I thought if I could stand on top of the world
And see everything
I would see You so clearly
High enough for You to hear me
I thought You wanted me to reach
For heavens out of reach
I would know everything You know
But Your love's pulling me low, pulling me low, pulling me low
Now I'm in a valley, looking up
You have never felt so close
Canyons all around me, stars above
Meet me in the depths below
Where the lost is found
Where the broken is crowned
Where souls rise up from the ground
You got me in the valley looking up
I thought if I could drift away
From the deepest pain in me
I could just swim somehow
But Your love's pulling me down, pulling me down, pulling me down
Now I'm in a valley, looking up
You have never felt so close
Canyons all around me, stars above
Meet me in the depths below
Where the lost is found
Where the broken is crowned
Where souls rise up from the ground
You got me in the valley looking up
Where the misfits, they fit in
Where death brings life again
Where the lonely won't be alone
Where the orphans have a home
Where I don't have to be
Anything but what You made me
Where repentance is glorious
Our scars tell the stories
Of a current of love that's surrounding
Your love is surrounding me
Walking in a valley, looking up
You have never felt so close
Canyons all around me, stars above
Meet me in the depths below
Where the lost is found
Where the broken is crowned
Where the souls, they rise up from the ground
Got me in the valley looking up
Got me in the valley
Got me in the valley looking up
Got me in the valley looking up
"Paradox" by Ellie Holcomb is a beautifully crafted song that delves deep into the complexities of our relationship with God. With its thought-provoking lyrics and mesmerizing melodies, this song captures the essence of the human experience and our journey of faith.
The song begins with the desire to reach the heights, to stand on top of the world and have a clear vision of God. It reflects the common misconception that if we can achieve certain milestones or attain certain knowledge, then we will have a better understanding of God. But the paradox lies in the fact that it is not in the heights that we truly find God, but in the depths.
Holcomb sings about being pulled low by God's love, realizing that it is in the valley, not on the mountaintop, where we feel closest to Him. This echoes the words of Psalm 23:4, "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." In the midst of our lowest moments, God is there, comforting and guiding us.
The lyrics continue to paint a vivid picture of the valley, with canyons all around and stars above. This imagery symbolizes the contrast between the brokenness of our world and the hope that shines through. It reminds me of Isaiah 61:3, which speaks of beauty for ashes and the oil of gladness for mourning. In the depths of our brokenness, God's light shines even brighter.
One of the most powerful aspects of this song is the message that the valley is a place of transformation and redemption. It is where the lost are found, where the broken are crowned, and where souls rise up from the ground. This reflects the heart of God as portrayed in Luke 15:4-7, where Jesus tells the parable of the lost sheep. He emphasizes the joy in heaven over one sinner who repents, highlighting the value God places on each individual.
The chorus of "Paradox" captures the beauty of the valley experience, where the misfits fit in, where death brings life again, and where the lonely find companionship. It reminds me of Romans 8:28, which assures us that God works all things for the good of those who love Him. Even the darkest moments of our lives can be redeemed and used for our ultimate good and His glory.
As the song progresses, it celebrates the freedom and acceptance found in the valley. It is a place where we don't have to be anything but what God made us to be. This echoes the sentiment in Psalm 139:14, "I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." In the valley, we can embrace our true selves, knowing that we are fearfully and wonderfully made by God.
The bridge of "Paradox" beautifully sums up the overarching theme of the song. It speaks of a current of love that surrounds us, a love that is always there, even in the midst of our struggles and doubts. It reminds me of Romans 8:38-39, which declares that nothing can separate us from the love of God. This love is constant and unchanging, and it sustains us through every season of life.
In conclusion, "Paradox" by Ellie Holcomb is a profound and moving song that explores the depths of our relationship with God. It reminds us that it is in the valley, not on the mountaintop, where we truly encounter Him. The song beautifully captures the transformative power of God's love and the hope that shines through our brokenness. It is a reminder that even in the midst of our struggles, we are never alone, and God's love surrounds us.
