Kirk Franklin - Just For Me Lyrics
Lyrics
Verse 1:
Just for me, many doors you’ve closed
Just for me, sometimes you will say no
So I’ll be, tested in your fire, to purify my desires
So my blessings won’t be
Just for me, so caught up in myself, I couldn’t see
The world did not revolve around me
So storms are in your will, so I can feel what others feel…
Their needs…
If I could speak honestly
CHORUS:
It don’t feel good, but growing never does
It don’t seem fair, for you to call this love
But if necessary pain, is the ingredient for change
Even when life may be bittersweet
It’s working…
Verse 2:
Just for me, all the moments I missed that were
Just for me, because I chose not to wait patiently
But for every mistake, was the same amount of grace
That kept my blessing waiting
Just for me, but trusting your timing is not easy
And what I want’s not always what I need
But somewhere I forgot, you are God and I am not…
I see…If I could speak honestly…
CHORUS:
It don’t feel good, but growing never does
It don’t seem fair, for you to call this love
But if necessary pain, is the ingredient for change
Even when life may be bittersweet
It’s working…
Bridge
Ooh la la-ah, ooo la la-ah , oh la la-aa-ah la, la la ,la la-
[I’m singing] Ooh la la-ah , ooo la la-ah , oh la la-aa-ah la, la la ,la la-
CHORUS:
It don’t feel good, but growing never does
It don’t seem fair, for you to call this love
But if necessary pain, is the ingredient for change
Even when life may be bittersweet
It’s working… [Repeat 2x]
Outro
Just For Me…. [Repeat as needed]
Video
Kirk Franklin - Just For Me (In-Studio Performance)
Meaning & Inspiration
Kirk Franklin's "Just For Me," released in 2019, is a profound exploration of divine providence and the often-uncomfortable process of spiritual growth. The song delves into the understanding that God's actions in our lives, even those that seem restrictive or painful, are ultimately for our benefit and His greater purpose. Franklin articulates a journey of grappling with unanswered prayers and perceived setbacks, acknowledging that these experiences are not arbitrary but are intentionally woven into the fabric of our development. He highlights how the divine often closes doors, says "no," and places us in challenging situations, not to punish, but to refine our desires and foster a deeper empathy for others. This resonates strongly with the biblical principle found in Romans 8:28, which states, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." The lyrics reveal a realization that self-absorption can blind us to the needs of the world around us, and that divinely ordained difficulties can serve to open our eyes and hearts, fostering a sense of shared humanity and compassion, echoing the command in Philippians 2:4, "Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others." The chorus powerfully captures the paradox of faith, confessing that growth and divine love "don't feel good" and "don't seem fair" when met with hardship. Yet, Franklin declares that this "necessary pain" is the essential "ingredient for change," and even when life is a mix of joy and sorrow, it is ultimately "working." This sentiment is deeply rooted in the wisdom of James 1:2-4, which encourages believers to "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." Franklin's personal testimony within the song suggests moments of missed opportunities due to impatience, but he also acknowledges the immense grace that accompanied these stumbles, keeping blessings in store. The struggle to trust God's timing and to accept that His plan is superior to our own desires is a central theme, underscored by the humbling admission, "Somewhere I forgot, you are God and I am not." This acknowledgment of God's sovereignty is a cornerstone of Christian faith, as exemplified in Isaiah 55:8-9, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the Lord. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." The song's concluding repetitions of "Just For Me" serve as a powerful affirmation of personal faith and surrender, reinforcing the idea that every divine intervention, however challenging, is ultimately a personalized act of love and guidance for the individual’s spiritual journey.