Michael W. Smith - Place In This World Lyrics
Lyrics
The wind is moving
But I am standing still
A life of pages
Waiting to be filled
A heart that's hopeful
A head that's full of dreams
But this becoming
Is harder than it seems
Feels like I'm
Looking for a reason
Roamin' through the night to find
My place in this world
My place in this world
Not a lot to lean on
I need your light to help me find
My place in this world
My place in this world
If there are millions
Down on their knees
Among the many
Can you still hear me
Hear me asking
Where do I belong?
Is there a vision
That I can call my own?
Show me, I'm
Looking for a reason
Roamin' through the night to find
My place in this world
My place in this world
Not a lot to lean on
I need your light to help me find
My place in this world
My place in this world
Lookin' for a reason
Roamin' through the night to find
My place in this world
My place in this world
Not a lot to lean on
I need your light to help me find
My place in this world
My place in this world
Lookin' for a reason
Roamin' through the night to find
My place in this world
My place in this world
Video
Michael W. Smith - Place In This World
Meaning & Inspiration
Michael W. Smith’s "Place In This World," released on January 4, 2010, resonates deeply with the universal human quest for identity and purpose. The song captures a profoundly relatable moment in life when one feels adrift, observing the world's motion while personally standing still, much like an unwritten book yearning for its story to unfold. It articulates the tension between holding onto aspirations and confronting the often-challenging reality of self-discovery, acknowledging that the path of "becoming" is frequently more arduous than anticipated. This sentiment mirrors the spiritual journey many undertake, where divine plans, though promised, require faith and perseverance to fully manifest, echoing verses like Jeremiah 29:11, which assures us of God's intentions for peace, a future, and a hope, even when our present feels uncertain and unscripted.
The core of the song lies in its earnest plea, "Looking for a reason, Roamin' through the night to find my place in this world." This expresses a sincere yearning for direction, a recognition that human wisdom alone is insufficient for navigating life's complexities. The candid admission, "Not a lot to lean on, I need your light to help me find my place in this world," acts as a powerful prayer, surrendering the struggle to a higher power. It's a testament to the fact that while we possess dreams and hope, true guidance originates beyond ourselves. This reliance on divine illumination beautifully aligns with Psalm 119:105, which declares God’s word a lamp for our feet and a light for our path, and John 8:12, where Jesus proclaims Himself the light of the world, offering direction to those who follow Him. The song emphasizes that finding our true position is not about personal achievement alone, but about aligning with the light that reveals God's specific design for each individual.
As the narrative progresses, a profound vulnerability emerges with the question, "If there are millions down on their knees, Among the many, can you still hear me?" This lyric perfectly captures a common human doubt: feeling insignificant in the vastness of creation, wondering if one's individual cry can penetrate the collective noise of prayer. Yet, Scripture consistently reassures us of God's intimate awareness and attentiveness to each person. Matthew 10:29-31 reminds us that God notices even a single sparrow falling and values each one of us far more. He is not a distant, unhearing deity, but a Father who bends His ear to every sincere heart. The subsequent question, "Where do I belong? Is there a vision that I can call my own?" further solidifies the yearning for individual calling and purpose. This desire for a unique role is precisely what the Apostle Paul addresses in 1 Corinthians 12 and Romans 12, explaining that just as a body has many members, each with distinct functions, so too are believers gifted individually within the larger body of Christ. Our "place" is not just anywhere, but a divinely appointed space where our unique gifts and passions can serve His greater vision.
Ultimately, "Place In This World" is more than just a song; it's an anthem of hopeful searching, a prayer for clarity, and a declaration of dependence on divine guidance. It articulates the universal yearning to understand one's significance and contribution, especially in moments of uncertainty. Michael W. Smith masterfully channels this shared human experience into a message that inspires trust in a God who sees, hears, and guides. The repeating refrain serves as a persistent reminder that our search for belonging is not in vain, and that the light we seek is readily available, illuminating the path to the purpose God has carefully orchestrated for each one of us since before time began. Through its simple yet profound lyrics, the song encourages perseverance in seeking God’s face, assuring us that in Him, our questions of "where do I belong?" are met with an unwavering and loving answer.