Exploring Faith's Resilience In Ocean's Depths

The line in oceans deep my faith will stand is from the song Oceans (Where Feet May Fail) by the Christian artist group Hillsong United. The song is inspired by the Bible story of Peter walking on water, who sinks when his faith is shaken. The song is about stepping into the unknown and is a testament to faith and trust.

The song 'Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)' is based on the biblical story of Jesus walking on water

The song "Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)" by the Australian worship group Hillsong United is based on the biblical story of Jesus walking on water. The song's lyrics allude to the account in the Gospel of Matthew (14:22-33) where Jesus calls Peter to join him on the water. In the biblical story, Peter steps out in faith and begins to walk on the water towards Jesus. However, when he sees the wind, he becomes afraid and starts to sink, crying out to Jesus for help. Jesus then reaches out and rescues him.

The song's writer, Matt Crocker, confirmed that the song was inspired by this biblical event, describing it as "a song about stepping into the unknown and Peter having blind trust to walk on water." The song's message revolves around trusting in God, following His leading, and spiritual growth.

The song's chorus, "In oceans deep, my faith will stand," is a powerful declaration of faith, indicating that even in the midst of uncertainty and challenges, one's faith will remain firm, just as Peter's faith was strengthened through his experience on the water.

The song has been immensely popular, spending a record 61 non-consecutive weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Christian Songs chart and winning multiple awards, including "Song of the Year" and "Worship Song of the Year" at the 2014 GMA Dove Awards.

The song is about stepping into the unknown and having faith and trust

"Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)" by Hillsong United is a song about stepping into the unknown and having faith and trust. It is inspired by the Bible story of Peter walking on water (Matthew 14:22-33). In the story, Jesus calls Peter to step out of the boat and walk on the water towards him. Peter initially trusts and has faith in Jesus, and he is able to walk on the water. However, when Peter sees the wind, he becomes afraid and begins to doubt, causing him to sink. Jesus then rescues him.

The song's lyrics reflect this story and its themes of faith, trust, and stepping into the unknown. The line "In oceans deep, my faith will stand" refers to having faith and trust in God even in the midst of unknown and challenging situations. It conveys the idea that even in the deepest and most uncertain times, one's faith can remain strong. This is further emphasised in the chorus: "And I will call upon Your name / And keep my eyes above the waves / When oceans rise, my soul will rest in Your embrace / For I am Yours and You are mine". The singer expresses their commitment to calling upon God and keeping their focus on Him, even when faced with difficulties or uncertainty, represented by the rising oceans.

The bridge of the song also reinforces the theme of trust: "Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders / Let me walk upon the waters wherever You would call me / Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander / And my faith will be made stronger in the presence of my Saviour". Here, the singer surrenders to the leading of the Holy Spirit, expressing their willingness to go wherever God calls them, even into deep and unknown waters. They recognise that by following God, their faith will be strengthened.

Overall, "Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)" encourages listeners to step out in faith, trusting that God will guide and sustain them through life's challenges and unknowns. It serves as a reminder that even in the deepest and most uncertain times, one's faith can stand firm.

The lyrics refer to God's grace and sovereignty

The lyrics "Oceans deep, my faith will stand" are a powerful expression of unwavering trust in God, even in the midst of life's uncertainties and challenges. The imagery of oceans deep symbolizes the unknown, the vastness of the sea representing the unknown future, and the unpredictable trials of life. Despite these unknowns, the singer proclaims that their faith, rooted in God's grace and sovereignty, remains steadfast and sure.

God's grace is a central theme in these lyrics. Grace, in a Christian context, refers to God's unconditional love, mercy, and forgiveness extended to humanity. It is a gift, freely given, that cannot be earned or deserved. In the face of life's challenges, the singer finds solace and strength in the knowledge of God's unwavering grace. This grace becomes a foundation for their faith, a solid rock upon which they can stand, even when surrounded by the uncertain depths of the ocean.

The sovereignty of God is also implied in these lyrics. Sovereignty refers to God's supreme power, authority, and rule over all creation. The singer recognizes that God is in control, even over the mighty oceans. This acknowledgment brings a sense of peace and assurance, knowing that their faith is not placed in a distant or uninterested deity, but in a God who is intimately involved in the details of their life.

The combination of God's grace and sovereignty provides a solid ground for the singer's faith to stand upon. It is a faith that is not dependent on circumstances or feelings but is firmly rooted in the character and nature of God. Even when faced with the unknown, with "oceans deep," the singer can rest in the knowledge that God's grace is sufficient, and His sovereignty ensures that He is ultimately in control.

Thus, the lyrics "Oceans deep, my faith will stand" become a testament to the strength and resilience that comes from trusting in God's grace and sovereignty. It is a reminder that even in the midst of life's storms, when we feel surrounded by the unknown, our faith can remain firm, knowing that we stand on the solid rock of God's unfailing love and power.

The song encourages listeners to call upon Jesus' name and keep their eyes above the waves

The song "Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)" by Hillsong United is a call to Christians to deepen their faith and fully trust in God. The lyrics are based on the Biblical story of Matthew 14:22-33, where Jesus calls Peter to step out of the boat and walk on water. Peter's faith is tested as he sinks when he feels afraid, but Jesus saves him.

The song's message is that even in the unknown and through trials and tribulations, Christians should keep their "eyes above the waves" and call upon Jesus. This means that believers should keep their focus on God and trust in His guidance, even when they feel like they are sinking or being overwhelmed by life's challenges.

The song encourages Christians to strengthen their faith and take comfort in the promise of God's embrace, as expressed in the lyrics, "When oceans rise, my soul will rest in Your embrace." It serves as a reminder that God is always with them, and they can find refuge and strength in Him.

The song also emphasizes the personal relationship believers can have with God, as indicated in the line, "For I am Yours and You are mine." This intimate connection is a source of comfort and assurance for Christians, knowing that they belong to God and He is always present in their lives.

By calling upon Jesus' name, Christians can find the courage to face their fears and walk by faith, just as Peter did when he stepped out of the boat. "Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)" is a powerful reminder of God's faithfulness and a call to trust in Him, even in the deepest and most uncertain times.

The song has been covered by various artists and has won multiple awards

The song "Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)" by Hillsong United has been covered by various artists and has won multiple awards. The song is inspired by the Bible story of Peter walking on water, who sinks when his faith is shaken.

The song was released on 23 August 2013 as the second and final single from their third studio album, Zion (2013). It is led and recorded by Taya Smith, a newcomer to the Hillsong team, and was written by Matt Crocker, Joel Houston, and Salomon Ligthelm, with production handled by Michael Guy Chislett.

"Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)" won several major awards at the 45th Annual GMA Dove Awards in 2014, including "Song of the Year", "Contemporary Christian Performance of the Year", "Pop/Contemporary Song of the Year", and "Worship Song of the Year". Hillsong United was also named the "Artist of the Year". The song was further recognized at the 2016 Billboard Music Awards, where it was chosen as the Top Christian Song, and Hillsong United won the Top Christian Artist category.

In addition to its award success, the song spent a record-breaking 61 non-consecutive weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Christian Songs chart and was ranked as the No. 1 Christian song of the 2010s decade by Billboard. It was also certified quadruple platinum in the United States.

The song's popularity has led to numerous covers and remixes by various artists, including Lauren Daigle, Dash Berlin, and Cimorelli. It has also been performed live by Hillsong United on multiple occasions, including a notable performance on the Sea of Galilee.

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