Not the Time, Not the Place Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
Marvin Sapp's "Not the Time, Not the Place" is a powerful anthem of perseverance and faith, released in 2018. The song directly addresses moments of despair and urges listeners not to succumb to feelings of defeat or envy. It establishes a clear boundary against giving up, questioning one's spiritual path, or abandoning hope, emphasizing that current struggles are not the final destination but merely a part of the journey. The initial verses and chorus lay the groundwork by acknowledging that life encompasses both victories and losses, joy and pain, framing these experiences not as random occurrences but as integrated aspects of God's overarching plan.
Central to the song's message is the imperative to "hold on" and "be strong," coupled with the core instruction to "believe in the faith" and "learn how to wait." This speaks to the discipline required in challenging times – the need to anchor oneself in spiritual conviction and trust in divine timing rather than immediate circumstances. It underscores that waiting is not passive idleness but an active posture of trust and reliance on a higher power. The repetition of this theme throughout the song serves as a firm, consistent reminder during trials.
The song transitions to a declaration of God's character and His readiness to intervene in the lives of those in need. It paints a vivid picture of divine compassion and capability, stating there is "still hope for the hopeless," "life for the lifeless," and emphasizing that God is a "friend to the friendless." The lyrics assure that help is available for the "helpless," a home for the "homeless," and that broken pieces can be mended. This section offers tangible hope by highlighting God's specific attributes as a provider of peace, sweetness, restoration, and blessings. It serves as a direct answer to the struggles mentioned earlier, reinforcing the reason *why* one should hold on and wait.
This message resonates deeply with various scriptural themes. The call to endure aligns with passages like James 1:2-4, which speaks of trials producing perseverance, and Romans 5:3-5, linking suffering to perseverance, character, and hope. The emphasis on waiting on God is a recurring motif in the Psalms (e.g., Psalm 27:14: "Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord"). The declarations of God's help for the needy reflect His character as described throughout scripture, such as in Psalm 34:18 ("The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit") or Isaiah 61:1 ("He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted..."). The song effectively weaves these biblical principles of faith, perseverance, divine timing, and God's restorative power into a contemporary and relatable expression of encouragement. The repetition of the chorus and the "Wait" refrain in the latter part of the song serve as a final, persistent call to trust in God's plan, reinforcing that surrendering to despair is "Not the Time, Not the Place."
![Not the Time, Not the Place Lyrics - Marvin Sapp]()
