Thoughts on “Come As You Are”

Have you ever gone through tough times in life? Do you ever have things going on in life or not going on that feel like they are holding you back or weighing you down? If so, the song “Come As You Are” by David Crowder, Ben Glover, and Matt Maher brings encouragement for the struggles we face in life. It invites us to cast the burdens we have on the Lord (Psalm 55:22) and find the healing only God can provide. There is something really powerful with how the music communicates the message of the song, so I’ll just let you listen to the song to get the overall message, but I will share a few thoughts to help everyone connect with the song in our services.

“Come As You Are” is a little different from most congregational worship songs because the lyrics are sung to one another (and ourselves) with encouraging invitations and truths about the nature of our merciful God. The character of the music and lyrics makes it possible to relate to people in various experiences of life. Those who are feeling weighed down in life are allowed to cry out in hope or just soak in the words and music, while those who are experiencing a time when life seems perfect can sing this song to encourage others and remember how God has brought healing in their life.

Lastly, I want to encourage you to read two passages of scripture to deepen the meaning of the song. First, read the parable of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15:11-32 and consider how God invites us to “come as we are.” Next, read Isaiah 53:1-12 to reflect on how Jesus has made it possible for us to “come as we are” and bring healing to our lives.

I hope you enjoy listening to the song, and I pray this song will draw many closer to God as we sing it in our services.