Phil Wickham - Look To Jesus Lyrics

Look To Jesus

Look To Jesus Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration

Phil Wickham’s song, "Look To Jesus," released on June 25, 2021, arrives as a clear and urgent invitation in a world that often feels overwhelming and distracting. At its heart, the song confronts the human tendency to fixate on problems, anxieties, and the chaos surrounding us, and instead, offers a singular, powerful solution: turning our gaze towards Jesus Christ. It’s a simple message, yet profoundly necessary, serving as an anchor point for anyone feeling adrift or burdened by the weight of life.

The song doesn't shy away from acknowledging the reality of troubles – the crashing waves, the rising tides, the things that press in and demand our attention, often to the point of despair. However, its core strength lies not in dwelling on these difficulties, but in providing the biblical answer to them. This echoes the timeless truth found throughout Scripture, perhaps most clearly articulated in Hebrews 12:2, which exhorts us to fix our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. This isn't just a suggestion; it's presented as the fundamental act that reorients our perspective and grounds our hope.

Musically, the song supports this message with an uplifting, steady rhythm and soaring melodies that evoke a sense of rising above the challenges it describes. The soundscape itself feels hopeful and expansive, guiding you toward the very peace and assurance the lyrics promise. The simplicity of the call to "look to Jesus" is amplified by the song's structure and instrumentation, creating an atmosphere of confident faith rather than anxious striving. It reminds us of Isaiah 45:22, where God Himself declares, "Look to me and be saved, all you ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other." The act of looking is directly tied to salvation and finding help.

The profound depth of the song is revealed as it unpacks the *why* behind looking to Jesus. He is presented not just as a distraction from problems, but as the ultimate source of peace, strength, and salvation. This resonates deeply with passages like Philippians 4:6-7, which encourages us, when anxious, to present our requests to God, promising that His peace, which transcends understanding, will guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. The song captures this exchange: letting go of the weight of worry by actively focusing on the One who can bear it all. It also brings to mind the story in Matthew 14, where Peter walks on water as long as his eyes are fixed on Jesus, only beginning to sink when he looks at the storm around him. Our stability is dependent on the object of our gaze.

Furthermore, the song implies the finished work of Christ on the cross, which is the very foundation upon which we can fix our hope. Looking to Jesus means looking to the One who has already overcome the world, sin, and death (John 16:33). His unchanging nature in a constantly shifting world provides an unshakeable foundation, as affirmed in Hebrews 13:8, "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." This enduring truth is what empowers the simple act of looking to Him to bring about profound transformation and peace. The song thus becomes more than just a catchy tune; it’s a spiritual discipline set to music, prompting us to re-center our lives on the only One capable of providing true hope and lasting stability. It serves as a powerful encouragement, directing our attention away from the temporary and turbulent, towards the eternal and steadfast source of all goodness.