Dear Jesus where are you tonight
I bear a sadness deep inside
I’m aching for a faith in things I strain to feel
I need to know that you are real
Oh Savior open up my eyes
I wanna see You like a child
There is a haze on the horizons of my heart
Dear Jesus show me where you are
Be my firelight, be my firelight
Burning fierce and bright, be my firelight
How do I move on and be free
From all these things that I have seen
All of my memories are turning into scars
Oh my God put back what’s been torn apart
Be my firelight, be my firelight
Burning fierce and bright, be my firelight
If anyone remembers my name
If I’m ever known for anything
Let it be I ran into the night
Running with a firelight, firelight
Cause I don’t wanna stroll the streets of gold
While there’s still a soul to love
Let me run into the night
Running with a firelight, firelight
Burning with a firelight, firelight
"Firelight" by Matt Maher is a powerful and heartfelt song that speaks to the longing for a deeper connection with Jesus. The lyrics express a yearning for faith that goes beyond mere intellectual understanding and touches the depths of the heart. It is a cry for God to reveal Himself in a tangible way, to be a guiding light in the midst of darkness and uncertainty.
The song begins with a plea to Jesus, asking where He is in the midst of the songwriter's sadness and longing. It acknowledges the struggle to feel His presence and the need for reassurance of His reality. This sentiment is something that many believers can relate to, as we all experience seasons of doubt and questioning.
The chorus of the song beautifully captures the desire to see Jesus with childlike faith, to have our eyes opened to His presence. The imagery of a firelight burning fierce and bright speaks to the longing for a passionate, all-consuming encounter with God. It is a cry for His light to shine brightly in our lives, dispelling any darkness and doubt.
In the second verse, Maher reflects on the pain and scars of past experiences, and the need for God to restore what has been broken. This echoes the biblical promise of God's healing and restoration in Isaiah 61:3: "To bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair." It is a plea for God to bring healing and redemption to the broken areas of our lives.
The bridge of the song shifts the focus to a desire to make a lasting impact in the world. Maher longs to be remembered not for his own achievements, but for running into the night with a firelight, spreading the love and light of Jesus to those who need it. This echoes the call of Jesus in Matthew 5:14-16: "You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden... let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." It is a reminder of our purpose as believers to be a light in the darkness, pointing others to Jesus.
Overall, "Firelight" by Matt Maher is a powerful and relatable song that captures the longing for a deeper connection with Jesus. It speaks to the desire to see God with childlike faith, to have our eyes opened to His presence. It also reflects the call to be a light in the darkness, shining brightly and making a lasting impact in the world. This song serves as a reminder to keep seeking Jesus, to keep running with a firelight, and to allow His love and light to shine through us.