Kristene DiMarco - Don't Pass Me By Lyrics
Lyrics
I'm sorry for the moments I settled for a lie
And held You at a distance, convinced that I was right
Video
Don't Pass Me By - Kristene DiMarco, feat. Jason Upton | The Field
Meaning & Inspiration
Kristene DiMarco’s "Don't Pass Me By," featuring Jason Upton, released on April 9, 2022, as part of *The Field* project, stands as a profound spiritual declaration, inviting a deep dive into themes of repentance, humility, and an unyielding desire for divine presence. This song isn't merely a musical piece; it's a raw, honest conversation with the Almighty, articulating a journey from self-deception to genuine surrender, a narrative that resonates deeply within the human experience of faith.
The profound meaning behind "Don't Pass Me By" centers on a poignant acknowledgment of human fallibility and the profound need for God's intervention. It begins with an open confession of having "settled for a lie" and holding God "at a distance," mistakenly convinced of one's own rectitude. This mirrors the universal struggle with pride and the subtle ways we can drift from a close relationship with the Divine, trusting our own limited understanding over infinite wisdom. This journey from self-sufficiency to seeking God's mercy is a fundamental aspect of the spiritual path. The plea itself, "Don't Pass Me By," echoes the desperate cry of those in scripture who knew their only hope lay in an encounter with the Lord. We remember the blind man Bartimaeus in Luke 18:35-43, crying out to Jesus, "Son of David, have mercy on me!" His urgent request was a desperate appeal not to be overlooked, a recognition that a singular moment with Christ could change everything. This song embodies that same earnest, vulnerable invitation for divine attention and compassion.
Analyzing the message further, DiMarco, with Upton’s contribution, crafts an anthem of contrite hearts returning home. The admittance of settling for a lie speaks to the myriad ways individuals can compromise their spiritual integrity, chasing fleeting worldly promises or adhering to doctrines of self-reliance that ultimately leave them wanting. Proverbs 3:5-6 wisely instructs us to "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." The song beautifully captures the moment of turning away from leaning on one's own understanding, acknowledging that personal convictions were, at times, barriers to true communion. This moment of revelation aligns with Jeremiah 17:9, which reveals the deceitfulness of the human heart, making the confession all the more powerful. It’s a stripping away of pretense, revealing a soul laid bare before its Maker.
The heart of the song's prayer, "Don't Pass Me By," is not just a request for forgiveness but a fervent longing for intimacy and an active, transforming presence. It’s a spiritual echo of Moses's plea in Exodus 33:15, "If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here." This sentiment underscores that true life and purpose are found solely in God's active involvement, not in merely existing without Him. The song calls listeners to a moment of deep introspection, asking where they might have held God at a distance, convinced of their own way, and inviting them to extend the same plea for divine encounter. It reminds us of God's unchanging nature, His mercies new every morning as Lamentations 3:22-23 assures us, always ready to draw near to those who draw near to Him (James 4:8). This powerful worship expression ultimately encourages a courageous posture of humility and a renewed pursuit of God’s face, knowing that He delights in responding to such earnest invitations, never passing by a truly repentant and seeking heart.