Photo by Olesya Grichina
Lauren Daigle is gaining more and more popularity over the radio soundwaves, in sales, and concert tickets. She is also gaining more Berean Test reviews! Thus far, I have done 4 of them, including Look Up Child, O’Lord, Trust In You, and You Say. With this review of Rescue and future entry Come Alive (Dry Bones), I will have reviewed 6 songs at the end of March.
Up to this point, her lyrics have rated from average to high marks. Let’s see how Rescue stacks up to her previous work.
Note to new users: This is a different kind of review site! Read About the Berean Test and Evaluation Criteria prior to reading this review.
1. What message does the song communicate?
This is yet another “Jesus as my boyfriend” song with the same boring trappings as previously reviewed songs under this style. I believe Daigle was going for a song from God’s perspective; However, without any clear indication that she means God, it is easily interpreted as a lover rescuing his girl from further violation given that her innocence was stolen. He would send armies to save her and become her defense, her protector, her knight in shining armor. In fact, this interpretation proves more likely than she intended.
There is also the added issue of rescue itself. What are we rescued from? Brokenness and hopelessness, according to Verse 1. Is this due to sin or circumstances? If the former, then very good. But, if the latter, than this leaves a wrong impression upon listeners. Neither are clear from these lyrics.
The message itself is highly positive with scant repetition, Chorus 2 building on Chorus 1 with added lines, though ambiguous in its meaning.
Score: 5/10
2. How much of the lyrics line up with Scripture?
Given the severe lack of clarity on the identity of “I”, this section will assume God and incur a 2 point penalty. Under this assumption, most of the lyrics are Biblically sound, with two instances of ambiguity and another line that is biblically incorrect.
Lyrics posted with permission.*
[Verse 1]
You are not hidden
There’s never been a moment
You were forgotten
Given that God is speaking, the “you” here is either mankind as a whole or a particular individual, perhaps Daigle herself. There are at least two ways we can interpret this:
- In the intellectual sense, forgetting is an impossible task for God given that He is omniscient (1 Kings 8:39, 1 Chronicles 28:9, Psalm 44:21, Psalm 139:4, Psalm 147:4-5, Isaiah 40:28, Matthew 10:30, John 16:30 [reference to Jesus], John 21:17 [reference to Jesus], Acts 1:24, Hebrews 4:13, and 1 John 3:20).
- In the relational sense, God is our protector and defender, something described in more detail in Verse 2.
You are not hopeless
To put it in reverse, you (we) have hope, though Daigle does not describe what this hope is or how one may attain it.
Though you have been broken
Your innocence stolen
There are two valid interpretations:
- It can refers to sin, which is the breaking of God’s laws, commandments, or both (1 John 3:4). It means to miss the mark, something all of us have done (Romans 3:23).
- An evildoer forced themselves on the innocent party (rape is a prominent example), stealing their innocence that they had.
[Pre-Chorus 1]
I hear you whisper underneath your breath
I hear your SOS, your SOS
SOS means “Save Our Ship”, but is now recognized as a universal cry for help. God promises to hear our request, so long that we ask in accordance to His will (1 John 5:14-15). Jesus makes a similar sentiment in John 14:14, which has the same undertone when He says “in my name”.
[Chorus 1]
I will send out an army to find You
In the middle of the darkest night
It’s true, I will rescue you
There is at least one instance where God sent an army to rescue the prophet Elisha from an oncoming threat (2 Kings 6:8-23); However, what God sent to find us was not a rescue party, but His only begotten Son: Jesus (John 3:16).
It is not clear what we are being rescued from or to from these lyrics. Verse 1 tells us that we are rescued from hopelessness and brokenness; However, is this due to personal sin or circumstances outside of our control? Daigle does not clarify this issue.
[Verse 2]
There is no distance
That cannot be covered
Over and over
In other words, nothing can separate us from God’s love (Romans 8:31-39).
You’re not defenseless
I’ll be your shelter
I’ll be your armor
The Bible is replete with references and examples of God as our defense, including Ruth 2:12, 2 Samuel 22:3-4, Psalm 3:3, Psalm 5:11, Psalm 18:30, Psalm 27:1, Psalm 32:7, Psalm 34:22, Psalm 41:2, Psalm 46:1, Psalm 57:1, Psalm 59:1, Psalm 61:3, Psalm 91:1-16, Psalm 118:8, Psalm 121:7-8, Psalm 138:7, Proverbs 18:10, Proverbs 30:5, Nahum 1:7, 2 Thessalonians 3:3, and 1 John 5:18.
[Chorus 2]
I will send out an army to find You
In the middle of the darkest night
It’s true, I will rescue you
Repeats Chorus 1.
I will never stop marching to reach you
In the middle of the hardest fight
The Holy Spirit’s job is to convict us of sin, righteousness, and judgment (John 16:8). It is through this mechanism that God begins His pursuit.
It’s true, I will rescue you
Repeats Chorus 1 line 3.
[Bridge]
I hear the whisper underneath Your breath
I hear you whisper, you have nothing left
See Verse 1, lines 1-3.
[Outro]
Oh, I will rescue you
A derivative of Chorus 1 line 3.
Score: 4/10
3. How would an outsider interpret the song?
While I appreciate Daigle’s positive outlook, as I mentioned in section 1, the boyfriend interpretation is more likely than God. Unbelievers will most likely miss the message she intended, even if it does have a good overall influence. The ambiguities mentioned in sections 1 and 2 compounds these issues.
Score: 3/10
4. What does this song glorify?
The massive vagueness regarding the identity of “I” makes glorification of God hard to come by. I can give brownie points for intent and much Biblical accuracy, but execution highly misses the mark, putting a thick, dark cloud on God’s glory throughout this song.
Score: 4/10
Closing Comments
Rescue is my lowest Lauren Daigle review to date. Her vague sense of God is more likely interpreted as a boyfriend than our Lord and Savior. While it does have some Scriptural soundness when assuming God, the alternative interpretation wins the day, making evangelistic effort more difficult and God’s glorification hard to come by.
I’m sorry to have disappointed you all, but this is what I think.
Final Score: 4/10
Artist Info
Track: Rescue (listen to the song)
Artist: Lauren Daigle
Album: Look Up Child
Genre: Contemporary Christian Music (CCM)
Release Year: 2018
Duration: 3:35
Agree? Disagree? Don’t be shy or have a cow! Calmly and politely state your case in a comment, below.
*Copyright © 2018 CentricSongs (SESAC) See You At The Pub (SESAC) (adm. at CapitolCMGPublishing.com) / Fellow Ships Music (SESAC) / Flychild Publishing (SESAC) / So Essential Tunes (SESAC) All rights reserved. Used by permission.
Updates:
08/01/2019: Commenter B Green makes an excellent point about the ambiguity of rescue. I added the essence of their argument throughout this review, causing a sharp decline, from 6/10 to 4/10.
07/20/2019: Commenter Kristy Barber makes a valid argument for one’s innocence stolen by nefarious individuals, causing me to rework this review. I also noticed that I scored section 4 too low, changing the overall score from 5/10 to 6/10.
Comments
John Schneider
I disagree with your review.
Let’s assume for argument sake that this song isn’t annointed or holy spirit inspired. Then, your boyfriend description is somewhat accurate. If, however, her song is anointed and holy spirit inspired, then it meets a much higher mark than you place on it.
The book of Ruth is a love story representative of a kinsman redeemer. God is coming for His bride the church. If a person has been rescued from the grips of the enemy, they fully get this song. If someone needs hope, they can hear it in the words.
The problem the Pharisees of today have is trying to impose too much on new Christians in messages. Or, too much on the lost. Jesus never preached that way. So, maybe this song wasn’t meant to be for the learned scribe of the day. But for that broken man, woman, or child that needs or has been rescued by God, it means there is hope. And, as for scripture, please read what the enemy said to Jesus in the wilderness (Matt. 4:5-7). From scripture it appears a host of angels could come rescue Christ. So, yes he sent his Son, but don’t underestimate the power of God to send an army out to get the lost one.
We should be thankful for a young woman from the millenial generation singing about Jesus and God. They, meaning that generation, can’t seem to do anything right. Maybe Lauren should just sing old hymns. I mean those have tested time right; led people to the cross for salvation. Just go into some old country church and see the empty pews and noone under 50 to fully appreciate and recognize that those simply don’t work for everyone.
God is once again, as he always has done, using His ways to reach His children. So, you re-write the rescue song to meet all biblical principles and get it out there on the air. But, before you do make sure it’s holy spirit driven and anointed. Because that should be the real Berean test, not the test you gave resulting in low marks.
Finally, go see and hear Lauren in concert. You will most likely see hundreds of teens and 20 somethings coming to Christ and worshipping. Where is that on the Berean test? Impact may be more important than the words themselves.
EDIT BY TASTYWALLET: This is way too difficult to read. I took the liberty of adding paragraph breaks to improve readability. I left everything else alone.
tastywallet
John,
Thank you for your detailed response! I just wanted to let you know that I have read your words in great detail and have thought about them deeply. I agree on much of what you have to say; However, inspiration is not something I can measure. That is perhaps an unfortunate drawback within my review style. I cannot measure if a song is Holy Spirit-inspired or not from simply looking at the lyrics. But, I can tell others what I think.
Ultimately, we must all do our own “Berean Test” and think more carefully about what we listen to. If these lyrics are Holy Spirit-inspired, then great! My review is mistaken. I’m willing to acknowledge that. But, that hasn’t been communicated to me by God. At least, not at this time.
-TastyWallet
Jan Peterson
Well said,Tasty Wallet! I agree with you. I’m a long time Christ follower and this song makes me worship our Lord for His pursuit and faithfulness to us! I believe the words and the singer are annointed by the Holy Spirit. I knew exactly who she was singing about. I know Him and am known by Him.
tastywallet
Jan,
I appreciate the compliment, but was it directed towards me or Kristy?
-TastyWallet
John Schneider
I realized I misspelled “anointed” in the opening. My apologies.
Sandra Reyes
When i very first heard this song, it was clearly Holy Spirit annointed. I didn’t even know Lauren Daigle ‘s music. I was a child when my innocence was taken. Yet, God rescued me. Presently with God at the helm, I’m involved in representing myself in a personal injury case and this song has become my anthem. It speaks to me. The “I” is clearly and strongly God. That is my conviction. God bless.
Elizabeth
In total agreement with you. When you have intimately heard God’s loving, saving voice within your own private struggle, you recognize that same voice reaching out to others who carry His message. The song is anointed beyond words.
TTaft
John, you are spot on! This is one of my favorite songs on her new album BECAUSE of the lyrics and message! Anyone who has ever been in a spiritual battle feels this song! We are in the process of an international adoption and the enemy is waging war against it at every step. This song is PERFECT for us and reminds us to remain steadfast because HE fights for us and will rescue us just as we are trying to rescue our daughter overseas!
Jennifer Hill-Rogers
It seems much of the discussion is about the “boyfriend” issue, but I believe the initial ambiguity is quite intentional, in not only this one, but probably all her songs.
When a person is hearing this song from a worldly perspective, and then it suddenly dawns on them that this is a song about God’s unfailing (for Christ is our redeemer) love for us, well that can be a very powerful moment in a person’s life.
This song speaks not only to the action of God’s Holy Spirit, but to His ‘armies’ of believers in His church, actively working to help other human beings in peril. These warriors range anywhere from missionaries, to volunteers in disaster areas, to individuals reaching out a hand of love to a suffering brother in need. All of these are ways in which God reveals Himself to those whose eyes had yet to be opened. And reminds the rest of, in our darkest moments, that He is still there, regardless of whether or not we have lost sight of Him.
Vince Wright
Jennifer,
Thanks for your comments! God can certainly use Daigle’s music to draw people to Himself. That is His right. This, much like my other Lauren Daigle reviews, perhaps is an opportunity to take the meat and throw away the bones.
-Vince Wright
Elizabeth
I agree with you largely because I experienced God intimately after 48 years of struggle, as a Christian, in a way that “knocked my holy socks off (and continues to do so) and delivered me from a life of internal/external battle. The “voice” she used was that of the voice that loved me well and counsels me today. Not everyone is going to get it and I can see the value/’fear’ in what they say as it also shows profound reverence for His perfect holiness.
Justin Severson
By being vague and without clear identification it is as if a cross genre is the attempt: to be a top 40 and Christian hit? Amy Grant once imposed this song. It could be like the Fray: you found me, which mention’s God once in the song. I hope this is not the intent!
Kristy Barber
As a single woman over 50 I LOVE this song for the feeling I get of being loved by God. It never occurred to me that it had anything to do with a boyfriend. Boyfriends do not send out armies to rescue a girlfriend.
You also say:
“Though you have been broken
Your innocence stolen
Refers to sin, which is the breaking of God’s laws, commandments, or both (1 John 3:4). It means to miss the mark, something all of us have done (Romans 3:23).
The issue with this line is that sin is our choice. We take away our own innocence when we break God’s laws. It is not stolen from us as Daigle puts it given that stealing is within our control.”
I do not see that line as you do. I believe that innocence can be stolen (children who have been abused and molested, victims of violence, infidelity, etc.). It is from the sin of others, but I believe that saying that the loss of innocence can only be our fault is incorrect.
tastywallet
Kristy,
Thank you for speaking up! While I agree with your comments about innocence (I will update my review), I still believe the rest of the lyrics provide ample evidence for an unintended boyfriend interpretation. I understand that is not what Daigle intended, but I review lot of songs that sound like this, so I suppose I cannot help but see it in this vein.
-TastyWallet
Kelli Schrand
All I can respectfully say to tasteywallet is:
Pray about it!This is obviously a spirit filled song that touches spirit filled people🙌
If others interpret it in a matter “that is not intended”then that is NOT on the person singing it…it’s on the one NOT understanding the intention!Big prayers for you.💙
tastywallet
Kelli,
Thanks for your concern! Can you explain in more detail what I have misunderstood?
-TastyWallet
Greg Smith
Two comments:
One, I did not pick up the “boyfriend” reference until I read your review. For example, “There’s never been a moment you were forgotten” seems supernatural to me.
Two, I agree with Kristy regarding the issue of stolen innocence. I am not ignoring the reality of the sins we choose and the consequences that come with them, but there is ample anecdotal evidence of stolen innocence. While children are the most vulnerable, there are people of all ages who have been violated against their will.
My $.02 – thanks for the time you put into the review process.
tastywallet
Greg,
Thanks for your two cents! I agree with you and Kristy about the stolen innocence and will update this review shortly. Since Kristy mentioned it first, she gets credit! 🙂
As far as boyfriend interpretation, it seems to me most of the evidence points in that direction, although I do understand Lauren Daigle’s intent. “There’s never been a moment you were forgotten” could certainly be supernatural, but it could also be an exaggeration.
-TastyWallet
Elizabeth
What so many long time believers do not understand is the particular time and generation we are in. As a recovered addict/ late in life delivered individual, that was always a “Christian”, it is clear that the Lord needs to speak in a different way to reach this generation. “Old School” burned it’s bridges long ago. I spent my entire lifetime trying to sort out religion and what I was dealing with at home and internally. In the same way, the youth of this generation (my children included) have had a hard time relating to the Western Church in the past 50 or so years as humanity has become increasingly broken and infected with generational sin. (not to mention so many Christians, myself included were VERY confusing role models for the faith we attempted to influence our children with. God has been working double time on us!) It is not surprising if today’s young believers are “singing” in a way that seems foreign to the older set. You can’t put God in a box. God is moving in an INCREDIBLE way and has been doing so for about the last 9 years. Things are changing and Holy Fire is powerfully present.
From my own experience re how the Lord rescued me, I can attest to Lauren’s words and message that are deeply rooted in Jesus’s understanding of each of us personally; where the adversary has taken humanity; the extensive collateral damage done leading to the alarming degree of people in spiritual bondage; the failure of man and religion in the name of “Church” …vs the intended RELATIONSHIP we were meant to have with Him. Her language and symbolism in this video speaks to the language of the generation today. This is God who knows us intimately and how to reach us best and YES, He will go to lengths that are beyond our imagination to rescue, release and restore the damage done by the influences of darkness . And, it is clear that the Lord is doing so in a rate of process that is much faster than my generation who went to years of therapy, groups, etc you name it. It is in fact, answered prayer as well!
And don’t forget- “Where sin increased, grace abounded all the more!”
Don’t be weary in prayer; keep at it; watch for God’s answers, and remember to be thankful when they come.- Colossians 4:2
tastywallet
Elizabeth,
Thank you for sharing your experiences! I appreciate that.
-TastyWallet
Elizabeth
You are very welcome!
Lester Hon
After many years of listening to old school Christian songs of which condemned each and every single thing even thoughts that came into my mind. I had become a bored old man. Songs that threatened me with hell if I didn’t measure up( who of us does measure up) I need songs of hope. I found a radio station and this song came on. I broke out in tears. Not looking for a mate been married to long. After having been abused ( my mother beat me like a dog starting at 3 years old) I needed rescued. So much bad in my life has happened since. Yes sin still exists in me. I have recently discovered that sin abounds but grace abounds much more. Is sin what man says or what GOD says? I am 71 when I was a little child sin was going to a movie playing cards dancing drinking beer anything that was even close to enjoying life. JESUS wants us to have life and have it more abundantly. It is writen it’s not what goes into the mouth but what comes out that’s sinful. Sin is to me now unforgiveness so even not forgiving a slight transgression is a sin. I need the love of our GOD. I need to be loved enough that he would pursue me through the darkness and my hardest fights. I sin in my thoughts daily try as I might I can’t overcome them on my own. So I beg HIM to come to my RESCUE me.I believe in his Mercy. This song tells me I have that and am forgiven. How many songs do that? Very few. I think this song deserves 9/10.
Barb
Hebrews 13:8
Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.
Elizabeth
Yes- He absolutely is. And He understands us each in ways beyond the limitations of man’s mind aka the woman at the well. He knows our thoughts, our hurts, our hang ups- everything about us and is able to completely save; to RESCUE, release and restore as He did me. Lauren’s manner of expression in the song was reminiscent of the very love that delivered me!
B Green
Wow, reading the comments was very interesting, showing that different hearers hear different things. I went looking for a review because I had some concerns about the interpretation of this song. As I was singing the lyrics, it dawned on me that while it all sounds wonderful to be rescued from all trouble, God does not promise to rescue us from everything (other than when we leave this troubled earth). I think about the person who enduring abuse, the one suffering with a debilitating illness or disease, the one in constant physical pain, the one who was kidnapped and sold into sexual slavery, the one beaten, imprisoned or tortured for believing in Jesus Christ. Many of these only escape the trouble/fight through death. God never promised to “rescue” us from all of these things, but did promise to be “with us” through all of these things. And God “marching to meet you in the middle of the hardest fight” – if the Holy Spirit is living within me, then no marching any distance is necessary. God is already right here with me!
So if the song writer is only referring to God rescuing from sin, then okay. But if the intention is to make me believe that whatever troubling circumstance I am in, God with pull me out of it rather than help me endure until the end of it, then I would probably have rated the song even lower. Yes, it seems very picky, but do we want our music to just be encouraging or do we want it to also be truthful, not misleading?
tastywallet
B Green,
Thanks for your thoughts! My commentary stated that we are rescued from hopelessness and brokenness, so I lean towards sin in my interpretation. But, I also think you have a point, that hopelessness and brokenness could also refer to circumstance, leaving the wrong impression to some who listen.
I updated my review with some of your commentary in my own words and rescored the review.
-TastyWallet
Elizabeth
Wonderful insights! By the look on her face even at the end of the video, it did not seem to be sending a message of joyous rescue from difficult life circumstances. She looked deeply pained and soulfully tired. It spoke to me of how I felt at times during my life while seeking the Lord as one who’s soul needed to be rescued from great distress, and in addition, life circumstances feeling like a prison. True rescue is of the spirit, while circumstances may or may not change. That is the the meaning of finding the great treasure, or the Pearl of Great Price. The symbolism in the end which seemed to reference Isaiah 1:18 is also speaking to our Spiritual condition, not rescue from life’s difficulties.
tastywallet
Elizabeth,
Thanks for your insights! I had not seen the video, but after watching it for myself, this furthers my resolve in updating this review.
-TastyWallet
Elizabeth
You’re welcome! Yes, the video has as much if not even more of a message than the words themselves. The other aspect that many would not catch if they have not experienced the Lord coming to them in a deeply personal, life altering way, is Lauren does an astounding job at expressing His “voice”. After all, Jesus is the Bridegroom of His “Church”; His Bride. When you think about it, (or perhaps have experienced it), this is a profoundly intimate relationship.
T Stroup
B Green,
I agree with your post about this, and even many other Christian songs.
I was a victim of incest that lasted over 15 years then I was emotionally and mentally abused by my two husbands. In the last 5 years I have been recovering from my last divorce along with ovarian cancer at the same time. Although I know God has always been with me, I can also attest that he does not always rescue us from present circumstances.
My position as someone who has been manipulated with half truths, even spiritual half truths has left me not wanting more of the same in anything I reach out to spiritually. That includes the church I attend, bible studies, and even music. Gods word is sufficient for all people of all times. I notice that many people describe how they “ feel” when hearing this song. We are told to put no confidence in the flesh and therefore can not lean on our feelings to define truth. I “felt” like my husband really loved me despite the abuse only to realize in the end it was a lie through and through.
Oh, by the way, my husband sang a lot of this type of songs to me as if they were love songs. I think that proves the boy friend theory.
TS
worshipissomuchmorethansinging
I always wonder who the audience of some of these songs are for. Yes, a mature Christian can interpret and understand what she is saying. However, I personally think she is trying to write some songs for mainstream radio, not Christian. The song Is more likely to be played as it does not mention God in every line, where a secular audience might turn off and say, Jesus Freaks.
However, if this is written as a congregational song for the church to sing then I worry, Christians might not all interpret it correctly. Churches have new believers and older wiser in their congregations. Asking us to fully understand a song without an explanation of lyrics can be hard.
Catchy tunes are not always a good measure of a good song.
tastywallet
worshipissomuchmorethansinging,
That is my concern as well. I have been watching America’s Got Talent recently and noticed her song “You Say” played often, used in the context of human relations. Some might call this cross-promotional platforming, that Christianity is getting its foot in the door to mainstream. However, it could also be a sign that, perhaps, we have fallen away from solid Scriptural music.
-TastyWallet
Barb
I agree
worshipissomuchmorethansinging
Very true. But this seems to be happening more with Christian music being the hook to catch the fishers of men.
Personally I don’t buy it. Remove the amazing music and what is left 🤷🏻♂️.
Reminds me of the song ‘coming back to the heart of worship’
Deborah Peal
Whatever the writer felt I strongly identify with the “I” being God. I have been through to bouts of cancer with my husband. In the middle of the night I cried out to only God. Both times he sent his Army. God is Faithful and hears the cries of his own. Love the song and her voice is Angelic. Music sometimes over powered her voice! GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME!
W brim
Perhaps this song leads poeple to Christ who have experienced violence of some sort. Like the song healing hand by lauren crawford. For some are hurt so deeply that they are mad at God for what happened. And wonder why? Why would God allow this? When he actually is the healer and the protceor. So for some this song is good. Biblically does it not say the he will lead us to sill water. Or oh my strength O my Strength, I will watch for you, for you, O God, are my fortress.
Psalms 59:9 Samuel 22:2 psalm 144:2 psalms 18 :2 psalm 48 :3.
And the armies of Angels when his people were out numbered.
He does rescue. After all does he not save his people.
tastywallet
W brim,
Thanks for your comments! I noticed a lot of expression of “Lauren Daigle is Holy Spirit gifted”, or “this song is clearly Holy Spirit anointed” without actually addressing the article in question and why I might be mistaken. This post of yours does give some Scripture for a position that God is a healer and protector for the Israelite people and I do not disagree with that stance or Daigle’s intention for that purpose. My main issue is regarding the intrinsic clarity of her word choice.
I am certain that many will be blessed from these lyrics, and perhaps it is clear to some. However, my goal is to arrive at the most reasonable conclusion based on the lyrics posted, without outside influence and regardless of what Daigle intended. What I see are lyrics that could possibly refer to God or a boyfriend, without a clear distinction between the two possible interpretations. I tend to lean towards the boyfriend interpretation when there is no discernible attributes or acts of God within the lyrics.
-TastyWallet
Seraph Wise
My nephew just committed suicide 2 weeks ago. This song echoes “ hold on, hope, I AM coming to save you”. I don’t think it even means from our circumstances but that given if we place our trust in Jesus he will transform the way we think Roman’s 12:2 and is able to turn sorrows into joy (numerous biblical reference lbs in OT & NT. If there were more songs out there like this that speak to the hurting even on mainstream radio. It would be worth it to save 1 soul that is contemplating suicide. I was speaking to a nonbeliever who has struggled with depression, who tried consoling me. He told me that a seriously depressed person will resort to anything “even thinking about God” to stop the pain. Had my nephew heard this song on the radio it is possible the Holy Spirit could had convicted him. I see only positive, hopeful lyrics coming from song.
tastywallet
Seraph,
I am so sorry to hear about your nephew! You have my condolences.
I did admit in section 1 that this is a positive message! My issues with it lie within its clarity in terms of identification of “You” and that which we are rescued from/to. These are mostly theological in nature, but I can see its usage in terms of emotional healing, even if ambiguous.
-TastyWallet
Bill
Eyes to see .ears to hear. Be blessed to understand. Jesus christ is the answer hear what you hear. see what you see .may god bless you one and all . Bmartin1
Vince Wright
Bill,
I’m not sure what that has to do with my review but…thanks? God bless you too.
-Vince Wright
debralwallace
I actually googled this to read another person’s interpretation because I found the lyrics troubling for the same reason – the lack of clarity bothers me, and I HATE songs sung from God’s perspective. I think it’s dangerous both to be singing as God (presuming on his holiness) and for singers to put themselves in the place of God. This song bothers me if it’s from God’s perspective and it bothers me if it’s from a human perspective. Basically I completely agree with you.
Vince Wright
debralwallace,
Thanks for the support! I appreciate that.
I am not nearly as bothered by songs sung from God’s perspective, so long as it is 100% accurate. Old Testament prophets spoke for God and we, as Christ-followers, are His ambassadors. They were put to death if they errored while speaking for God. It ought to be treated with reverence and not taken lightly.
-Vince Wright
Jerry
You seem to be a legalist with the typical interpretation that while God created us as both rational and emotional that He will only relate to us when we think and not when we feel.
You are wrong. God relates to our whole being. Jesus Christ call us to take on his whole mind and he offers us an example of a God in our flesh fully dedicated to truth and still knowing all of how feelings. I treasure Him because he does both. I treasure Him because when I was lost in total darkness, He sent an army. When I said that I was done He marched into my hardest test and carried me out. That was 30 years ago. I am now 68 and He is still my Savior, my God and my passionate rescuer. I know this song, it happened to me and it is consistent with the God which I see in the Bible. The God I call to. If you are so critical, you have never been far enough in the darkness to know the truth this expresses. I hope it never gets that dark for you. But if it does, listen to this old man. Call to Him it is true, He will rescue you.
Vince Wright
Jerry,
I appreciate your concern! I am all for God relating to us on an emotional level, so long as the message is clear. It is the clarity (or rather, lack thereof) to which I take exception. I did not criticize Lauren Daigle’s Rescue due to its emotional elements.
-Vince Wright
Barb
What army are you talking about? He is God. He doesn’t need an army
Scott Shaffer
Vince Wright,
I understand the desire of evaluating Christian songs from a secular point of view, to see if the message is pointing to God. However, I can’t help but be reminded of the parable of the sower. In this particular case the singer is the sower and the lyrics(which are a message from an unstoppable rescuer, I only know one of those) are the seed being sewn. In that parable the sower doesn’t know how the seed will grow, only that it must be planted to do its work. The soil is the person who receives the message. What happens from that point forward is up to the condition of the receivers heart and whether or not God is calling to them. Regardless of whether you agree or disagree with the way the lyrics were written, the seed that they plant can grow, without the person hearing even knowing. Later on it will produce a thirst for the living water that only Christ can provide. All who, believe and follow God, are sowers. However, very few of our seeds appear, on the surface, to be God inspired. We should be very careful when we try to decide if the tool that God could use, is fit for God’s work.
P.S. To Barb “Listen for the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees.”
Vince Wright
Scott,
Thank you for your comments!
I am not sure if you have examined my criteria prior to reading my review. In it, I explain that God can use songs for His glory, despite my criticism. My commentary on section 3, the “outsider test”, is on my view on the likelihood of their interpretation of its lyrics.
Finally, the seed is the Word of God, not song lyrics. Its reflection of the seed is dependent on how much it agrees with Scripture, clearly communicating what God’s Word has to say. That is the heart of section 2.
-Vince Wright
Jennifer Konie
I came because I wanted to see if there was information about the lyrics speaking of “I will find you…”. To me, that doesnt make sense. God does not need to find anyone. Nothing can separate us from His love.
Vince Wright
Jennifer,
‘
Thank you for your challenge! Yes, it is true that God does not need to find anyone. Yet, He chooses to rescue us. He does so because He loves us, not out of need. It says in Romans 5:6-8 that Christ died for us while we were sinners, so I am OK with the concept of God seeking/finding lost sinners.
My issue is Daigle usage of it, without a clear rescuing from or to, as I laid out in the prior paragraph (from lost sinner to rescued saint).
-Vince Wright
GrannyB
Agree! Scriptures tell us to seek God with our whole heart.
David
I recently have been in the fight for my life. This song gave me so much hope. God did send an army out to me. They were other believers who surrounded me with prayer and wisdom from Gods word. I personally don’t see the boyfriend thing in the song. But I guess because I’m a believer in Jesus Christ I automatically went to his word to equate the lyrics. Keep doing the reviews. I think it is a great platform. Thank you. Praise the Lord
Vince Wright
David,
Thank you for sharing your thoughts! I am glad Daigle’s song helped you.
-Vince Wright
Marie Palecek
As a believer who has been rescued from the darkest night by God’s army of fellow believers, possible angel unawares, His Spirits whispers to my whispers to emerge with a greater awareness and and appreciation for My Father’s love … this song ministered to me countless nights as I looped it until my tears of sorrow were cleansed into tears of joy. Once safe in My Fathers arms so I could fall asleep. I believe all Scripture is God breathed. But it is also alive and active … still breathing. Inspiration inspires. It reveals God’s heart. This song clearly did that for me. I never saw a boyfriend. And never knew one who could deliver what this song promises. I believe God is alive. I believe He still moves stones … especially stone hearts. Every boyfriend will fail to uphold the promises in this song. But Our God will never fail. I appreciate your Biblical bias. I really do. But my God lives … and is actively seeking and rescuing and comforting His people…especially the lost or brokenhearted. Thanks for helping us think past the lyrics. But open your eyes to what God might be saying through this song
By the way … the melody really soothed my soul too.
Vince Wright
Marie,
Thank you for your testimony! God can certainly use any song to minister to people regardless of what I think about it. That is certainly the case here. It is important to think about what God is saying, but it’s also important to think about the clarity of the message. It is this balance that I aim for in my reviews.
-Vince Wright
Elizabeth
Yes! I appreciate what you have so perfectly shared! God still speaks and so many do not grasp this biblical truth as they think God only speaks through scripture. Jesus is alive today in all who live IN Him and speaks in ways intimately needed by each individual not only though us to each other, but also in a multitude of ways!. My experience is exactly as you say!
Joe M
If we do assume that “I” in the song is God and “you” is the person singing the song, then the lyrics in the first verse become extremely problematic and borderline heretical, as “Your innocence stolen” reeks of Pelagianism.
Vince Wright
Joe,
Thank you for your comment!
Pelagianism is a theological position that rejects original sin. It teaches that mankind has the freewill to shape their own destiny, including the possibility of living a sinless life apart from the grace of God. While Pelagianism is heterodoxy that is contrary to Scripture, I do not see how “Your innocence stolen” in reference to humans would align with that view. Perhaps you can explain?
-Vince Wright
Joe M
Sure, the line could be interpreted that we were born innocent and had that stripped away from us when we sinned. Though it may be a stretch, that’s what came to my mind when I read that line.
MS
I am going to be singing this song in about a week for my choir concert. It will be a solo and I am very nervous that I will somehow mess up, nut to be honest, I am mainly worried about what others will think of me, my singing abilities, and the song in general. This is the first time I’ve had a solo more than 5 measures, so please pray for me. Thank you so much.
Nell
Child trafficking. This song is for all the children around the world, stolen from their homes and stored in underground tunnels, shopping containers and basements. Please everyone – pray that God would deploy his best warriors to intervene and save these children. He hears their SOS from underneath their breath. He will send out an army to find them in the middle of the darkness.