Matt Maher - Abide With Me Lyrics
Lyrics
I have a home, eternal home
But for now I walk this broken world
You walked it first, You know our pain
But You show hope can rise again up from the grave
Abide with me, abide with me
Don’t let me fall, and don’t let go
Walk with me and never leave
Ever close, God abide with me
There in the night, Gethsemane
Before the cross, before the nails
Overwhelmed, alone You prayed
You met us in our suffering and bore our shame
Abide with me, abide with me
Don’t let me fall, and don’t let go
Walk with me and never leave
Ever close, God abide with me
Oh love that will not ever let me go
Love that will not ever let me go
You never let me go
Love that will not ever let me go
Oh You never let us go
And up ahead, eternity
We’ll weep no more, we’ll sing for joy, abide with me
Video
Matt Maher - Abide With Me (Radio Version) ((Radio Version) [Official Lyric Video])
Meaning & Inspiration
Matt Maher's song "Abide With Me" offers a contemporary expression of dependence on God's presence, drawing inspiration from classic hymns while exploring profound biblical themes. Released in 2016, notably featured in an official lyric video, the song connects the present human experience of walking "this broken world" with the eternal hope found in faith. It acknowledges the reality of pain and struggle, immediately pointing to Jesus who "walked it first," understanding human suffering and demonstrating that "hope can rise again up from the grave."
The core of the song is the repeated plea, "Abide with me, abide with me." This petition is a heartfelt request for God's constant presence and support through life's challenges. The lyrics express vulnerability, asking not to "fall" or be "let go," emphasizing the desire for God to "walk with me and never leave," remaining "ever close." This reflects a deep yearning for divine companionship and strength in the journey of faith.
The song deepens its connection to Christ's suffering by referencing the scene in Gethsemane, "there in the night." Before the crucifixion, described as "before the cross, before the nails," Jesus was "overwhelmed, alone." The lyrics assert that in this profound moment of anguish, Jesus "met us in our suffering and bore our shame." This highlights the belief that Christ's suffering was not only a historical event but a redemptive act that intimately connects Him to human pain and provides salvation. This resonates with biblical accounts of Jesus praying in the garden and bearing the sins of humanity.
A powerful affirmation within the song is the declaration of a "love that will not ever let me go." This phrase, repeated for emphasis, speaks to the unwavering and secure nature of God's love. It provides a foundation of security amidst the brokenness of the world and the moments of feeling overwhelmed. This concept is a central theme in scripture, illustrating God's covenant faithfulness and enduring grace towards His people.
The song looks towards the future, acknowledging "up ahead, eternity." This anticipation brings comfort and hope, describing a future state where "we'll weep no more, we'll sing for joy." This vision of eternal life, free from sorrow and filled with praise, serves as an anchor for believers navigating the present world. It reinforces the temporary nature of current struggles and the glorious promise awaiting those who place their hope in God, culminating in a final plea for God to "abide with me" until that eternal day. This echoes scriptural promises of a new heaven and new earth where God will wipe away every tear.