It feels so good to make it this far
And I didn't think I could take it so long
There were days I wanted to quit
I said surely this is it but I held on
And I watched as so called friends turn and walk away
It hurt so much I didn't have words to say
But even when my day turns to night and nothin' seems just right
Lord, I thank You for, for my life
For my life, Lord, I thank You
For every victory in You I've seen
And all the moments I know it was You who kept me
So I thank You for, for my life
And I watched you take my family from there to here
And when times where a lil' rough, God, I know You were near
And the moments I thought I'd fail, I was reminded of your nails
So I held on
And if I never live to see another day
There is nothin' I would change or take away
I've had so many ups that they far outweigh my downs
Lord, I thank You for my life
For my life, Lord, I thank You
For every victory in You I've seen
And all the moments I know it was You who kept me
So I thank You for, for my life
I realized some didn't make it
I could've been one of the ones who lost my way
And there was times, Lord, I knew I almost went crazy
But I'm still here with my life
For my life, Lord, I thank You
For every victory in You I've seen
And all the moments I know it was You who kept me
So I thank You for, for my life
It may not be all that I hope for
And every dream has not yet been realized
And to see Your face one day, God
I know it's all gonna be worth it
Yeah, yeah
So I thank You, thank You for every mountain, every valley
God, everythin' You brought me through, thank You
I know, I know it was You
Just wanna take the time to say thank You Jesus, for my life
Smokie Norful - Dear God (Live)
Dear God Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
Smokie Norful's song "Dear God," as captured in the live performance video released in June 2009, is a profound expression of gratitude rooted in the journey through life's challenges. The lyrics unfold as a personal testimony, beginning with an acknowledgment of simply having endured difficult times, reflecting on moments of wanting to give up but choosing to persevere. This initial feeling of making it through is colored by the memory of wanting to quit, highlighting the depth of the struggle overcome.
A significant aspect of the narrative involves navigating relationships, specifically the pain caused by "so called friends" who turned away. This betrayal adds another layer to the hardship faced, demonstrating that external human factors contributed to the trials. Despite this hurt and the experience of days turning dark when nothing felt right, the central theme emerges: thankfulness for life itself. The song emphasizes gratitude not only for existing but specifically for "every victory" attributed to a higher power and the moments of divine preservation.
The lyrics extend this gratitude to the well-being of family, noting a transition from one state to another and recognizing a divine presence even when circumstances were difficult. A powerful moment of reflection connects personal moments of feeling like a failure to the remembrance of "your nails," referencing the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, which served as motivation to hold on. This spiritual anchor is presented as a crucial source of strength during times of doubt and weakness.
Looking ahead, the song declares an unwavering acceptance of the life lived, stating that if there were no more days, nothing would be changed or taken away. This acceptance is justified by the perspective that the positive experiences ("ups") have significantly outweighed the negative ones ("downs"). The chorus reinforces this core message of thanksgiving for life, acknowledging divine intervention in achieving victories and being sustained through difficulties.
Further introspection reveals a recognition of vulnerability and the reality that not everyone survives their struggles or avoids losing their way. The singer reflects on having potentially been one of those who didn't make it or even "almost went crazy," underscoring the awareness that continued existence and sanity are not guaranteed but rather seen as a blessing. Being "still here with my life" is presented as a direct reason for gratitude.
The song concludes by acknowledging that current reality may not align perfectly with hopes and dreams, and that certain aspirations remain unrealized. However, there is a future-oriented hope centered on the anticipation of seeing God face to face, believing that this ultimate encounter will validate and make "all gonna be worth it." The final verses reiterate deep thankfulness for navigating every hardship, symbolized by "every mountain, every valley," attributing the journey through these challenges solely to divine guidance and support, culminating in a heartfelt "thank You Jesus, for my life." This song aligns with scriptures such as Philippians 4:11-13 regarding contentment and strength through Christ, 1 Thessalonians 5:18 urging thankfulness in all circumstances, and Romans 8:28 on God working all things for good for those who love Him, highlighting themes of perseverance, divine sustenance, and gratitude found throughout Christian scripture.
