Sandra McCracken - Flourishing Lyrics
Lyrics
Teach me, oh God to follow your decrees
Give me understanding, your word, I wanna keep
Direct me in the path, of your commands
For there I find delight, my will is in your hands
Chorus
Turn my heart away from worthless things
Preserve my life, according to your ways
Take away disgrace
You hold me in my place--flourishing
Fulfill your promise to the ones you love
Within your ways we walk, for your laws are good
Temptation loses pow'r, my soul's revived
In righteousness, oh God, preserve my life. (Chorus)
Video
Flourishing (Psalm 119)
Meaning & Inspiration
Sandra McCracken’s "Flourishing," released on April 15, 2015, stands as a profound musical meditation on Psalm 119, offering a deeply personal and timeless prayer for divine guidance and transformation. Rather than a mere musical rendition, the song is an earnest cry of the soul, seeking alignment with God's will in every aspect of life. It’s a compelling journey into the heart of Scripture, translating ancient longing into a contemporary expression that resonates with anyone yearning for a life of purpose and peace rooted in faith.
The essence of "Flourishing" lies in its heartfelt petition for understanding and adherence to God's divine instructions. The opening lines immediately establish this longing, pleading, "Teach me, oh God to follow your decrees / Give me understanding, your word, I wanna keep." This isn’t a request for intellectual knowledge alone, but for a profound, practical wisdom that enables one to live out God’s commands daily. It mirrors the spirit of Psalm 119:34, which asks for understanding to keep God's law with the whole heart, underscoring that true obedience flows from a spirit of comprehension and deep commitment. The desire to be "directed in the path, of your commands" speaks to a humility that surrenders personal navigation for divine mapping, recognizing that true delight is found not in self-determination, but where God's will reigns supreme, just as Psalm 119:35 declares, "Lead me in the path of your commandments, for I delight in it."
The core message of the song blooms most vibrantly in its chorus, which becomes a powerful declaration of dependence and aspiration. The prayer to "Turn my heart away from worthless things" is a stark admission of humanity’s susceptibility to distraction and trivial pursuits, directly reflecting the plea in Psalm 119:37, "Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things; and give me life in your ways." This is a petition for spiritual discernment, a turning from fleeting pleasures to enduring truths. The yearning to "Preserve my life, according to your ways" is more than a request for physical safety; it's a desire for the flourishing of one's entire being – soul, spirit, and body – in harmony with God's design. The song's culminating thought, "You hold me in my place—flourishing," paints a vivid picture of stability and vibrant growth. It evokes the imagery of Jeremiah 17:7-8, where those who trust in the Lord are like trees planted by water, yielding fruit and remaining green even in drought, symbolizing a life that thrives irrespective of external circumstances because its roots run deep in divine provision. This flourishing is a holistic well-being, a life lived in purpose and peace, free from the "disgrace" that arises from straying from God's path, a sentiment echoed in Psalm 119:22, "Take away from me scorn and contempt, for I have kept your testimonies."
The second verse further deepens this spiritual commitment, moving from individual prayer to a broader affirmation of God's faithfulness and the transformative power of His word. "Fulfill your promise to the ones you love" expresses a profound trust in God's covenant loyalty, aligning with Psalm 119:38, "Fulfill to your servant your promise, that you may be feared." It acknowledges that God's laws are not burdensome restrictions but good and life-giving principles, leading to the powerful assertion that "Temptation loses pow'r, my soul’s revived." This speaks to the renewing and strengthening effect of Scripture, recalling Psalm 19:7, "The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul." When one's life is steeped in God's ways, the allure of sin diminishes, and the inner spirit is restored and invigorated. The concluding plea, "In righteousness, oh God, preserve my life," encapsulates the entire song's desire: to live a life marked by integrity and justice, shielded and sustained by divine grace. It's a testament to the belief that a life lived in accordance with God's character is a life truly preserved and set apart. "Flourishing" is not merely a song; it's a timeless anthem for spiritual devotion, inviting all who engage with it to embark on their own journey of seeking, understanding, and ultimately, thriving in the boundless wisdom and love of God's decrees.