Overall

Ranking System

Lyric Type: 1 Bible: Poetic - 2 Bibles: Inspirational 3 Bibles: Reflective - 4 Bibles: Spiritual - 5 Bibles: Doctrinal

Biblical Accuracy: 1 Bible: Dangerous - 2 Bibles: Questionable - 3 Bibles: Ambiguous - 4 Bibles: Biblically Sound - 5 Bibles: Word for Word Scripture

Musicality: 1 Bible: Beginner - 2 Bibles: Moderate - 3 Bibles: Advanced - 4 Bibles: Expert - 5 Bibles: Legend

In this month's issue, we delve deep into the lyrical and spiritual aspects of "Firm Foundation” by Maverick City Music.

Our analysis includes:

- Pros and cons of the songs lyrics and their alignment with the Bible.

- The theological theme of gratitude found in the song.

- The musicality behind the song and what it takes to play it well.

- Insights from the artist about the inspiration behind "Gratitude."

Lyric Type

Cons:

• The lyrics are mostly self-focused which can make it difficult for people to sing truthfully.

• There is not a lot of theological depth to the lyrics to give the listener a deeper understanding of God’s character.

Pros:

• The lyrics are an anthem for those that have seen God’s faithfulness throughout their lives.

• This song puts words to one of Jesus’ parables in the Bible which can give us the ability to talk about the gospel in a meaningful way with others.

Biblical Accuracy

Firm Foundation does not quote scripture word for word; however, it does use phrases that are found in scripture such as “firm foundation.” The whole song is an ode to Jesus’ parable found in Matthew 7:24-27.

Christ is my firm foundation
The rock on which I stand
When everything around me is shaken 
I've never been more glad
That I put my faith in Jesus
'Cause He's never let me down
He's faithful through generations
So why would He fail now?
He won't, He won't

• This is the first time we run into “shaky ground” with the song’s theological stance. The prevalent lyrical theme in many contemporary worship songs, asserting that God won't let us down, has gained popularity. Yet, navigating this concept requires careful consideration, as it can lead to theological ambiguity if not approached with caution.

• In Romans 8:28, it is affirmed that God ensures all things work together for good. However, it's crucial to recognize that God may permit experiences that don't align with our immediate desires, guiding us toward personal and spiritual growth. Contrary to the notion that God will never let us down, biblical understanding acknowledges that He might not grant our wishes if they conflict with His divine will. In such instances, it may seem like He lets us down, but the ultimate purpose lies in shaping us according to His plan. Therefore, while God may not always fulfill our specific desires, His provisions are always intended for our ultimate good and, more importantly, for His overarching purpose.

• It's essential to exercise caution in our teachings, avoiding the misconception that God's success is measured solely by His fulfillment of our desires. This perspective, suggested by the song, implies that if God doesn't provide what we want, there might be a flaw either within us or within God Himself. Rather than propagating the idea that God's faithfulness is solely determined by our immediate desires, a more balanced understanding acknowledges that God's ways are higher, and His plans may transcend our immediate wishes. This ensures a more nuanced perspective, recognizing that God's goodness isn't solely contingent on conforming to our desires, fostering a deeper and more mature faith.

I've still got joy in chaos
I've got peace that makes no sense
So I won't be going under
I'm not held by my own strength
'Cause I've built my life on Jesus

• This lyric aligns with scriptures in Philippians 4:4-13 and 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24.

• The cornerstone of Christianity rests on the pivotal events of Jesus' death and resurrection. Without these, our faith would be devoid of hope. Fortunately, we can assert with confidence that these transformative occurrences indeed took place, providing assurance of our justification through Jesus' sacrificial death as emphasized in Romans 6:22-23. Our certainty extends further, for as believers, we are not only justified but also brought to life alongside Him. This newfound life is made possible by His resurrection, and we find assurance in the ongoing intercession that Jesus undertakes on our behalf, seated at the right hand of the Father as indicated in Mark 16:19 and expounded upon in Romans 8:34-35. This unwavering belief serves as the bedrock foundation of our faith.

Rain came and wind blew
But my house was built on You
I'm safe with You
I'm gonna make it through

• Once more, this concept resonates with Jesus' parable of the wise man who built his house upon the rock. If we construct our lives upon the solid foundation of Christ's teachings, akin to the wise man's choice, we establish a robust framework. This intentional foundation ensures that when the storms of life inevitably assail us, we can navigate through them with a deep-seated peace, drawing strength and stability from the unwavering truths anchored in Christ's teachings.

Theological Themes

The foundation of this song rests upon the authenticity of Jesus' life and teachings. Drawing inspiration from Romans 10:10-11, the song encapsulates the assurance that placing our faith in Jesus will not lead to shame, a sentiment Cody Carnes sought to convey in his composition. At the core of the message is a prevailing theme centered on the unshakeable reliability of God's promises, emphasizing our unwavering confidence in placing trust in them.

When should we sing this song?

This song would best be paired with a song that is directed towards God and is not so self-focused. Songs like King of Kings by Hillsong or Build My Life by Pat Barrett would pair well with this song.

Musicality

This song has been designated an expert rating owing to the intricate chord progressions interspersed between phrases. Mastering the art of playing and singing simultaneously while maintaining a steady rhythm poses a notable challenge. The substantial impact of each chord change adds an enjoyable complexity to the performance, demanding the entire band to synchronize seamlessly with the dynamic shifts.

Behind the Song

During the pandemic, Carnes composed the song "Firm Foundation" amid a panic attack. Using music as a therapeutic outlet, he found solace while singing and playing, ultimately crafting both the melody and lyrics. In an interview with KLove, Carnes shared his experience, expressing, ¹"I had a lot of anxiety and fear of the future. I had that feeling of, ‘God, where are You?’ So as I was dealing with those emotions, one morning I woke up and just felt like I needed to sing my way out of that."

¹Williams, L., (2023, July 14). Cody Carnes Sings of Certain Hope in Uncertain Times on ‘Firm Foundation (He Won’t)'. KLove. https://www.klove.com/music/blog/new-music/cody-carnes-sings-of-certain-hope-in-uncertain-times-on-firm-foundation-he-won-t-5903

Share Your Thoughts

We encourage you to share your thoughts and experiences with "Firm Foundation." How has this song impacted your life? Do you have a favorite line or verse that resonates with you? Your feedback and testimonials are invaluable to us.

Get in Touch

If you have any feedback, suggestions, or questions about this issue or if there's a specific Christian song you'd like us to feature in a future edition, please don't hesitate to get in touch.

Thank you for being a part of the "Word Made Music" community. Together, we'll continue to explore the profound connection between music and faith.

Blessings,

Thomas Brown

Founder of Word Made Music