Jonathan McReynolds - Maintain Lyrics
Lyrics
Hmmm...
You see me moving all unneeded people out my life
And I'm trying to get these crazy thoughts out of my mind
Yeah, You gave me all the weapons, but it's still a fight
So help me maintain
Help me maintain
Yeah, I don't wanna live in stress or fear
'Cause its getting crazier everyday out here
All the love and peace you gave to me I hold so dear
So help me maintain
Help me maintain
'Cause soon as I walk out the door
I need You more and more
Hmmm...
See, I realized that sometimes I'm just not that smart
But I desperately just wanna be where You are
And compared to a while ago, I've gotten far
So help me maintain
Help me maintain
Hmmm...
Cause soon as I walk out the door
I need You more and more
You know what's in the store
I need You more and more
Hmmm...
I recognize this is a day that You have made
So I walk in love and put a smile on my face
But in case I run into someone on a different page
Help me maintain
Help me maintain
All my joy, God, help me maintain
All my peace, help me maintain
My sanity, help me maintain
My smile, Jesus, help me maintain
My Life, help me maintain
My heart, Lord guard it, help me maintain
Every part of me, help me maintain
Hmmm, help me maintain
Video
Jonathan McReynolds ft. Chantae Cann - Maintain (Official Video)
Meaning & Inspiration
Jonathan McReynolds' "Maintain," released on the *Sessions - EP* in 2016, is a profound exploration of the human struggle to live a life of spiritual steadfastness amidst the complexities and pressures of the world. The song isn't merely a musical piece; it's a prayer set to melody, a vulnerable plea for divine assistance in preserving one's inner peace and integrity. McReynolds articulates a relatable desire to navigate life's challenges without succumbing to stress or fear, acknowledging the inherent difficulty even with God's bestowed blessings. This resonates deeply with the biblical understanding that while God equips us, the journey of faith is nonetheless an active pursuit, a continuous effort to remain aligned with His will, as evidenced in verses like Philippians 2:12, which encourages believers to "work out your own salvation with fear and trembling."
The core message of "Maintain" centers on an acute awareness of our dependence on God, particularly when stepping out into the world. McReynolds confesses his own limitations, admitting to not always being "that smart," and expresses a fervent longing to be in God's presence, recognizing the progress made while still acknowledging the ongoing need for divine support. This echoes the sentiment of Paul in 2 Corinthians 12:9, where he states, "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.'" The repetition of "Help me maintain" serves as a powerful mantra, emphasizing the constant nature of this spiritual endeavor. It’s a recognition that our joy, peace, sanity, and very lives require ongoing divine upkeep, a truth reflected in verses like Psalm 23:3, which speaks of God restoring the soul.
The song beautifully captures the tension between outwardly presenting a positive and God-ordained demeanor—recognizing each day as made by the Lord (Psalm 118:24)—and the potential encounters that could disrupt that peace. McReynolds’ request to "maintain" in these moments is not about rigidly holding onto a façade, but about preserving the genuine spirit and grace God has instilled within him, even when faced with differing perspectives or difficult interactions. This is a spiritual discipline, akin to the wisdom found in Proverbs 4:23, which urges, "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it." Ultimately, "Maintain" is an inspiring declaration of faith, a compelling reminder that in our human frailty, the strength to persevere and uphold our spiritual state is a gift continually sought and received from God.