Water holds deep symbolic meaning in Christianity, representing cleansing, renewal, and the life – giving power of God. Christian musicians have drawn inspiration from this symbolism, crafting songs that express spiritual truths related to water. Here are ten such songs that explore the significance of water in the context of faith.
10 Christian Songs That Celebrate the Symbolism of Water2
1. “As the Deer” – Martin Nystrom
The lyrics, “As the deer pants for the water brooks, so my soul pants for You, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God?” use the metaphor of a deer’s desperate need for water to convey the human soul’s longing for God. The gentle, worship – filled melody enhances the sense of yearning, emphasizing that just as water is essential for physical life, God is essential for spiritual life.
2. “There Is a River” – Bob Kauflin
This song reflects on the spiritual river that flows from the throne of God. The lyrics, “There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High. God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved. God will help her when morning dawns” draw from Psalm 46, highlighting the life – giving and stabilizing power of God’s presence, symbolized by the river. The melody is both calming and inspiring, creating an atmosphere of worship.
3. “River of Life” – Hillsong Worship
Hillsong Worship’s “River of Life” celebrates the transformative power of God’s grace, likened to a river. The lyrics, “River of life, flow through me. Let every part of my life, reflect Your love. River of life, flow through me. Let every part of my life, reflect Your love” express a desire for God’s presence to permeate every aspect of the singer’s life. The upbeat tempo and modern worship style make it an engaging song that encourages believers to be vessels through which God’s life – giving water flows.
4. “Washed by the Water” – Needtobreathe
This song speaks of the cleansing power of Jesus’ sacrifice, symbolized by water. The lyrics, “I was a soul on fire, I didn’t know which way to go. I heard You speaking in the dark, I heard You in my soul. You were the shadow in the night, you were the strength in my fear. You were the light, You were the light. Washed by the water, washed by the water. Wash away my sin, I have been redeemed” convey a message of redemption and spiritual cleansing. The energetic rock – infused melody adds to the sense of newfound freedom.
5. “Living Water” – Chris Tomlin
Chris Tomlin’s “Living Water” focuses on Jesus as the source of eternal life, represented by living water. The lyrics, “Jesus, You’re the cup that won’t run dry. Jesus, You’re the well that won’t run dry. Jesus, You’re the well that won’t run dry. Living water, rain down on me” express a dependence on Jesus for spiritual sustenance. The simple yet powerful melody and Tomlin’s heartfelt delivery make it a song that resonates with believers seeking a deep connection with the living God.
6. “The Water Is Wide” – Various Artists (Christian Interpretations)
While originally a traditional folk song, Christian interpretations often see the wide water as a symbol of the vastness of God’s love and the journey of faith. The lyrics, “The water is wide, I cannot cross o’er. And neither have I wings to fly. Give me a boat that can carry two. And both shall row, my love and I” can be seen as a plea for God’s help in crossing the metaphorical waters of life. The gentle, often – acoustic melody adds to the sense of longing and reliance on God.
7. “Baptism” – Rhett Walker Band
This song directly relates to the sacrament of baptism, where water is used as a symbol of spiritual rebirth. The lyrics, “I see the heavens open wide. I feel the power of Your eyes. I’m baptized, I’m baptized. In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. I’m baptized, I’m baptized” celebrate the act of baptism as a moment of surrender and new life in Christ. The upbeat, anthemic melody makes it a song that can be used in a worship service to commemorate the significance of this water – based sacrament.
8. “Fountains of Living Waters” – Sovereign Grace Music
The lyrics, “Fountains of living waters, flow through my soul. Fountains of living waters, make me whole. Jesus, the source of my life, fill me with Your love. Let Your living waters rise like a flood” emphasize Jesus as the source of living waters that bring wholeness and spiritual fullness. The slow – paced, worship – centered melody creates an atmosphere of stillness and reflection, allowing believers to meditate on the life – giving power of God.
9. “Deep Calls to Deep” – Bethel Music
This song uses the imagery of water to express the deep spiritual connection between God and the believer. The lyrics, “Deep calls to deep in the roar of Your waterfalls. All Your waves and breakers have rolled over me. Yet the Lord commands His loving – kindness in the daytime. And His song shall be with me in the night” draw from Psalm 42, depicting a profound spiritual experience. The ambient, worship – driven melody enhances the sense of a deep, spiritual encounter with God.
10. “Spirit of the Living God” – Vertical Worship
The lyrics, “Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me. Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me. Melt me, mold me, fill me, use me. Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me” can be related to the purifying and shaping power of God, much like the shaping and cleansing power of water. The modern worship melody, with its anthemic chorus, encourages believers to open themselves up to the transformative work of the Holy Spirit, symbolized by the life – giving and purifying properties of water.
Conclusion
These ten Christian songs offer a rich exploration of the symbolism of water in the context of faith. They cover themes such as spiritual longing, cleansing, renewal, and the life – giving power of God. Whether through gentle worship ballads or energetic anthems, these songs help believers to engage with the deep spiritual truths associated with water, and to draw closer to God in their spiritual journey.
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