Lydia Laird - How You See Me Now Lyrics
Lyrics
I have been looking, trying to figure this out
This mirror’s got me trapped in fear and self doubt
I’ve held to the ghosts of the things I hate most about myself
If my reflection is a child of the King
It’s a perspective that I need to believe
The truth is You love me more than I could ever love myself
If I could only see how You see me now
I could lose these chains and lay my shame down
You see royalty, the best in me, You’re the kind of love I need
So help me see how You see me, how You see me now
How You see me, how You see me now
How You see me, how You see me now
It’s time for love to take the scales from my eyes
I gotta let truth be the one to decide
Who I am ‘cause You are the One who’s defining me
You define me
You’re the love that comes to seek me out
I’m the one in the ninety-nine You found
You’re the love that comes to seek me out
I’m the one in the ninety-nine You found
And You see me now
Video
Lydia Laird - How You See Me Now (Official Performance Video)
Meaning & Inspiration
Lydia Laird’s "How You See Me Now," released on August 7, 2020, as part of her self-titled album *Lydia Laird*, arrives as a profound spiritual reflection, offering a compelling invitation to shift our perspective from self-condemnation to divine affirmation. This song delves into the universal struggle with self-doubt and fear, articulating the deep human yearning to be seen and valued through God’s eyes. It’s a powerful narrative of discovering identity not in our own flawed reflections, but in the unwavering, unconditional love of our Creator.
The essence of "How You See Me Now" lies in its raw honesty about the internal battle many face. The opening lines immediately confront the painful reality of being "trapped in fear and self-doubt" when gazing into a mirror, holding onto "ghosts of the things I hate most about myself." This sentiment resonates deeply, touching upon the way we often allow past mistakes, perceived failures, or even physical imperfections to define us. Yet, Laird quickly pivots, posing a critical question: if our reflection is indeed "a child of the King," then embracing this truth becomes a necessary act of faith. This perspective shift is foundational, echoing passages like John 1:12, which declares that to all who received Him, He gave the right to become children of God. It's a truth that demands belief, countering the lies of inadequacy with the undeniable reality of divine parentage.
The central plea of the song, "If I could only see how You see me now, I could lose these chains and lay my shame down," speaks directly to the liberating power of God's perspective. The chains mentioned here are not physical, but emotional and spiritual bonds forged by shame, guilt, and self-rejection. When we grasp that God sees "royalty, the best in me," it shatters these chains, allowing us to shed the heavy burden of shame. This vision of royalty is deeply rooted in Scripture, where believers are called a "chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His own possession" (1 Peter 2:9). God's love isn't just accepting; it’s transformative, elevating us to a status far beyond what we could ever imagine for ourselves. It’s a love that enables us to truly believe that we are "more than conquerors through Him who loved us" (Romans 8:37).
Laird further emphasizes that it's "time for love to take the scales from my eyes," a vivid image reminiscent of Saul's conversion in Acts 9, where literal scales fell from his eyes, allowing him to see. Here, the scales are those of distorted self-perception, blinding us to our true worth. The song champions the idea that "truth be the one to decide who I am 'cause You are the One who’s defining me." This highlights a core biblical principle: our identity is not self-determined or socially constructed, but divinely authored. God, who knit us in our mother’s womb (Psalm 139:13), defines our purpose, our value, and our very being. He has plans for us, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future" (Jeremiah 29:11). To allow Him to define us is to anchor our identity in an unchanging, perfect source.
The song culminates with the beautiful assurance that God is "the love that comes to seek me out," beautifully referencing the parable of the lost sheep. The repeated line, "I'm the one in the ninety-nine You found," draws a direct parallel to Luke 15:4-7, where Jesus leaves the ninety-nine to seek out the one lost sheep. This imagery underscores the intensely personal nature of God’s love; He doesn't just love humanity generally, He actively pursues each individual soul. He sees us, knows us, and values us so profoundly that He will go to extraordinary lengths to find us and bring us home. This isn't a passive love; it's an active, relentless pursuit that brings profound comfort and security. "How You See Me Now" is more than just a song; it's a prayer, an anthem, and a powerful declaration of God's redemptive love, inviting us all to embrace the liberating truth of our identity in Him.