truly concealed from the One who is pure light. It speaks directly to the core human experience of having aspects of ourselves or circumstances that feel shrouded in darkness, whether by choice, shame, or simply the unknown, and the transformative power that comes when God’s truth pierces through.

The narrative woven through the lyrics centers on this divine intrusion – not as an exposure leading to condemnation, but as a revelation leading to freedom. It portrays God as the One who doesn't just observe darkness from afar, but actively steps into it, wielding light as a tool for redemption and clarity. This aligns beautifully with the biblical understanding of God's nature; 1 John 1:5 states plainly that "God is light; in him there is no darkness at all." The song builds on this foundational truth, exploring what happens when this absolute light encounters the shadows within us and around us, suggesting that His presence inherently dispels obscurity and brings everything into plain view.

This concept of divine illumination and revelation is deeply rooted in Scripture. We see it in passages like John 1:4-5, where the life of Christ is described as the light of men, a light that shines in the darkness and which the darkness has not overcome. The song echoes this overcoming power, portraying darkness not as a force equal to light, but as something that must yield when light is present. Furthermore, the idea of God seeing and knowing everything, even the hidden things, is a constant theme in the Bible, perhaps most famously in Psalm 139, which marvels at God’s intimate knowledge of our thoughts and ways, even in darkness, proclaiming that "even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you" (Psalm 139:12). "Turning On The Lights" captures this inescapable, all-knowing, yet loving gaze of God.

Musically, the song often builds with a sense of anticipation, reflecting the theme of light gradually, perhaps even suddenly, breaking through. The instrumentation and vocal delivery typically employed by these artists create an atmosphere that supports the message, moving from moments of introspection or quiet awe to powerful declarations. This musical journey mirrors the personal journey described in the lyrics – from acknowledging hiddenness to experiencing the liberating power of being fully known and seen by God. Ephesians 5:8-14 encourages believers, who were once darkness, to now live as children of light, for "everything exposed by the light becomes visible." This song serves as an invitation to step into that visibility, trusting God with what is revealed.

Ultimately, "Turning On The Lights" functions as both a challenging call and a comforting assurance. It challenges us to allow God’s light access to every area of our lives, reminding us that true freedom comes not from hiding, but from being known and loved in His perfect light. It offers the profound assurance that when God shines His light, He does so not to condemn but to heal, to reveal truth, and to set us free. Luke 8:17 reminds us, "For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be brought out into the open." This song encourages us to welcome that divine disclosure, trusting the nature of the One who is bringing it, and stepping confidently into the clarity and freedom that His light provides.