MercyMe - Even If Lyrics
Lyrics
They say sometimes you win some
Sometimes you lose some
And right now, right now I'm losing bad
I've stood on this stage night after night
Reminding the broken it'll be alright
But right now, oh right now I just can't
It's easy to sing
When there's nothing to bring me down
But what will I say
When I'm held to the flame
Like I am right now
I know You're able and I know You can
Save through the fire with Your mighty hand
But even if You don't
My hope is You alone
They say it only takes a little faith
To move a mountain
Good thing
A little faith is all I have right now
But God, when You choose
To leave mountains unmovable
Give me the strength to be able to sing
It is well with my soul
I know You're able and I know You can
Save through the fire with Your mighty hand
But even if You don't
My hope is You alone
I know the sorrow, and I know the hurt
Would all go away if You'd just say the word
But even if You don't
My hope is You alone
You've been faithful, You've been good
All of my days
Jesus, I will cling to You
Come what may
‘Cause I know You're able
I know You can
I know You're able and I know You can
Save through the fire with Your mighty hand
But even if You don't
My hope is You alone
I know the sorrow, and I know the hurt
Would all go away if You'd just say the word
But even if You don't
My hope is You alone
It is well with my soul
It is well, it is well with my soul
Video
MercyMe - Even If (Official Lyric Video)
Meaning & Inspiration
MercyMe's "Even If," released on February 17, 2017, as part of their album *Lifer*, stands as a monumental anthem of faith tested and proven. The song emerges from a deeply personal space, articulating the raw vulnerability of someone grappling with profound loss and disappointment, a universal human experience amplified by the unique pressure of being a beacon of hope for others. It delves into the difficult truth that faith is not merely for the good times but especially for those moments when life unravels, challenging preconceived notions of how God *should* act.
The narrative unfolds with an immediate confession of struggle: the speaker admits to "losing bad" and, despite a history of comforting the broken from a stage, finds themselves unable to offer that solace in their own time of need. This opening establishes a powerful connection with anyone who has faced overwhelming circumstances, feeling stripped of their usual strength and wisdom. It bravely asks the crucial question: what does faith look like when the easy answers disappear, when one is "held to the flame"? This honest wrestling with doubt and pain sets the stage for a profound spiritual declaration, acknowledging the human tendency to question when our expected deliverance doesn't materialize.
At the heart of "Even If" lies a theological core rooted in unwavering trust, a concept beautifully illustrated in the ancient account of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in Daniel 3:17-18. Just as these men declared God was *able* to save them from the fiery furnace but affirmed their devotion "even if He does not," the song proclaims, "I know You're able and I know You can… But even if You don't, my hope is You alone." This is not a passive resignation but an active, resolute choice to anchor hope in the unchanging character of God rather than in the shifting tides of circumstance or the fulfillment of specific prayers. It is a mature faith that acknowledges divine sovereignty, accepting that God's wisdom may choose a path different from our desires, yet His goodness remains constant.
The song further explores the nature of faith by referencing the idea that only "a little faith" can move mountains, found in passages like Matthew 17:20. The speaker candidly admits that "a little faith is all I have right now," an honest reflection that resonates deeply with many who feel spiritually depleted but still choose to cling to what small measure of belief remains. The true test comes with the plea, "But God, when You choose to leave mountains unmovable, give me the strength to be able to sing, 'It is well with my soul.'" This line is incredibly powerful, transforming the well-known hymn "It Is Well With My Soul" into a prayer for internal fortitude amidst external adversity. It's a request not for the removal of the trial, but for the grace to endure it with a peace that transcends understanding, much like Paul's experience of finding contentment in all circumstances (Philippians 4:11-13). It speaks to a peace that comes from the indwelling Holy Spirit, a peace that guards hearts and minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7).
Throughout the song, a deep reverence for God's past faithfulness undergirds the present struggle. The affirmation, "You've been faithful, You've been good all of my days. Jesus, I will cling to You, come what may," serves as a cornerstone of this resilient faith. It’s a powerful reminder that while current difficulties may obscure our vision, reflecting on God's consistent goodness throughout life can strengthen our resolve to trust Him, echoing the Psalmist’s frequent recounting of God's steadfast love (Lamentations 3:22-23). This enduring commitment to cling to Christ, regardless of what the future holds, mirrors the biblical call to perseverance and steadfastness in trials (Romans 8:38-39). The recognition that God could instantly alleviate "sorrow and hurt" with a single word, yet choosing to trust Him "even if You don't," speaks to a profound submission to divine will, reminiscent of Jesus' own prayer in Gethsemane, "Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done" (Luke 22:42). The song concludes with the repeated, profound declaration, "It is well with my soul," not as a naive denial of pain, but as an ultimate statement of spiritual peace that originates not from the absence of trouble, but from the unshakeable presence of God amidst it all. This song serves as a compelling testament to a faith that does not demand answers or specific outcomes, but simply trusts in the goodness and sovereignty of God, offering profound encouragement to anyone navigating life's unmovable mountains.