Josh Garrels - Always Be Lyrics
Lyrics
And I will always be
And I will sing for thee
All my life
All my love
Day and night
All the way home
Video
Josh Garrels, "Always Be" (Official Audio)
Meaning & Inspiration
Released on April 14, 2015, Josh Garrels' "Always Be" offers a profound, succinct declaration of faith, a spiritual anthem distilled to its purest essence. Though remarkably brief in its lyrical content, the song is expansive in its theological depth, serving as a personal covenant whispered and sung to the Divine. It’s a testament to unwavering commitment, a journey of the soul articulated through simple yet potent vows. Garrels, known for his ability to weave deeply spiritual themes into his artistry, here presents a stark, beautiful meditation on devotion, inviting us into a sacred space of surrender and praise that resonates deeply with the Christian walk.
The initial phrase, "And I will always be," goes beyond a mere statement of existence; it is a profound pledge of sustained presence and faithfulness in the divine relationship. This resonates with the very nature of God’s own enduring presence, echoing His "I AM" to Moses in Exodus 3:14, but expressed as a human echo – "I will always *be* present, always *be* Yours." It’s a declaration of an indomitable spirit anchored in God’s unfailing love, a commitment mirroring the assurance found in Hebrews 13:5, where God promises, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." For us to echo such steadfastness, even in our finite way, is a powerful act of faith, a desire to remain inseparable from the divine source, much as Romans 8:38-39 speaks of nothing being able to separate us from the love of God. To "always be" in His path, in His will, is to seek the "fullness of joy" promised in Psalm 16:11.
Following this pledge of enduring presence comes the clear act of worship: "And I will sing for Thee." This line directly expresses the heart's response to God's goodness and love. Singing for God is not merely a musical act; it is a scriptural imperative and a joyful expression of devotion. From the psalmist's frequent calls to praise, such as in Psalm 95:1-2, "Oh come, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation!", to the New Testament's encouragement to "speak to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord" (Ephesians 5:19), song is a timeless, universal language of communion with the Creator. It’s an offering, an overflow of gratitude and adoration that lifts the spirit and glorifies His name.
The subsequent lines, "All my life / All my love / Day and night," expand this commitment to encompass every facet of existence. This is total surrender, an all-encompassing dedication of one's entire being. It harkens directly to the Great Commandment articulated in Deuteronomy 6:5 and reaffirmed by Jesus in Matthew 22:37-38: "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might." It’s a vow to integrate faith into every moment, every action, every thought—not just in designated spiritual times, but consistently, "day and night." This comprehensive devotion aligns with Paul’s exhortation in Colossians 3:17, "And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him," making every aspect of life an act of worship.
Finally, the journey finds its destination in "All the way home." This closing phrase is profoundly evocative for the believer. "Home" in this context transcends a physical dwelling; it signifies the spiritual longing for eternity, for the ultimate return to God’s presence, our true dwelling place in heaven. It speaks of perseverance in faith, of completing the race set before us, enduring until the glorious culmination. This journey "all the way home" resonates deeply with the pilgrim nature of faith described in Hebrews 11:13-16, where patriarchs and matriarchs "confessed that they were strangers and exiles on the earth," looking for "a better country—that is, a heavenly one." It’s the hope of Philippians 3:20, where our "citizenship is in heaven," and the ultimate promise of Jesus in John 14:2-3 to prepare a place for us. It is the blessed assurance that our steadfastness will lead us to the crown of righteousness promised to those who finish the race, as expressed in 2 Timothy 4:7-8. "Always Be" is thus a powerful, concise creed, an inspiring call to live a life fully consecrated to God, rooted in enduring presence, expressed through ceaseless praise, manifested through total devotion, and culminating in eternal homecoming.