13TH ANNUAL WE LOVE CHRISTIAN MUSIC AWARDS: Voting Starts Monday 12/2 | Tickets On Sale - Live Ceremony 4/8
BEHIND THE SONG WITH KEVIN DAVIS
#1163 - "Hold On" by Katy Nichole
The contemporary Christian artist talks about her new song with a message of hope and encouragement
 


BEHIND THE SONG WITH KEVIN DAVIS, #1163 -
Posted: May 11, 2023 | By: NRTeamAdmin
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Rising contemporary Christian artist Katy Nichole is an artist to watch. Her debut single, “In Jesus' Name (God of Possible),” derived from a simple chorus she released on TikTok, has topped Billboard radio and iTunes music charts. The song was created from words in 22-year-old Katy’s prayer journal, written during a global health crisis and in response to her own story of suffering, hope, and healing.
 
Sharing her unwavering belief in God’s ability to heal and the power of prayer, Katy’s hit single connected with audiences worldwide, looking for healing and restoration in a weary and anxious world. The chorus was inspired by one of Katy’s multiple journal entries and has led to the release of her debut album, Jesus Changed My Life, which also includes the hit songs and “God is In This Story.”
 
Katy’s album showcases her gifts as a songwriter and her shimmering, emotion-laden voice. This project is loaded with positive grace-filled messages of hope. Her songs address the pressures of life, and she understands that her identity only comes from her relationship with God. I spoke with Katy about her follow-up song, "Hold On."

 
 
Please tell me the personal story behind this song.
 
This song is significant to me, and it’s a little harder for me to talk about because it’s such a deep part of my story and a little darker.
 
In 2015, I underwent life-changing surgery to soothe the pain from debilitating scoliosis. After a few weeks into recovery, my pain became more excruciating, spiraling me into a dark mental headspace. 
 
I’ve dealt with a lot of anxiety and depression in my life and even, at one point, had suicidal thoughts. At one point, I picked up a bottle of pills and took it to the bathroom, and when I did—there was nothing in my path—but that bottle of pills fell onto the floor and spilled. 
 
At that moment, I felt God saying to me, ‘Hold on, I’m not done yet,’ I picked up those pills and threw them in the trash can because I knew that God still had a plan and a purpose for my life.

Months later, I saw a rainbow in the sky. I took it as a sign from God that everything would be okay. I knew at that moment that the words that I was holding on to, the Lord’s words, would take me somewhere beautiful, and I trusted Him in that.

Which Bible verses connect to the message of the song?

Proverbs 3:5-6 (NKJV): "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight."

Romans 8:11 (VOICE): If the Spirit of the One who resurrected Jesus from the dead lives inside of you, then you can be sure that He who raised Him will cast the light of life into your mortal bodies through the life-giving power of the Spirit residing in you.

John 1:12-13 (VOICE): But for all who did receive and trust in Him, He gave them the right to be reborn as children of God; He bestowed this birthright not by human power or initiative but by God’s will.

1 Corinthians 3:7 (NKJV): So then, neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase.
 
Psalm 33:20-22 (MSG): “We’re depending on God; He’s everything we need. What’s more, our hearts brim with joy since we’ve taken for our own His holy name. Love us, God, with all you’ve got—that’s what we’re depending on.”
 
Romans 8:28 (VOICE): "We are confident that God is able to orchestrate everything to work toward something good and beautiful when we love Him and accept His invitation to live according to His plan."

Ephesians 3:20-21 (NKJV): "Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen."
 
What is the takeaway message?
 
This song can encourage and remind you that your life matters so much and that you can hold on because you have a purpose. You may not see hope and want to give up. But don’t. I know you’re just waiting on those words. And sometimes, the Lord speaks through others to bring you those words. I bring you those words to hold on through this song because your story is unfinished.
 
Lyrics
 
Smoke clouds all around
Couldn't see Your face
Darkness consumed me
Stuck in the bitterness
 
But I know there's a light that's waiting up ahead
So, I'll stay in the fight and look to the one who said
 
Hold on just a little bit longer
I know it's gonna be okay
These days are gonna make you stronger
You'll find purpose in the pain
Hold on just a little bit longer
Deep down, there's a well of faith
Let hope arise as you're lifting up my name
And just hold on
Just hold on, hold on
 
Your promise, it still stands
It's chasing after me
The rainbow through storm clouds
Is how I'm gonna see
 
That there is a light that's waiting up ahead
So I'll stay in the fight and look to the one who said
 
Hold on just a little bit longer
I know it's gonna be okay
These days are gonna make you stronger
You'll find purpose in the pain
Hold on just a little bit longer
Deep down, there's a well of faith
Let hope arise as you're lifting up my name
And just hold on
Hold on, hold on
 
Just wait 'til you see what's at the end of the road
A new life is ready to unfold
 
Hold on just a little bit longer
I know it's gonna be okay
These days are gonna make you stronger
You'll find purpose in the pain
Hold on just a little bit longer
Deep down, there's a well of faith
Let hope arise as you're lifting up my name
And just hold on
Hold on, hold on
 
Just hold on
Just hold on
 
Closing Thoughts
 
Jesus loves us just as we are, not who we pretend to be. Not only does He love our weaknesses, but he also blesses us because of them. Being poor in spirit, meek, persecuted, and insulted bring blessings from God, which is all we need. I love knowing that, in my brokenness, I'm closer to Him. It's wonderful to know that failing by the world's standards is what we’re called to be as devoted followers of Jesus.
 
Christians are new creations on the inside. The Holy Spirit gives us new life, and we no longer have to live with our guilt, fears, or worries. Remember, we’re born again as children of God. Believing the words of this song are a great way to work on the disciplines of self-examination and prayer.
 
Too often, we get wrapped up in our circumstances and get down on ourselves with negative thoughts, allowing the devil to define our self-worth. Jesus died on the cross to set us free from the battle of our minds, from sin and death. And He wants us to have abundant life in Him. What a wonderful, encouraging truth.
 
We all have lies that we believe about ourselves. Also, we have an enemy who doesn't like us. He does have a voice and speak to us, but the voice of God's agape love speaks louder. This song encourages us to see ourselves the way God sees us. What a great message of redemption: grace is an unmerited favor and a free gift. When you abide in His grace, you won't be the same. His grace takes away anxiety, guilt, and shame. 
 
I'm captivated by how Katy’s song moves me emotionally and connects me spiritually to the truth behind the music. Her vocals will soothe your soul, and the lyrics will direct your attention to the One who defeated death to heal your heart.
 
God’s resurrection power from The Holy Spirit, that same power that defeated death and raised Jesus from the grave, is available to followers of Jesus. I love the translation of Romans 8:11 in the Voice version: "If the Spirit of the One who resurrected Jesus from the dead lives inside of you, then you can be sure that He who raised Him will cast the light of life into your mortal bodies through the life-giving power of the Spirit residing in you." 
 
We can all ask The Holy Spirit to indwell us with His supernatural ability to overcome what the Enemy wants us to think about ourselves. We know many situations involving people taking their own lives after dealing with depression. I’ve personally struggled with depression, worry, and anxiety. This song gives me hope and reminds me not to give up. I listen to it daily to remind me of how God feels about me. Katy hopes to pass on the life-giving message of Jesus Christ. As Katy so powerfully urges in this song, "Just wait 'til you see what's at the end of the road/A new life is ready to unfold."
 
Allow The Holy Spirit to "cast the light of life into your mortal bodies." If you’re struggling with depression, please know with certainty these life-giving words: “Your promise, it still stands/It's chasing after me/The rainbow through storm clouds/Is how I'm gonna see/That there is a light that's waiting up ahead.” Know that being His is enough.
 
This song has become my anthem, and I sing along at the top of my lungs to the sincere and passionate lyrics of submission: “Just wait ‘til you see what’s at the end of the road, a new life is about to unfold/Hold on just a little bit longer, I know it’s gonna be okay, these days are gonna make you stronger, there’s purpose in the pain.” Amen to that.
 

NRT lead contributor Kevin Davis is a long-time Christian music fan and an avid music collector. He 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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13TH ANNUAL WE LOVE CHRISTIAN MUSIC AWARDS: Voting Starts Monday 12/2 | Tickets On Sale - Live Ceremony 4/8

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