Danny Gokey. Remember the name. I’m boldly predicting that Gokey will be a finalist in this year’s “American Idol” competition on FOX. This husky-voiced, 28-year-old bespectacled widower who worked for eight years at Faith Builders International in Milwaukee has not only been blowing millions of viewers away with his vocal skill every single week, but the fact that he harbors no reluctance in expressing his faith on a national stage is what impresses this viewer the most.
Last week, Gokey chose to perform Carrie Underwood’s song, “Jesus, Take The Wheel.” I applaud his choice. Now, I’ll shoot straight with you. During all my years of working in Country radio, I don’t know that I ever heard a song teeming with spiritually redeeming value. So many had something to do with drinkin’, cheatin’ and lost loves (or all of the above). And, while you won’t hear a lot of soloists performing “Jesus, Take The Wheel” in church on Sundays, it’s amazing what sort of truth can be communicated in a a couple of “idol” moments. Consider these words:
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
Save me from this road I’m on
While the song’s writer probably had the thought of a hit record in mind when it was penned, the song does contain three important spiritual elements we should all take note of.
CONFESSION
“I’m sorry for the way I’ve been living my life.”
Confession is vital to maintaining an intimate relationship with God. It’s important in preventing the disruption of our fellowship with Him that sin causes. Proverbs 28:13 says, “He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy,” and James 5:16 instructs us, “confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.” Confession from your heart can bring about healing in your life, if there is also…
REPENTANCE
“I know I’ve got to change.”
You see, confession is virtually empty without repentance to validate it. How many times have we prayed to the Lord, asking, “God, please forgive me,” yet we return back to the same old ways? Proverbs 26:11 says, “As a dog returns to its vomit, so a fool repeats his folly.” We seem to willfully make the same mistakes over and over again, until we truly repent, make an about face and consciously walk away from those behaviors.
“Save me from this road I’m on.”
The writer of Hebrews knew human tendency and the struggle of repeating the same mistakes. He was aware of the dangerous downward spiral that accompanies habitual sin patterns. That’s why in Hebrews 12:1 he encourages us, “let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles.” But, that’s easier said than done, isn’t it?
DEPENDENCE
“I can’t do this on my own. I’m letting go.”
In that same verse in Hebrews, the author describes life as a race, but a more accurate translation from the Greek would be “struggle.” You see, repentance really isn’t possible until we acknowledge dependence. Many believers will tell you that the Christian life is difficult. I’ll go one step further. It’s impossible! Without the strength and the guidance of God’s Holy Spirit within us, it is impossible to live the Christian life. Left to our own strength and wisdom, we ultimately stumble and fail.
Jesus said, “Apart from me, you can do nothing.” (John 15:5) A common worldview holds that “God helps those who help themselves.” But, that message is totally contrary to the Bible. The song says “I can’t do it on my own,” and that’s true. We weren’t made to do it on our own. God made us to be dependent upon him. He knows our weakness. But, as Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 12:9, God’s strength is made perfect in our weakness. He is a loving father who is waiting to lavish his blessing, strength, and wisdom upon us, if we’ll only admit our dependence upon him and ask.
Psalm 55:22 says, “Cast your cares on the Lord, and He will sustain you.” 1 Peter 5:7 says that you can cast “your care upon Him, for He cares for you.”
Cast your cares on God today, friend. Let go of the wheel and let Him take control of your life…
Oh, and after you’ve done that, don’t forget to vote for Danny Gokey. I believe the Lord has plans to mightily use this young man for His glory.
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