Inspiration Behind Flood:
The idea for Flood began in college as members of Jars of Clay wanted to blend a positive Christian message that would resonate with a secular audience. Jars of Clay took a metaphorical approach when mentioning the 40-day flood depicted in the Bible. Whenever excessive fronts, systems and rain clouds form, small streams can quickly turn into raging rivers, filled with debris and mud. These unexpected storms often lead to spiritual desperation and the desire for redemption.
Biblical Application:
In the six hundredth year of Noah’s life, on the seventeenth day of the second month—on that day all the springs of the great deep burst forth, and the floodgates of the heavens were opened. 12 And rain fell on the earth forty days and forty nights, Genesis 7:11-12.
Exegesis of Flood:
Rain rain on my face
It hasn’t stopped raining for days
My world is a flood
Slowly I become one with the mud
A slow-moving system has left days of rain showers. However, the flood refers to the spiritual condition of one’s life, filled with confusion, guilt and sinful tendencies.
But if I can’t swim after forty days
And my mind is crushed by the thrashing waves
Lift me up so high that I cannot fall
Lift me up
The can’t swim comment appears to suggest that they are losing hope. The current and waves is wearing out their mind, on the verge of giving up. Crying out to God for help.
Lift me up – When I’m falling
Lift me up – I’m weak and I’m dying
Lift me up – I need you to hold me
Lift me up – Keep me from drowning again
This chorus includes 4 specific prayer requests to survive this storm.
Down pour on my soul
Splashing in the ocean I’m losing control
Dark sky all around
I can’t feel my feet touching the ground
This reminds me of being in the ocean when the current pushes you past where you can stand. These are the emotions that can take a toll on your soul.
But if I can’t swim after forty days
And my mind is crushed by the thrashing waves
Lift me up so high that I cannot fall
Lift me up
You can only handle so much in life. When the pressure gets too great, people cry out to God for help.
Lift me up – When I’m falling
Lift me up – I’m weak and I’m dying
Lift me up – I need you to hold me
Lift me up – Keep me from drowning again
This is where self-preservation kicks in, wanting to live.
Calm the storms that drench my eyes
Dry the streams still flowing
Casting down all the waves of sin
And guilt that overthrow me
This stanza speaks to a series of addictions, bad habits or unwholesome cravings that has turned their lives upside down.
If I can’t swim after forty days
And my mind is crushed by the thrashing waves
Lift me up so high that I cannot fall
Lift me up
Who do you call on when you need help?
Lift me up – When I’m falling
Lift me up – I’m weak and I’m dying
Lift me up – I need you to hold me
Lift me up – Keep me from drowning again
Crying out to an invisible God for help.
(Lift me up) When I’m falling
(Lift me up) I’m weak and I’m dying
(Lift me up) I need you to hold me
(Lift me up) Keep me from drowning again
Don’t quit up. Keep asking and seeking God’s help.
Final Thoughts:
Life is full of unexpected events which add anxiety, concerns and stress to your life. If you have ever struggled with addiction, prayers may go unanswered for months, years and decades. Yet, if you press on and never give up hope, healing and restoration can be achieved. The timing is different for everyone, but the freedom that exists afterward is worth the years of blood, sweat and tears.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 