Sidewalk Prophets - Keep Making Me Lyrics

Sidewalk Prophets - Keep Making Me (Official Music Video)

Keep Making Me Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration

Sidewalk Prophets' song "Keep Making Me," released with an official music video on May 8, 2014, presents a raw and honest exploration of the process of spiritual transformation. The lyrics articulate a deep desire for God to mold and reshape the individual, even through difficult or uncomfortable experiences. This plea is not for comfort, but for profound internal change that leads to a closer relationship with the divine. The opening verse, asking to be made "broken" so that healing can occur, speaks to the idea that vulnerability and the dismantling of self-sufficiency are prerequisites for God's restorative work in areas where one has become desensitized or "calloused." It expresses a yearning to approach faith with an open heart, free from the defenses that prevent genuine connection.

The theme continues in the second verse with the request to be made "empty" in order to be "filled." This reflects a recognition that personal will and attempts to control one's own life often act as barriers to experiencing God's presence and fullness. Surrendering one's plans and desires is portrayed not as a loss, but as a necessary step towards completion found only in being with God. It highlights the Christian concept that true satisfaction comes from letting go of self-reliance and allowing faith to be the primary source of fulfillment and identity.

The chorus serves as the central declaration of purpose and the continuous prayer of the song. It defines the ultimate goal of this transformation process: for God to become the singular focus and priority in life. To have God as the "one desire," the "one true love," and essentially one's "breath, everything" signifies a total reorientation of priorities, placing faith at the absolute center of existence. The repeated plea, "Lord, please keep making me," underscores that this is not a one-time event but an ongoing journey of refinement and shaping by God. It acknowledges the lifelong nature of spiritual growth and surrender.

The third verse introduces the request to be made "lonely" in order to truly belong to God. This points to the challenge of seeking validation and companionship in worldly relationships or pursuits to the exclusion of prioritizing faith. Asking for loneliness can be understood as a willingness to detach from external dependencies or the need for human approval if those things distract from devotion to God. It expresses confidence that even in moments of isolation or perceived darkness, God's presence provides ultimate security and companionship, fulfilling the deepest needs for belonging in a way that human relationships alone cannot.

The song's message resonates with several biblical concepts. The idea of brokenness leading to healing aligns with scriptures like Psalm 51:17, which speaks of a broken and contrite heart being acceptable to God, and Isaiah 61:1, mentioning healing the brokenhearted. The theme of emptying oneself to be filled by God echoes the principle found in passages like Luke 1:53, where the hungry are filled, and the rich are sent away empty, metaphorically representing spiritual humility and dependence. Paul's words in Philippians 3:8, where he considers everything loss compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ, or Psalm 73:25, stating "Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you," reflect the chorus's desire to prioritize God above all else. The overarching prayer "keep making me" is consistent with the biblical understanding of sanctification, the ongoing process of being made more like Christ, as mentioned in Philippians 1:6, "He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion." The song, combined with its music video, offers an inspirational reflection on the often-difficult but ultimately rewarding path of surrendering control and allowing God to transform one's life completely, aiming for a state where faith is the single most important element.