Newsboys - Live With Abandon Lyrics
Lyrics
Chasing after this world makes me tired
Praising my own name leaves me dry
There’s gotta be so much more to life than this
A higher calling that I missed
I want my life to count, every breath
Chorus
I wanna live with abandon
Give You all that I am
Every part of my heart, Jesus
I place in Your hands
I wanna live with abandon (X2)
I’ll drop everything to follow You
It’s only Your hands I hold onto
There’s gotta be so much more to life than this
A higher calling that I missed
I want my life to count, every breath
Chorus
I wanna live with abandon
Give You all that I am
Every part of my heart, Jesus
I place in Your hands
I wanna live with abandon (X2)
I’m not looking back
I’m done with that
Wanna give You all I have (X2)
Chorus
I wanna live with abandon
Give You all that I am
Every part of my heart, Jesus
I place in Your hands
I wanna live with abandon (X2)
Video
Newsboys - Live With Abandon
Meaning & Inspiration
The Newsboys’ "Live With Abandon," featured on their 2013 album *Restart (Deluxe Edition)*, is more than just an anthem; it’s a powerful call to a life lived fully surrendered to God, a concept deeply rooted in biblical teachings about faith and obedience. The song’s core message encourages listeners to shed the shackles of fear, doubt, and worldly concerns, embracing a bold, uninhibited pursuit of the life God has designed. This is not a passive existence; rather, it’s an active, vibrant engagement with faith, mirroring the disciples’ immediate departure from their livelihoods to follow Jesus, as seen in passages like Matthew 4:20 and 4:22, where they "left their nets and followed him." The urgency and conviction in their response serve as a profound parallel to the song's exhortation to "live with abandon."
The essence of "Live With Abandon" resonates with the biblical principle of trusting God in every circumstance, even when the path ahead is unclear. This unreserved trust finds its echo in Proverbs 3:5-6, which advises, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." The song’s invitation to step out of comfort zones and embrace the unknown with God as the guiding force directly reflects this scriptural assurance. It’s about acknowledging that true freedom and purpose are found not in clinging to what is familiar and safe, but in releasing control to the One who holds all things. This liberation from anxiety and the courage to step forward are also powerfully illustrated by Peter’s willingness to walk on water towards Jesus, as described in Matthew 14:28-29. His initial faith, though faltering, began with an act of bold abandonment.
Furthermore, the song speaks to the idea of fully dedicating one's life and talents to God’s service, without reservation. This selfless devotion is a hallmark of Christian living, as encouraged in Romans 12:1: "Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship." "Live With Abandon" champions this active surrender, urging individuals to pour their energy, passions, and gifts into God’s kingdom, unafraid of what they might lose, because they stand to gain everything. It’s a challenge to embrace the transformative power of God, allowing Him to reshape our lives for His purposes, much like the apostle Paul's declaration in Philippians 3:7-8, where he counted all his past achievements as loss for the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus. This willingness to let go of worldly accolades for a divine calling is the very spirit of living with abandon.