Pat Barrett - Shelter Lyrics
Lyrics
I know right where I’m turning
When trouble’s on every side
The lesson I keep on learning is I just need You
I may never know every reason
Why things are the way they are
Oh I don’t need all the answers I just need You
Shelter
I need Your shelter
Hide me away from the harm
Away from it all
I’m safe here in Your loving arms
I need Your shelter
Whatever the future’s holding
Whatever tomorrow brings
One thing I know is certain
I just need You
The weight of the world’s falling off my shoulders
I’m letting go, cause I know that You hold it
You care for me more than I even know and
I just need You
Video
Pat Barrett – Shelter (Live In Studio)
Meaning & Inspiration
Pat Barrett's song "Shelter," featured in a "Live In Studio" video released on October 13, 2023, offers a profound message of dependence on God. The song immediately establishes a posture of turning towards a constant source of help when faced with difficulties. It highlights a core truth learned through experience: the ultimate need is for God Himself, rather than complete understanding of life's complexities or the reasons behind challenging circumstances. This theme of needing God above all else is central to the song's message.
The heart of the song lies in the plea for "Shelter." It paints a picture of seeking refuge and protection from harm, finding a secure haven "away from it all" within God's embrace. This imagery conveys a deep sense of safety and peace found in God's "loving arms," emphasizing His protective nature and the security available to those who seek refuge in Him. The repeated request for shelter underscores its vital importance in the journey of faith.
Looking ahead, the song addresses the uncertainty of the future. It acknowledges that tomorrow is unknown and holds unpredictable elements. Despite this inherent uncertainty, there is a foundational certainty declared: the unwavering need for God. This perspective encourages a focus on present reliance rather than anxiety about what lies ahead, grounding hope in the constant presence and sufficiency of God.
The song culminates by illustrating the tangible effect of placing trust in God. It describes the sensation of burdens lifting, the "weight of the world" falling away. This release is possible through a conscious act of letting go, trusting that God is sovereign and holds everything in His hands. The lyrics also speak to the overwhelming reality of God's care, which surpasses human understanding. This realization reinforces the central theme that in every situation, the essential requirement is simply God Himself.
The message of seeking refuge and finding security in God resonates deeply with themes found throughout scripture. The concept of God as a shelter and stronghold is frequently mentioned in the Psalms, such as Psalm 91, which speaks of dwelling in the shelter of the Most High and finding refuge under His wings. Similarly, Psalm 46:1 declares that God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. The idea of casting anxieties on God is found in 1 Peter 5:7, encouraging believers to entrust their worries to Him because He cares for them. The song's emphasis on needing God more than answers or understanding aligns with biblical wisdom found in proverbs and other wisdom literature that points to trusting in the Lord with all your heart rather than relying on your own understanding.