Tamela Mann - Lay It On The Altar Lyrics
Lyrics
I don't even know what a problem is
Somebody out there living scared cause of what the doctor said
Told them that they only had two months left, yeah
But I do believe the report of the Lord
Having faith with no fear
Let those miracles in
Sometimes in your life it's just a test
? supply your blessing
Though weapons will be formed
But they will not prosper
And every burden bear
Take and lay it on the altar
Whatever the problem x4
Lay it on the altar x4
Somebody out there needs to know
Cause their house is being foreclosed
Let it go, cause the Lord wants to open new doors
Tell the enemy everything he stole, he can keep
Cause my Father is rich-there's a mansion made for me
I gotta holy co-signer, unlimited Supplier
A generous Provider looking out for me
Just watch it all unfold
You have weapon, too
You got to stay strong
Get your reward!
Whatever the problem x4
Lay it on the altar x4
Whatever the problem x4
Lay it on the altar x4
Even though it seems you lost
There's Someone who paid the cost
Soon as you give Him ?
Tragedies and problems solved
Yo, what's up? I don't even know what a problem is
All you gotta do is lay it down
Lay it down!
Whatever the problem x4
Lay it on the altar x4
Video
Lay It on the Altar
Meaning & Inspiration
Tamela Mann's "Lay It On The Altar," released on November 3, 2009, as a cornerstone of her album *The Master Plan*, emerges not merely as a song but as a profound spiritual directive, addressing the core human experience of burden and the divine invitation to release. From its opening lines, the track dives immediately into the anxieties that grip individuals—be it a daunting medical diagnosis, the threat of financial ruin, or the myriad unseen struggles that weigh heavy on the spirit. Mann’s masterful delivery and the lyrics’ directness paint a vivid picture of these universal challenges, positioning the "altar" as the sole, sacred destination for every concern, a place of spiritual transaction where worry is exchanged for peace.
The song’s narrative unfolds by confronting the fear sparked by human limitations, such as a grim medical prognosis. The lines reflecting someone living "scared cause of what the doctor said" are met with a resounding declaration of faith: "But I do believe the report of the Lord." This powerful pivot immediately anchors the message in a scriptural truth, reminding us that God's report consistently supersedes human predictions and natural circumstances. Isaiah 53:5 beautifully illustrates this, stating that "by His stripes we are healed," offering a divine perspective that encourages steadfast faith over fear. Furthermore, the Apostle Paul's words in Romans 10:17 confirm that "faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God," emphasizing that believing the Lord's report is an active choice to align with His promises, allowing miracles to unfold in our lives. This perspective frames adversity not as an end, but as a test, a prelude to blessing, as suggested in James 1:2-4, which calls us to "count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience."
Mann then powerfully addresses the futility of opposition against a faithful heart, declaring that "though weapons will be formed, but they will not prosper." This echoes the unshakable promise found in Isaiah 54:17, which affirms that "no weapon formed against you shall prosper; and every tongue which rises against you in judgment you shall condemn." It’s a bold statement of divine protection, assuring us that any attack, whether spiritual, emotional, or physical, ultimately holds no power against those who place their trust in God. The central call to "take and lay it on the altar" becomes the practical application of this belief. This imagery is deeply rooted in biblical tradition, where altars were places of sacrifice and surrender. Matthew 11:28-30 extends this invitation directly: "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest... For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." This is the essence of casting all our care upon Him, as instructed in 1 Peter 5:7, because He truly cares for us.
The song broadens its scope to include financial distress, specifically mentioning the fear of foreclosure. Yet, Mann counters this with an assurance that "the Lord wants to open new doors," challenging us to "let it go." This aligns with God’s nature as an unlimited supplier and generous provider. Philippians 4:19 reassures us that "my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus." The declaration, "my Father is rich—there's a mansion made for me," shifts focus from earthly losses to eternal abundance, referencing Jesus' promise in John 14:2 about the "many mansions" in His Father’s house. Having a "holy co-signer" and an "unlimited Supplier" reinforces the boundless nature of God’s resources, emphasizing His commitment to provide beyond our comprehension. This reminds us to not just hope, but to actively watch God’s plan unfold, knowing His provision is limitless.
Crucially, the song also highlights the completed work of Christ. When it states, "Even though it seems you lost, There's Someone who paid the cost," it points directly to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. John 3:16 reminds us of God's immense love, demonstrating that "He gave His only begotten Son," securing salvation and victory over sin, sickness, and sorrow. This payment covers all our problems, removing the sting of perceived loss. Our surrender at the altar is an acknowledgment of His finished work, understanding that through Him, "tragedies and problems solved" become a reality. The song culminates in a powerful personal testimony: "Yo, what's up? I don't even know what a problem is," reflecting the profound peace and freedom that come from fully entrusting everything to God. This isn't denial of issues but a declaration of faith that transcends them, demonstrating a life lived in the unwavering confidence of God's power and provision. It's a triumphant statement of faith, urging every person to embrace the transforming power of laying their burdens down.