He's brought me here, where things are clear
And trials turn to gold
He shared with me, His victory
He won in days of old
Oh Lord, I don't deserve
The riches of your word
But You've changed my filthy rags
To linen white as snow
The view from here is nothing near
To what it is for You
I tried to see Your plan for me
But I only acted like I knew
Oh Lord forgive the times
I tried to read your mind
Cause you said if I'd be still
Then I would hear your voice
My Lord, my King, my urge to sing
And praise the things above
No words can say the glorious way
You changed me with your love
He's brought me low, so I could know
The way to reach the heights
To forsake my dreams, my self esteem
And give up all my rights
With each one that I lay down
A jewel's placed in my crown
Cause His love, the things above
Is all we'll ever need
He's brought me here, where things are clear
And trials turn to gold
Trials Turned To Gold (M.Y. Remaster / 1999 Digital Remaster)
Trials Turned to Gold Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
Trials Turned to Gold: Finding Hope in the Midst of Challenges
Introduction:
This song beautifully captures the essence of finding hope and strength in the midst of life's challenges. Through its poignant lyrics, it offers a reminder that even in our darkest moments, God can transform our trials into something beautiful and valuable.
I. The Journey of Trials:
The song begins with the lines: "He's brought me here, where things are clear, And trials turn to gold." These words set the tone for the rest of the song, highlighting the transformative power of trials and the clarity that can be found in the midst of them. It acknowledges that trials are an inevitable part of life, but they can lead to personal growth and spiritual maturity.
II. The Victory of Christ:
The next verse states, "He shared with me His victory, He won in days of old." Here, the song emphasizes the importance of Christ's victory and its relevance to our lives. It reminds us that we are not alone in our struggles, but rather, we have a Savior who has overcome the world. This recognition gives us hope and reassurance that we can overcome our trials through the power of Christ.
III. The Transformation of the Self:
As the song continues, it acknowledges our unworthiness and the transformative nature of God's love. It says, "Oh Lord, I don't deserve, The riches of your word, But You've changed my filthy rags, To linen white as snow." These lines reflect the biblical concept of God's grace and forgiveness. Despite our flaws and shortcomings, God's love has the power to cleanse and transform us. This transformation enables us to see our trials in a new light and find purpose in the midst of them.
IV. The View from Above:
The song then highlights the perspective we gain when we surrender our own understanding and trust in God's plan. It says, "The view from here is nothing near, To what it is for You, I tried to see Your plan for me, But I only acted like I knew." These lines speak to the limitations of our human understanding and the need to trust in God's wisdom. When we let go of our own control and surrender to His plan, we gain a higher perspective that allows us to see the beauty and purpose in our trials.
V. The Stillness and Listening:
The next verse emphasizes the importance of being still and listening for God's voice. It says, "Oh Lord forgive the times, I tried to read your mind, Cause you said if I'd be still, Then I would hear your voice." These words echo the biblical teaching of being still and knowing that God is in control (Psalm 46:10). When we quiet our hearts and minds, we create space to hear God's guidance and find strength in His words.
VI. The Majesty of God:
The song then shifts its focus to the majesty of God and the awe-inspiring way He has changed our lives. It says, "My Lord, my King, my urge to sing, And praise the things above, No words can say the glorious way, You changed me with your love." These lines express gratitude and adoration for God's transformative love. It reminds us that our trials are not in vain, but rather, they are part of God's redemptive plan for our lives.
VII. The Humility and Surrender:
The final verse of the song speaks to the importance of humility and surrender in the face of trials. It says, "He's brought me low, so I could know, The way to reach the heights, To forsake my dreams, my self-esteem, And give up all my rights." These words echo the biblical teaching of humility and surrendering our desires to God (James 4:10). It is through this surrender that we find true fulfillment and purpose in our trials.
Meaning and Inspiration:
"Trials Turned to Gold" is a song that carries a powerful message of hope and transformation. It reminds us that our trials serve a purpose in our lives and that God can use them to refine us and bring out the best in us. The inspiration behind this song likely stems from Keith Green's own experiences and struggles. As a Christian artist, Green was known for his passionate faith and his desire to inspire others through his music. This song, like many of his other works, reflects his deep understanding of the Christian journey and the transformative power of God's love.
Biblical Analysis:
The song "Trials Turned to Gold" aligns with several biblical teachings and themes. It acknowledges the reality of trials in our lives, which is consistent with James 1:2-4, which says, "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." The song also emphasizes the victory of Christ and the transformative power of God's love, both of which are central themes in the Bible.
Furthermore, the song highlights the importance of surrendering our own understanding and trusting in God's plan. Proverbs 3:5-6 says, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." The song encourages listeners to be still and listen for God's voice, echoing the biblical teaching of seeking God's guidance and wisdom (Psalm 32:8).
Conclusion:
"Trials Turned to Gold" is a powerful song that offers hope and encouragement to those facing trials and challenges. Through its poignant lyrics, it reminds us of the transformative power of God's love and the purpose behind our trials. It encourages us to surrender our own understanding and trust in God's plan, knowing that He can turn our trials into something beautiful and valuable. As we reflect on the messages of this song, may we find strength and hope in the midst of our own trials, knowing that God is working all things together for our good (Romans 8:28).
