In the valley of the unknown
I will lift my voice
In the shifting, in the shadow
I know You are with me
Lord over all
You will be my rescue
You will never fail
Lord, through it all
I will choose to trust You
You will never fail
In the searching and the waiting
You quiet my soul
In the stillness of Your presence
I know You are with me
Out of this darkness
Into Your promise
You will deliver me
Eternal Savior
You stand forever
You are my victory
Lord Over All
Lord Over All Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
"Lord Over All" by Kari Jobe is a song that speaks to the experience of navigating challenging circumstances while anchoring faith in the unchanging character of God. The lyrics convey a journey through periods of uncertainty, referred to metaphorically as the "valley of the unknown," "shifting," and "shadow." Despite these difficult settings, the response is one of deliberate faith, choosing to lift one's voice and trust. A central theme established early is the assurance of God's constant presence, providing comfort and stability amidst difficulty.
The song title itself declares God's supreme authority, emphasizing His role as the ultimate source of hope and security. The message strongly affirms God's active involvement in the believer's life, portraying Him as a rescuer who is entirely reliable and will never fail. This confidence in God's unfailing nature forms the basis for the decision to trust Him implicitly, regardless of the circumstances being faced.
Further articulating the journey of faith, the song touches on the experience of waiting and searching, common aspects of navigating life's difficulties. It describes how encountering God's presence brings quietness and peace to the soul during these times of stillness. This aspect highlights the internal work of faith, where reliance on God brings inner calm.
The lyrics culminate in a powerful declaration of deliverance and victory. The transition from "darkness" into God's "promise" underscores the transformative power of faith in God. He is presented as an "Eternal Savior" whose nature is constant and everlasting, ensuring that the victory found in Him is secure and permanent. This reinforces the message that God is not only present in the struggle but actively brings His followers through it into a place of triumph.
The song's video was released on March 3, 2015. This release brought the song's message to a wider audience, providing a visual dimension to the themes of trust and God's sovereignty in difficult times. The song resonates with biblical themes concerning God's faithfulness and presence. Passages such as Psalm 23:4, which speaks of walking through the valley without fear because God is present, and Isaiah 41:10, which assures believers not to fear because God is with them and will strengthen and uphold them, align with the song's message of God's unwavering presence and support in trials. The declaration of God as rescuer and deliverer echoes verses like Psalm 34:17-19, describing God's attentiveness to the cries of the righteous and His deliverance from troubles. The theme of ultimate victory through God finds resonance in scriptures like 1 Corinthians 15:57, which speaks of God giving believers the victory through Jesus Christ, and Romans 8:37, affirming that in all things, believers are more than conquerors through Him who loved them. The song serves as a faith-filled anthem, encouraging listeners to place their trust in God's unchangeable nature and power, declaring Him Lord over all circumstances.