Cardboard cutouts on the floor
People wish that you were more like what they wanted you to be
Eventually they won't have much of you at all in their theology
The walls are closing in on you
You cannot be contained at all
I don't want to make you small
I don't want to fit you in my pocket
A cross around my throat
You are brighter than the sun
You're closer than the tiny thoughts I have of you
But I could never fathom you at all
Broken moldings all around
Broken people hit the ground
When they discover that you're not here for our benefit
You love in spite of us
You use the least of us to prove the strong aren't really strong at all
"Small" by JJ Heller is a beautiful and thought-provoking song that explores the idea of God being bigger than our limited understanding of Him. The lyrics speak of how we often try to fit God into our own preconceived notions and expectations, but in doing so, we miss out on the fullness of who He truly is.
One of the standout lines in the song is, "Cardboard cutouts on the floor, people wish that you were more like what they wanted you to be." This line depicts the tendency we have to try and mold God into our own image, to make Him fit into the box of our own understanding. We often have certain expectations of how God should act or what He should do, and when He doesn't meet those expectations, we may feel disappointed or confused. But the truth is, God cannot be contained or limited by our human understanding. He is far greater and more complex than we can ever comprehend.
The chorus of the song echoes this sentiment, with the lyrics, "I don't want to make you small, I don't want to fit you in my pocket, a cross around my throat." These words convey the desire to let go of our attempts to shrink God down to a manageable size and instead embrace the vastness of His love and power. It's a reminder that God cannot be confined to a small, convenient package. He is bigger than our understanding, and that should be celebrated rather than feared.
The inspiration behind this song might come from a place of personal experience for JJ Heller. As a Christian artist, she likely understands the struggle of trying to comprehend the magnitude of God and the challenge of not reducing Him to fit our own understanding. Through her music, she encourages listeners to embrace the mystery and awe of God's greatness, rather than trying to confine Him to our limited perspectives.
In terms of scripture verses that relate to the theme of the song, one that comes to mind is Isaiah 55:8-9: "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." This verse beautifully expresses the truth that God's ways and thoughts are far beyond our own. We cannot fully comprehend Him or His plans, and that's okay. It's a reminder to embrace the mystery and trust in His wisdom and goodness.
In conclusion, "Small" by JJ Heller is a powerful song that challenges us to let go of our attempts to make God fit into our own limited understanding. It encourages us to embrace the vastness of God's love and power, rather than trying to shrink Him down to a manageable size. Through its thought-provoking lyrics and heartfelt melody, the song invites us to celebrate the mystery and awe of God's greatness.
