How To Take Personal Analysis and Make the Right Life Changing Decisions: Jesus Take the Wheel or My Will?
The song is beautiful, it cries out to be sung. Somewhere deep in the hearts of many there is a place that longs for someone to take the wheel. Make the decision for me: I’m weak and my eyes are tired, my vision is clouded and blurred:’ take the wheel’. I don’t know which way to turn, there are too many exits on the highway: ‘take the wheel’, the pangs are too strong, I’m afraid I might make the wrong choice: ’take the wheel’, Jesus please take my will or “take the wheel”?
This hopeful song performed by America’s sweetheart Carrie Underwood went platinum in 2006. Even today I hear it played on popular radio stations on occasion. It has become ingrained into the fabric of modern American music, crossing over race, music genre’s and even religious barriers. Although I love this ever popular song, I can’t help but notice the false sense of comfort that it expresses. This mixture of spiritual with secular is a wide gate open to all those searching for a Savior who can take the wheel of their lives and make things all better. This strange comfort in closed eyes, free falling into decisions is unsettling to me. It is disturbing because it reminds me of the many reasons people have expressed for their most destructive choices: the first experience with illegal drugs that led to their addictions, the reason they fell into immoral acts, the choices to leave their family or break their word. It was a weightless free fall, just a sweet simple closing of the eyes, a throwing up of the hands… Whatsoever happens happens, take the wheel…
Jesus Take The Wheel lyrics
Songwriters: James, Brett; Lindsey, Hillary; Sampson, Gordie;
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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
Fifty miles to go and she was running low On faith and gasoline It'd been a long hard year
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
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
To save me from this road I'm on Jesus, take the wheel
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
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 To save me from this road I'm on
Oh Jesus, take the wheel 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 Jesus, take the wheel
Oh, take it, take it from me Oh, why, ooh
© MUSIC OF STAGE THREE; SONY/ATV TUNES D/B/A CROSS KEYS PUB; SONGS OF COMBUSTION MUSIC; MUSIC OF WINDSWEPT; PASSING STRANGER MUSIC; NO SUCH MUSIC;
On the surface this feels right; like true love, faith, and devotion. However when we reexamine more closely, the feeling is replaced with a conscious understanding: 'Wait, there was a decision that needed to be made'.
So many times we are paralyzed by fear, intimidated by too many available choices; especially those of us whom have made serious mistakes in the past. We understand that our wrong choices may take us years to recover from. Therefore at times we throw our hands up as the car spins out of control… hoping beyond hope that Jesus will take the wheel and steer us into the right direction. Maybe this time we won’t have to live with a huge mistake if we refuse to decide.
It is important that we balance the sentiments of this beautiful song and all of the warm feelings it transmits with the truth. This message is not the gospel truth and it is not the reality that our Bible teaches for the most part.
So many scriptures tell us that we should desire to LEARN and KNOW the way (Psalms 86:11, Jer 5:4-5, Heb 3:10); To seek wisdom and understanding (Col 1:9, James 1:5), while Others express the fact that we are given the power and strength even during our weakest moments (Rom 8:37, 2 Corinthians 12:9-10) and my personal favorite of all times Philippians 4:13; I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
I do understand there are moments of weakness and confusion too. Times when we can't do anything but pray... But I suggest we pray and hold on, hold fast, hold firm...
Here’s hoping that your path is clear, and on the stormy nights when the road is most hazardous, that your hands remain planted firmly, don’t let go, even then pray and seek the Lords guidance, but remember to drive well and defensively, pump the breaks if you must, because the choice is yours to make.
REFERENCES:
Jesus, Take the Wheel. (2009, October 5). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 02:00, October 7, 2009, from http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Jesus,_Take_the_Wheel&oldid=318006075
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