Kalley Heiligenthal - Vow Lyrics
Lyrics
Verse 1
God is a vow, He's a vow all the same
Whether in harvest or in a barren place
God is a promise in health and decay
A promise of nearness, a covenant to stay
Verse 2
God is a Father involved in all He's made
He isn't stoic, unaffected by our pain
He'll never teach us lessons by causing us shame
Love's His only method and comfort is His name
Bridge
Better than I ever knew
Better than I ever knew
Better than I ever knew
You are better than I ever knew
Better than I ever knew
Better than I ever knew
Oh You're better than I ever knew
Better than I ever knew
Better than I ever knew
Video
Vow - kalley | Faultlines
Meaning & Inspiration
Kalley Heiligenthal's "Vow," released on October 25, 2019, as part of the *Faultlines* project, is a profound theological statement set to music, deeply rooted in the enduring faithfulness of God. The song's core message is built around the concept of God as an unwavering promise, a steadfast vow that transcends human circumstances. Heiligenthal asserts that God's nature remains consistent, whether one is experiencing abundance and blessing, akin to a bountiful harvest, or walking through seasons of emptiness and struggle, a barren place. This unchanging character of God is further articulated as a promise of His presence, a covenant of intimacy that He will never abandon His people. This resonates powerfully with Old Testament declarations like Deuteronomy 31:6, which states, "Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you," and Joshua 1:9, echoing the same assurance.
The second verse delves into the relational aspect of God, portraying Him not as a distant, aloof deity, but as an actively involved Father. Heiligenthal emphasizes that God is not detached from our suffering; He understands and shares in our pain, rather than causing it as a means of discipline or lesson. This counters any misconception of a God who inflicts hardship to teach. Instead, the song highlights love as God's singular method of interaction and comfort as His inherent name. This aligns with scriptural descriptions of God's boundless love, as seen in John 3:16, and His role as the God of all comfort, as mentioned in 2 Corinthians 1:3. The idea that God does not use shame to instruct us is also crucial, pointing to His grace which leads to repentance, not condemnation.
The bridge, a repeated affirmation of "Better than I ever knew," serves as a personal crescendo, reflecting a growing realization and deeper apprehension of God's goodness and capacity. This isn't just a cognitive understanding but an experiential one, a revelation that God's character, His promises, and His love consistently surpass our limited human expectations and comprehension. It’s a testament to the unfolding discovery of God’s magnificent nature, a journey that continually reveals Him to be more profound, more merciful, and more powerful than we could have ever imagined, a sentiment echoed in Ephesians 3:20: "Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power that is at work within us." The song, therefore, is not merely a lyrical exploration but an invitation to embrace the unwavering, loving, and ever-surpassing nature of the divine vow.