It’s refreshing how in this age of lyrical ambiguity, there is no question that contemporary band Unspoken is for the gospel of Jesus Christ. This is very apparent in the group’s recent release, The Reason.
On this excellent album, Unspoken offers a great example of how an artist can write and sing lyrics that are unashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Lyrics that reach the lost with transparent confessions of faith.
The songs on The Reason celebrate God’s sovereignty. It professes that God is the ultimate ruler over our lives. The album features hits “Reason,” “You’ve Always Been” and the recent single, “Help Is on the Way.”
The latter song expresses the truth of our earthly challenges. It resonates with me in many ways. Specifically, the song makes me realize that Jesus commands us to trust God completely—no matter our circumstances or personal distractions or concerns. I had the chance to speak with lead singer Chad Mattson about “Help Is on the Way.”
Please tell me the personal story behind this song.
I’ve been studying the Psalms a lot this past year. And, I noticed how many of our songs come from them. We don’t necessarily write music directly from scripture, but they are based on biblical truth. This song’s truth comes from Psalm 37.
I recently led a bible study about Psalm 37. It says to “wait patiently for the Lord to act.” Help is on the way. There are many places in scripture that say God knows the battles we’re going through before they happen. Others also say He goes before us in victory.
‘Help is on the way’ is a phrase we use in our home as we battle anxiety as well as past trauma. These difficult challenges surface in our lives and hit us straight on. This is when, at these times in battle, we’re reminded about verses like “we are more than conquerors.”
God’s Word speaks to me. I remember the scriptures from my childhood that my mother read to me. What I took from these verses is if you store the Word of God in your heart, when it comes to pass, we’ll see it play out in our lives.
Which Bible verses connect to the message of the song?
Psalm 37:4-6(NKJV): "Delight yourself also in the LORD, And He shall give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD, Trust also in Him, And He shall bring it to pass. He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light, And your justice as the noonday."
Psalm 55:18(NIV): "He rescues me unharmed from the battle waged against me, even though many oppose me."
Psalm 9:10 (NKJV): "And those who know Your name will put their trust in You; For You, Lord, have not forsaken those who seek You."
Psalm 46:1(NIV): "The Lord is our refuge and strength, a very present help in times of trouble."
Psalm 119:114 (NKJV): "You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in Your word."
Psalm 121:7-8(NKJV): “The Lord shall preserve you from all evil; He shall preserve your soul. The Lord shall preserve your going out and your coming in, from this time forth, and even forevermore.”
2 Chronicles 20:17 (NIV): "You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you, Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the Lord will be with you.'"
Romans 8:31(NKJV): "What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?
Romans 8:37(NKJV): “Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.”
Romans 8:38-39(NKJV): "For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV): "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
What is the takeaway message?
Help is on the way. You don’t know when it’s coming or where it’s coming from, specifically. But you know that God has already given you the victory. He’s already gone before you and behind you. He’s with you—every step of the way.
All you have to do is keep holding on. You know God is victorious. Just remember you’re more than a conqueror in Christ.
You know you’re going to get through whatever you’re going through. You don’t see how. You don’t know when. You don’t know by what means. But, you know you will make it.
The Bible says the promises of God are passed down from generation to generation to those who fear Him. We repeat these promises from God’s Word to our families. We tell them we won’t be forsaken. We won’t be abandoned. We know we will face struggles.
But God is with you—all the way.
Lyrics
I know how you feel Fighting for another breath Searching for the strength To lift your legs another step
Wounded by the past How long will it last Buried by the heavy weight It won’t be long Keep holding on You won’t have to wear those chains
Help is on the way Help is on the way Whatever the struggle, whatever the pain No matter the fear or the battle you face Help is on the way Help is on the way
You are not alone All of heaven’s on your side Every prayer is heard Your rescue’s coming just in time
Lift up your eyes Look to the hills You won’t be overcome It won’t be long Keep holding on Sure as the rising sun
You have a warrior, defender, protector, and friend
You have a Father who's for you, whose love never ends His love never ends
I know how you feel But it isn’t over yet
Closing Thoughts
“Help Is on the Way” is a convicting and sobering reminder that God brings us trials. Thus, we have an opportunity to lean on Him for help.
This song gives many glimpses of the authentic reality of life and our experiences, good and bad. Life doesn’t always go the way we want it to—or even how we pray it to.
When you sing along with this great song, think of Matthew 8:26 where Jesus asks, "Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?" So, have faith, don't be afraid, and know that, with Jesus, you'll never be alone.
The song's message challenges you to think beyond your own doubts. It challenges you to examine how Jesus calls you to rely on Him and the power of His resurrection. And, to remember that He has overcome death and fear.
We're living in a fallen world dealing with the fear and anxiety of the COVID-19 pandemic. But, what if you lived as though as you believed the sincere words of this song? It’s filled with truth that you can cling to. And, as a child of Christ, you know you can trust God's Word.
“Help Is on the Way” gives me more conviction to validate my existence and to eradicate my fear—especially during the pandemic. Don’t spend valuable time worrying. Let the worry go and allow the Lord to be your redeemer. Remember, His help is on the way.
Face your daily battles with courage and strength, because, whatever the outcome, based on His promise in Romans 8:28, God will work everything together for your good: "God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose."
Rest on the wise words of Romans 8:31: "If our God is for us, who can stand against us?” Nothing can separate you from His love. For the Son has risen, and sin and death are conquered.
Spend time with God every day. Read His Word, the Holy Bible daily. Let Him redeem and restore you. Have a relationship with Him in prayer. No matter your circumstances, remember, “You have a Father who’s for you/Whose love never ends/His love never ends.” Amen to that.
NRT lead contributor Kevin Davis is a longtime fan of Christian music, an avid music collector, and credits the message of Christian music for leading him to Christ. He lives in Pennsylvania with his wife and three daughters.
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