I found a recent song by him that is entitled “Don’t Give Up” that talks about trials and the fact that followers of God always will have trials until God comes down. It features McDonald who has a very beautiful voice that is the icing on the melodic cake that is brought into the more modern era. It is so inspiring. God’s word would say that we shouldn’t lose heart because the Lord is with us. I love the chorus or the main lyrical lick of the first stanza: Don’t give up; Hold on for one more day.” That phrase just works in comparison to other songs that I have heard. One thing I notice, there is no theological or biblical points of view that I could find (aside from verses saying “Take heart.” “Take courage.”) All of these phrases serve as an encouragement and an exhortation to go and keep going on in the faith and stay strong.
The song is light on theology, but strong in encouragement and that is taken to mean that this is a personal song. There is much to be said about personal songs and prayers to Jesus and what people claim should be “teaching songs” where Biblical truths are expounded. Not every song that is written for God needs to be a teaching song. If we are believers, it is a must that we have this personal connection to Christ, insomuch that we can be bold and approach Him in song about our problems. Many accuse artists like McDonald for watering down content in songs that should be biblical. I agree that there should be more biblical “teaching” music within the church, but there should also be personal moments of encouragement as well as reflection. This song holds true to this, especially for those who are hurting and need the Savior or are waiting on Him in the midst of their trials.
The music is a beautiful backdrop as well for the words and it gives the singer space to sing plainly the words of encouragement that are meant to lift up the most downcast within the body of Christ and those just coming into the Body of Christ.
The beat is a modified rock beat and it almost has a twinge of metal to it although electric guitar instruments are spared in this moment. It’s good that it is a pretty quiet song. If you need a slight encouragement from the Lord, this would be a good contender for reflection.
