The Call and The Command
What was the last song that spoke to you because the lyrics were written as if the writer of the song read your journal? You realize it has touched you because even though you have experienced the message of the song for many years, it took a beautifully organized poetic song to fully communicate your intimate feelings.
I love music. It has affirmed, loved, and supported my spirit in more ways than one. Recently, I was reminded of Hezekiah Walker’s song. Can you guess it? I’ll give you a hint, because he has had many transformational hits. In 2003 this song was recognized at the GMA (Gospel Music Association) as the song of the year. Why has this song moved the hearts of many generations and backgrounds around the country? This song impacted many because it was true for many.
“I need you, you need me.”
“Stand with me, agree with me.”
“You are important to me; I need you to survive.”
When I heard the lyrics, I noticed the word “need” was voiced at least 29 times throughout the song.
“I need you to survive. I need you to survive.”
How many times have we lost hope in sharing our needs to others after only expressing them five times? These words challenge me to reflect on my relationships more. How are my relationships with others in the body of Christ? Are they important to me the way God’s word and Hezekiah Walker’s song remind me of? One way we can demonstrate our commitment to one another is through prayer.
The song says, “I pray for you” AND “you pray for me.”
“I love you; I need you to survive.”
“I will not harm you with words from my mouth.”
We pray for each other. We love each other. We will not harm one another. It’s a command, and at the same time a cry. The song intentionally structures the words to repeat simple phrases throughout, but it doesn’t feel mundane to hear it. I need these words to play over and over in my head. The message must remain in our minds so that it transforms into action. These words are worth meditating on.
The song closes with, “It is his will that every need be supplied.” God’s desire is to supply our needs. He wants to provide any need which will support our good, and His perfect plan. We cannot forget what it will take to respond to the high call to pray for one another. If someone is making a conscious decision to ask for prayers, do it. At that time. They need you. They need you to survive. In return, trust someone is praying for you the same way as you humbly ask for the support of another sister.
I want to encourage you to replay Hezekiah Walker’s song “I need you to survive” as if it is newly released. Put it on repeat the way I did as I share these words with you today. Meditate on it. After, take up the high call. Show your sister you need them. Share your prayer with her. Stand and agree with each other. We cannot let another sister forget their value in our lives and the greatest impact they can have in others through prayer. I thank my Father for music and the times to pray with my sisters who are willing to support and stand with me in areas I choose not to stand alone. We need each other to survive.
