Josh Baldwin, a worship leader for the praise band Bethel Music, creates a worshipful atmosphere through his music, as evident in "Stand in Your Love," “Evidence,” and “There is Freedom, and his new single, “Made For More.”
"Made for More" celebrates God's love in a soul-nourishing way with engaging musical arrangements. I spoke with Josh Baldwin about this infectious new worship song.
Please tell me the personal story behind this song.
“Made For More” is a powerful anthem and reminder that the creator of the universe calls each of us by name, bringing us from death into life. Over the past year, and even more recently, I’ve been writing many new songs. As we all have, my family and I have experienced peaks and valleys, and we’ve repeatedly watched the Lord be faithful.
The Prince of Peace, Savior, and my friend help me in the valleys. In the highest moments, God reminds me I’m created in His image and made for so much more than I imagine for myself. He shows up for me every season—because He’s a faithful Father.
Which Bible verses connect to the message of the song?
2 Corinthians 5:17(NKJV): "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new."
Colossians 1:24-26(NKJV): "I now rejoice in my sufferings for you and fill up in my flesh what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ, for the sake of His body, which is the church, of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God which was given to me for you, to fulfill the word of God, the mystery which has been hidden from ages and generations, but now has been revealed to His saints."
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 minds in Christ Jesus.”
Lamentations 3:22-23 (NKJV): “Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.”
John 3:11 (VOICE): “I tell you the truth: we speak about the things we know, and we give evidence about the things we have seen, and you choose to reject the truth of our witness.”
Hebrews 11:1 (NKJV): “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”
2 Corinthians 5:7 (NKJV): "For we walk by faith, not by sight."
What is the takeaway message?
One of the key themes in the song is the contrast between being made for more and being stuck in shame and guilt. I wasn’t created to tend to a grave, which can be interpreted metaphorically as being bound by sin or past mistakes. Instead, we were called by name, born again, and raised in a new life. We can believe in the redemption and freedom that comes through a relationship with God. “Made for More” encourages listeners to embrace their true identity and live purposeful lives, leaving behind past mistakes and living in His abundant grace.
Lyrics
I know who I am ‘cause I know who You are The cross of salvation was only the start Now I am chosen, I’m free and forgiven I have a future, and it’s worth the living
I wasn’t made to be tending a grave I was called by name Born and raised back to life again I was made for more So why would I make a bed in my shame When a fountain of grace is running my way I know I am Yours And I was made for more
I know who I am ‘cause I know who You are The cross of salvation was only the start Now I am chosen, free, and forgiven I have a future, and it’s worth the living
I wasn’t made to be tending a grave I was called by name Born and raised back to life again I was made for more So why would I make a bed in my shame When a fountain of grace is running my way I know I am Yours And I was made for more
Hallelujah You called out my name So I’ll sing out Your praise Hallelujah You buried my past Oh, I’m not going back
‘Cause I wasn’t made to be tending a grave I was called by name Born and raised back to life again I was made for more So much more Why would I make a bed in my shame When a fountain of grace is running my way I know I am Yours And I was made for more
Closing Thoughts
As believers in Christ, we can all agree on one fundamental truth: God is our Father, who sent His son, Jesus, to die for our sins. Through His resurrection, Jesus defeated death and gave us hope for eternal life. Let us celebrate these truths together and sing joyfully, "The cross of salvation was only the start. Now I am chosen, I'm free and forgiven. I have a future, and it's worth the living." This song's enthusiasm and energy are contagious, reminding us of our hope and freedom in Christ.
The song’s message encourages listeners to reflect on their own doubts and how Jesus calls them to rely on Him and the power of His resurrection. This helps them to remember that Jesus has conquered death and fear, which is a reason to celebrate. It also gives Christians the faith to believe and share their faith. The message is summed up in the lyrics of a song: "Hallelujah, You called out my name, so I'll sing out Your praise. Hallelujah, You buried my past; oh, I'm not going back."
If you have ever experienced a sense of unease and lack of peace, you may know that God often uses these feelings to shake us up, make us uncomfortable, and expose us to new opportunities. Sadly, many believers still find it challenging to cope with these emotions.
We all have lies we believe in ourselves. Also, we have an enemy who doesn't like us. He has a voice and speaks to us, but the voice of God's Agape Love speaks louder.
Too often, we get wrapped up in our circumstances and get down on ourselves with negative thoughts, allowing the enemy to define self-worth. Jesus died on the cross to set us free from the battle of our minds, from sin and death. He wants us to have an abundant life in Him. What a wonderful, encouraging truth.
Be free from those doubts about yourself and know with certainty: “‘Cause I wasn’t made to be tending a grave/I was called by name/Born and raised back to life again/I was made for more/So much more/Why would I make a bed in my shame/When a fountain of grace is running my way/I know I am Yours/And I was made for more.” 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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