Inspiration Behind Jesus Take the Wheel:
Carrie Underwood’s song Jesus Take the Wheel was inspired by a childhood memory shared by Gordie Sampson. Gordie recalls a true story about a mom on the verge of experiencing a car accident, crying out to Jesus for help. This moment of complete surrender resonates with individuals seeking divine intervention. Sometimes when your life is spiraling out of control, trusting in a higher power via faith is a last resort, hoping to escape death.
Biblical Application:
The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. 18 The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit, Psalm 34:17-18.
Exegesis of Jesus Take the Wheel:
She was driving last Friday on her way to Cincinnati on a snow-white Christmas Eve
Going home to see her mama and her daddy with the baby in the backseat
50 miles to go, and she was running low on faith and gasoline
It’d been a long, hard year
Driving long distances can take a toll on my mind, especially if the weather is bad. This woman appears to be a single mom, recently divorced based upon the hard year comment.
She had a lot on her mind, and she didn’t pay attention
She was going way too fast
Before she knew it, she was spinning on a thin black sheet of glass
She saw both their lives flash before her eyes
She didn’t even have time to cry
She was so scared
She threw her hands up in the air
Going over bridges while driving in the snow can be difficult. After the fear of driving in the snow vanished, she started driving as if the roads were dry. This lapse in judgement almost led to a car accident. Once a car starts sliding, you’re at the mercy of physics. Losing physical control of her car, she cried out for help.
Jesus, take the wheel
Take it from my hands
‘Cause I can’t do this on my own
I’m letting go
So give me one more chance
And save me from this road I’m on
Jesus, take the wheel
Helpless and scared, she cries out to Jesus for divine intervention. Asking God for a second chance at life.
It was still getting colder when she made it to the shoulder
And the car came to a stop
She cried when she saw that baby in the backseat, sleeping like a rock
And for the first time in a long time
She bowed her head to pray
She said, “I’m sorry for the way I’ve been living my life
I know I’ve got to change, so from now on tonight”
Human nature has a way of leading people toward self-reliance until life altering events happen. This is where Jesus becomes a last resort, turning to God in times of trouble.
Jesus, take the wheel
Take it from my hands
‘Cause I can’t do this on my own
I’m letting go
So give me one more chance
And save me from this road I’m on
Oh, Jesus, take the wheel
This chorus reinforces the notion that there are moments in life where it’s clear that you can’t do it or make it on your own.
Oh, I’m letting go
So give me one more chance
Save me from this road I’m on
From this road I’m on
Despite the disobedience of mankind, Jesus continues to offer desperate human beings second and third chances at life.
Jesus, take the wheel
Oh, take it, take it from me
Oh, whoa, ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh
The more Christians truly surrender to God, the more Jesus can shine through your life.
Final Thoughts:
I was in a head on collision in college. I could see it happening but had no control. I escaped with banged up knees and a totaled car. While cars can be replaced, human life cannot. Subsequently, make sure you thank Jesus for what you have and for the numerously times in life divine intervention kept you out of an accident.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 