This is definitely one of my favorite contemporary Christian songs. Phil Wickham usually does a great job, not just with the music, but also in his singing and forming the lyrics. This song – like quite a few of his other songs – are filled with the great Gospel message of Jesus Christ and His completed work for us.
Phil said this about his song: “One of my favorite stories in all of Scripture comes from 2 Chronicles 20. It’s a story of this huge army that is amassed to come against the people of God. And when the people of God and their king, Jehoshaphat, hear this horde coming their way, they freak out. They literally come to God and say, ‘We are powerless against this army but our eyes are on You, God; show us what to do.’ And God responds to them. His spirit comes upon this Levite man and through the Levite man, God says, ‘Do not be afraid or dismayed for the battle is not yours, but it is Mine. You will not have to fight in this battle. Stand firm, hold your position, and see the salvation of the Lord on your behalf.’”
Phil concludes: “So much so that instead of sending their army into the front lines, they sent their worshippers into the front lines. The holy men in their robes started singing and giving thanks to the Lord for His steadfast love endures forever. And you know what happened to the other army as they heard the singing? THEY freaked out. And they were routed. They started turning on each other to the point where Scripture says not one of them was left alive. God moved on behalf of His people and God is still moving and battling on behalf of His people.”
The lyrics for verse 1 are:
“When all I see is the battle, You see my victory. When all I see is the mountain, You see a mountain moved. And as I walk through the shadow, Your love surrounds me. There's nothing to fear now for I am safe with You.”
We tend to focus on the battles of this life, rather than focusing on our Champion, Jesus Christ. He has already won our victory for us over sin, death, and the devil. So, focus on Him. There is truly nothing to fear because He is with us always.
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” (Psalm 23:4 ESV)
The lyrics for the chorus are:
“So when I fight, I'll fight on my knees, with my hands lifted high. Oh God, the battle belongs to You. And every fear I lay at Your feet. I'll sing through the night. Oh God, the battle belongs to You.”
The opening line of Phil’s chorus (sung multiple times) is truly spectacular. What should the weapon of choice be for the Christian?
PRAYER.
The battles that we face in this life all belong to the Lord because He is in control of it all. God is already the victor … evil just doesn’t know it yet. So, if you pray and take everything to Him in fervent prayer – and keep your eyes fixed upon Jesus – then you will be able to rest, assured that He has you in His hands, always.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7 ESV)
The lyrics for verse 2 are:
“And if You are for me, who can be against me? Yeah, for Jesus, there's nothing impossible for You. When all I see are the ashes, You see the beauty. Thank You God. When all I see is a cross, God, You see the empty tomb.”
Again, when we don’t see the hope that is in Christ and see our faith reduced, Jesus Christ remains faithful forever. God sees us as His beloved children. And those who believe in His Son, Jesus Christ, are viewed through the lens of Christ’s sacrifice for us on the cross.
But we don’t remain focused on just the cross – we also see the empty tomb by the power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus’ resurrection from the dead ensures that on the Last Day, all believers will also be resurrected and given their glorified bodies. In heaven, we will be free of all ailments, shame, guilt, sin, death, and decay.
“He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By His wounds you have been healed.” (1 Peter 2:24 ESV)
The lyrics of the bridge are:
“Almighty fortress, You go before us. Nothing can stand against the power of our God. You shine in the shadow, You win every battle. Nothing can stand against the power of our God.”
God is truly our Almighty Fortress – an impenetrable defense against all evil. Absolutely nothing can stand against Him. He wins, EVERY TIME. And even better, He is always with us.
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.” (Psalm 46:1-3 NIV)
Soli Deo Gloria!
Philip Frank
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