Shelter
Velasquez Jaci Lyrics
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How the heart can stray
Suddenly you're on the edge of darkness
How it makes me ponder
How I'm led away
Down a path that leaves me worn and tarnished
Battling with the will within
That I should lean on You
'Cause I'm never strong enough
To fight it on my own
[CHORUS:]
Shelter me
The ways of the world are at my feet
Shelter me
From the desires that deceive
You are the fortress I need
Shelter me
How the mind can wonder
How the heart can change
When you set your sights on holiness
And though at times you falter
It's the only way
You can find a place of peace to rest
[CHORUS]
You will never leave me stranded
Fending for myself
When the enemy advances
You are there to help
Standing in the gap for me
Whenever I grow weak
You are my deliverer
The refuge that I seek
I should lean on You
'Cause I'm never strong enough
To fight it on my own
How the mind can wander
How the heart can stray
Suddenly you're on the edge of darkness
How it makes me ponder
How I'm led away
Down a path that leaves me worn and tarnished
Battling with the will within
I have known all along
That I should lean on You
'Cause I'm never strong enough
To fight it on my own
[CHORUS]
The song "Shelter" by Jaci Velasquez is a reflection on the struggle to resist temptation and find peace in God. The first verse acknowledges the human vulnerability to wander and be led astray. The singer admits that she is not strong enough to resist the darkness on her own and must rely on God to be her shelter. The chorus emphasizes this plea for God's protection, proclaiming Him to be the fortress that she needs to shield herself from the deceptive desires of the world. The second verse is a meditation on the journey towards becoming a holier person. The singer acknowledges that following the path of righteousness is not always easy, but it is the only way to find true peace. The anxiety of the first verse is replaced with the assurance that God will never leave her stranded and always help her in times of need. The song ends with a repetition of the chorus and the affirmation that the only way to resist the pull towards darkness is to constantly lean on God for strength and guidance.
Overall, "Shelter" is a powerful reminder that even though we may be weak and prone to faltering, we can always turn to God for protection and deliverance. The song speaks to the human experience of grappling with temptation and the struggle to remain steadfast in faith. At the same time, it offers hope and encouragement to listeners that they are never alone and there is always a way through.
Line by Line Meaning
How the mind can wander
The mind is capable of straying from its intended path.
How the heart can stray
The heart is capable of losing its way and becoming lost.
Suddenly you're on the edge of darkness
Without warning, one can find themselves in a perilous and uncertain situation.
How it makes me ponder
This experience causes one to reflect and contemplate their situation.
How I'm led away
One is being guided and taken down a path away from their intended direction.
Down a path that leaves me worn and tarnished
This path causes one to become tired, damaged and lacking value.
Battling with the will within
One is fighting with their own desires and inclinations.
I have known all along
The solution has been clear and obvious from the beginning.
That I should lean on You
The solution is to rely on a higher power for guidance and strength.
'Cause I'm never strong enough
One is acknowledging their own weakness and inability to handle things independently.
To fight it on my own
One cannot tackle these challenges without help and support from outside themselves.
Shelter me
One is requesting protection and safety from harm.
The ways of the world are at my feet
The dangers and temptations of the world are constantly present and affecting one's decisions.
From the desires that deceive
One needs protection from their own desires that are misleading and harmful.
You are the fortress I need
The higher power is the strong and impenetrable protection that one requires.
How the mind can wonder
Once again, the mind's capacity to drift away is emphasized.
How the heart can change
The heart's ability to shift in its convictions and desires is highlighted.
When you set your sights on holiness
Focusing on a higher, more spiritual goal helps one stay on course and resist temptations.
And though at times you falter
Even if one makes mistakes and loses their way temporarily, they can still recover and get back on track.
It's the only way
Staying true to one's beliefs and principles is the only path to true peace and contentment.
You can find a place of peace to rest
Staying on course and resisting temptation leads to a peaceful and secure state of mind.
You will never leave me stranded
The higher power will never abandon or forsake those who rely on them.
Fending for myself
Trying to handle everything independently leads to vulnerability and danger.
When the enemy advances
When faced with adversity or difficult circumstances, the higher power will be there to support and protect one.
You are there to help
The higher power is always available and eager to provide aid and support.
Standing in the gap for me
The higher power is serving as a protective barrier for those who rely on them.
Whenever I grow weak
When one runs out of strength or resilience, the higher power steps in to provide assistance.
You are my deliverer
The higher power is the one who delivers one from danger and harm.
The refuge that I seek
The higher power serves as the safe haven and place of protection that one desires.
[CHORUS:]
The chorus serves as a repeated request for protection and shelter.
Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Capitol CMG Publishing, Downtown Music Publishing, RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC
Written by: DAN HUFF, MARK JAMES HEIMERMANN, WAYNE KIRKPATRICK
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind