In the unpredictable world of American Idol, Colton Dixon’s seventh-place finish on Season 11 left a lasting impression on fans and judges alike. However, it was merely the beginning for the gifted artist. Colton swiftly rose to prominence with the release of his debut full-length album, A Messenger, which showcased captivating hits like "You Are" and "Never Gone."
Drawing inspiration from John 13:16, Colton embraced his role as a messenger and embarked on a musical journey that continues to inspire and resonate with audiences. In this exclusive interview, Colton shares the personal story behind his latest hit single, "My Light," as he reflects on the power of faith, purpose, and the pursuit of living life to its fullest potential.
Please tell me the personal story behind this song.
As a believer, I’ve seen how many Christians live in a way focused on putting one foot in front of the other. We were made for so much more than that. “My Light” is about living to your full potential. God has instilled that opportunity in us as believers to shine our light like a city on a hill. Don't get so caught up in the little things you forget because when you realize that, you start living differently.
He’s told us the end of the story, and we’re victorious. I see so many people caught up in the details, me included, but we need to get away with Him, rise above the clouds, and see the bigger picture. It’s our spiritual responsibility to declare God’s will in our lives. It’s my job to put that into practice. I want to reach that place. With my words, perspective, and attitude, I want to be a light to others and get to where I see God’s will in my life, which is always good.
Coming out of a season as we all have from the pandemic these past couple of years, more than ever, the light is getting lighter, and the dark is getting darker. If you’ve been going through the motions, it’s time to ride the wave and start paddling; it’s time to sink or swim.
Which Bible verses connect to the message of the song?
Matthew 5:14-16(MSG): "Here's another way to put it: You're here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We're going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don't think I will hide you under a bucket, do you? I'm putting you on a light stand. Now that I've put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand--shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you'll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven."
Philippians 4:13(NKJV): “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Matthew 17:20-21(NIV): He replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”
Jeremiah 29:11-13(NIV): "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart."
2 Corinthians 10:2-5(NIV): I beg you that when I come, I may not have to be as bold as I expect to be toward some people who think that we live by the standards of this world. Though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have the divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
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.
Hebrews 11:1(NLT): "Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see."
What is the takeaway message?
Rather than get caught up in differences of opinions or the troubles of this world, “My Light” was inspired by the idea that we are called to a higher purpose. This song has meaning and depth, and it just feels fun musically.
Some things are more than coincidence. I believe there is a God who loves you and looking out for you. My goal is to spread hope. I see many people looking for hope. And I'd love to come alongside them and show support. I've learned so much about love. Love isn't always a feeling. It’s a commitment. It sometimes means sacrifice. This song is a simple reminder that no matter how dark it gets, God’s Word will always be a light to guide us through.
Lyrics
When I’m out of hope, so lost and afraid. When I’m in the dark, and I can’t seem to find my way. When I’m feelin’ lonely in the dead of the night I remember the promise.
You will be my, my, my, my light My light You will be my, my, my, my light. My light You will be my, my, my, my My light where the sun don’t shine Tellin’ me everything’s gonna be alright, alright, alright You will be my light, yeah, yeah, yeah
I’ve tried on my own strength, but I just trip and fall Put my faith in the wrong things, turns out, after all You’re the answer for every problem, You’re the grace when I hit the bottom The lamp unto my feet, oh, Lord, let it shine (Shine, oh)
You will be my, my, my, my light (My, my, my light) My light You will be my, my, my, my light (My, my, my light) My light You will be my, my, my, my My light where the sun don’t shine Tellin’ me everything’s gonna be alright, alright, alright You will be my light, yeah, yeah, yeah
You will be my light, yeah, yeah, yeah
You’re the way when my feet can’t find it You’re the truth when my head is lyin’ You’re the life when my heart is dyin’ You will be my light, yeah, yeah, yeah You’re the way when my feet can’t find it You’re the truth when my head is lyin’ You’re the life when my heart is dyin’
You will be my, my, my, my light, oh, yeah (My, my, my light) My light You will be my, my, my, my light, my light (My, my, my light) My light You will be my, my, my, my My light when the sun don’t shine (Oh-oh) Tellin’ me everything’s gonna be alright, alright, alright (Gonna be, gonna be alright) You will be my light, yeah, yeah, yeah
Closing Thoughts
“My Light” is a very convicting and sobering reminder that God brings trials to remind us how much we need Him. Once the Holy Spirit is in you, you can show that light to others as you live your daily life, including outside of a worship context. If you’re doing everything for God's glory, then you demonstrate Jesus's love in every encounter with people.
Most of all, we must remember that God is the source of all hope, and it doesn't come from anything we do. We need to believe. This song reminds us that being a Christian means walking by faith, not sight. Faith requires people to rely on faith in the unseen. We all walk by faith every day. The beauty of walking by faith and not sight is that we can learn to trust God more fully.
As the song says, “When I’m out of hope, so lost and afraid/When I’m in the dark, and I can’t seem to find my way/When I’m feelin’ lonely in the dead of the night/I remember the promise.” As followers of Jesus, we know we can trust God's Word. We are all a work in progress. Have faith and let God "work all things together for good."
Spend time with God and let Him redeem and restore you. We’re not at the end of our story. God's still writing our stories of redemption. He wants us to know that He's faithful to complete what He's started in all of us who've put all our hope and trust in Jesus for our salvation. God is more significant than any calamity that we experience in this world. Jeremiah 29:13 says, "You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart."
Sometimes you need to be ignited and ask for a fresh filling of His Spirit. We must pray daily that the Holy Spirit shines the light of Jesus through us. God tells us in the Bible that we can do anything in Christ with faith. It's a perfect truth you can use to get a daily reminder not to fear. A valuable lesson I've learned about life is that we should work on improving ourselves before taking risks. Look for ways to obey God and offer your trust in Him.
Be encouraged by the light of Jesus shining in you based on your faith in Him. We can all practice "letting our light shine so that others may praise our Father in heaven."
“My Light” is all for God's glory. This upbeat song encourages us to understand how much God loves us and that He is still with us, especially as we face this coronavirus pandemic together.
Colton Dixon’s music ministry is about loving God with all of our hearts, expressed in one catchy song after another. God loves you so much. So, lean on Him, and He'll give you strength.
Communing with God brings joy, not a burden. We’re united in our struggles, spiritual warfare, and desire for truth and relationship. The Lord wants us to spend time with Him every day. This song is a great reminder to spend time reading His Word, the Holy Bible, and to have a relationship with Him in prayer. Believe and sing along, “You’re the way when my feet can’t find it/You’re the truth when my head is lyin’/You’re the life when my heart is dyin’/You will be my light.” Amen to that.
NRT lead contributor Kevin Davis is a long-time Christian music fan and an avid 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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