This Music Monday will be a bit unconventional. It somewhat diverges from our normal Music Monday guidelines since I want to highlight the main message of the song itself.
This song by Shane and Shane is simple and has ministered to my heart in a simple way. Looking at my baby girl, I do understand what every parent feels about caring for your child’s well-being, wanting them to succeed, and desiring that they have all they need to survive.
The song at its core is a father singing to his daughter about his desire to care for her always. But as he sings of his love and desire for her to be happy, he reminds her that he is not what she ultimately needs for all of eternity. He points her to the all sufficient Christ and the eternal provisions and joys that He brings. He reminds her (and himself) that Christ needs to be her everything.
The song is a good reminder that parents and children should never attempt to take the place that is meant for Christ. The temptation for parents is to try and give (and even be) everything to their children (sometimes vice versa). Even well-intentioned parents who genuinely love their children can sometimes make the mistake of trying to fulfill every need that their child has when that is terribly misleading and spiritually dangerous.
As much as I love my daughter and will do my best to exemplify love and to provide for her, I know that I must always point her to the Christ who fulfills her greatest need: reconciliation with God. I want her greatest affections to be for Christ and Christ alone, and I pray that no human person in her life will be elevated to a place of idolatry. The song has reminded me to not to act as a substitute for Christ in my daughter’s life.
I will ask for your forgiveness in advance since many of my posts will be (and have been) related to fatherhood, parenting, and children. Can’t help but think about this since it is the new season in my life. Take a gander at the song and the lyrics below. You will be blessed!
Hey, Hey, sweet daughter
I’m so proud to be your father
Each day is like a gift from God
Hey, Hey, sweet daughter
there’s no music like your laughter
and your smile is like the rising sun
You know I’ve loved you from the start
So come in close, take my hand
While daddy shares his heart
I wish that I could be your everything
Be the one to give you all the things you need
Sometimes I’m gonna let you down
There’s someone if you just believe
He’ll be your hero like He’s always been for me
Darling, Jesus is the One you need
No matter what you walk through
He will always love you
Just the way you are
For there’s nothing in this world
That I want for my baby girl
than to be happy ever after
The story of your life is still untold
I pray the king of all the universe
would make your heart His home
I wish that I could be your everything
Be the one to give you all the things you need
Sometimes I’m gonna let you down
There’s someone if you just believe
He’ll be your hero like he’s always been for me
Darling, Jesus is the One
Who will never leave, he’s been there all along
Oh when you’re ready, you can find True Love
I wish that I could be your everything
Be the one to give you all the things you need
Sometimes I’m gonna let you down
There’s someone if you just believe
He’ll be your hero like He’s always been for me
Darling, Jesus is the One you need
The Contenders 