Max is the only author to have won three Christian Book of the Year* awards—in 1999 for Just Like Jesus, in 1997 for In the Grip of Grace, and in 1995 for When God Whispers Your Name. In 2005, Reader’s Digest magazine dubbed him “America’s Best Preacher” and in 2004, Christianity Today magazine called him “America’s Pastor.” The product line for 3:16—The Numbers of Hope sold more than four million units worldwide, including one million units of the cornerstone trade book of the same title (released in September 2007), making it the fastest selling Lucado product in his career.
His works have appeared on every major national bestseller list including Publishers Weekly, USA Today, The New York Times, Evangelical Christian Publishers Association, and Christian Booksellers Association. He has been featured in countless media outlets and national broadcasts.
Max’s writings have been published in a wide array of formats including adult books, gift books, children’s titles, Bibles, commentaries, calendars and devotionals. He is also the author/creator of “Max Lucado’s Hermie & Friends” brand family, one of the most popular animated DVD series in the marketplace, with more than 5 million units sold to date. His words have also inspired a branded line of greeting cards and gift books for Hallmark/Dayspring that has sold more than 15 million copies since its 2001 debut.
Max Lucado is the Minister of Writing and Preaching at the Oak Hills Church in San Antonio, where he has served since 1988. He has been married to Denalyn Lucado since 1981, and they have three grown daughters—Jenna, Andrea and Sara—and one son-in-law, Brett.
Trading My Sorrows
Max Lucado Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm trading my shame
I'm laying them down for the joy
of the Lord
I'm trading my sickness
I'm trading my pain
I'm laying them down for the joy
of the Lord
Yes Lord yes Lord yes yes Lord
Yes Lord yes Lord yes yes Lord
Amen
I am pressed but not crushed
persecuted not abandoned
Struck down but not destroyed
I am blessed beyond the curse for
his promise will endure
And his joy's gonna be my
strength
Though the sorrow may last for the
night his joys comes in a morning
The song "Trading My Sorrows" by Max Lucado is an uplifting and empowering song about surrendering one's sorrows and burdens to Jesus in exchange for the joy of the Lord. It speaks of a person who is willing to let go of their struggles, pain, and weakness and give them to Jesus in exchange for His joy and strength. The lyrics are symbolic of a spiritual transformation, where the individual chooses to place their trust in God and rely on His goodness for their joy and happiness.
In the first verse, the lyrics reference the act of trading sorrows, shame, sickness, and pain for the joy of the Lord. This represents a transition from darkness to light, from sadness to joy, from sickness to health, and from weakness to strength. The chorus is a declaration of willingness to submit one's life to God and to accept His joy in exchange for our pain. The phrase "Yes Lord yes Lord yes yes Lord" repeated several times is a polyphonic chant that signifies a deep expression of surrender to God.
The second verse speaks of the challenges that come with following Jesus. It references the difficulties of persecution and being struck down, but it also speaks to the promise of blessings that come with faithfulness. The lyrics affirm that God's promises endure and His joy will be the strength that helps us overcome life's challenges. The final line of the verse speaks of the hope that comes with our faith in God, knowing that joy will come in the morning even when we experience sorrow at night.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm trading my sorrows
I am giving up my sorrows and misfortunes, and exchanging them for something better.
I'm trading my shame
I am letting go of my feelings of guilt and disgrace, and replacing them with a renewed sense of purpose and self-worth.
I'm laying them down for the joy of the Lord
I am willingly setting aside my pains and hardships, and allowing God's love and grace to fill me with joy and contentment.
I'm trading my sickness
I am relinquishing my sickness and ailments, and looking to God to heal and strengthen me from the inside out.
I'm trading my pain
I am releasing my physical and emotional agony, and entrusting myself to God's mercy and protection.
Yes Lord yes Lord yes yes Lord
I am declaring my loyalty and devotion to God, and reaffirming my commitment to follow and obey Him.
Amen
I agree wholeheartedly with what I have just said, and believe that God hears and accepts my prayers.
I am pressed but not crushed
I may be experiencing difficulties and challenges, but I am not defeated or overwhelmed by them.
persecuted not abandoned
Even when I am facing hostility and opposition, I know that God is with me and will not leave me alone.
Struck down but not destroyed
Though I may encounter setbacks and failures, I am still resilient and able to bounce back with God's help.
I am blessed beyond the curse for his promise will endure
I am confident that God's blessings and promises in my life are greater than any negative circumstances or word curses against me.
And his joy's gonna be my strength
Through the joy that God gives me, I will find the strength and courage to face whatever comes my way.
Though the sorrow may last for the night his joys comes in a morning
Even when I am going through dark and difficult times, I can trust that God's joy and comfort will come to me in due time.
Contributed by Brooklyn S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.