Thou, Oh Lord Lyrics

"Thou, Oh Lord" by The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir embodies radical faith and serves as a constant reminder to always look up to the Lord in times of trouble. In plain language, it is a song about being besieged by trouble and the sense of being outnumbered by enemies. The contextual reliance of protection and grace upheld is quite immense, tracing repeated affirmations that the Lord is a shield, a glory, and lifter of the head. The speaker opens by describing the afflictions that are visiting: so many are rising against him, and divine assistance is doubted. This scenario, in general, introduces images of isolation and despair and is very common. Engaging for many listeners, but the song goes quickly to a declaration of faith, with direct contradictions to the impulse of despair provided in the form of a message of hope: God as protector and source of honor. Repetition is used masterfully—especially in lines such as affirming God to be "a shield" and "the lifter of [the] head." Such repetition is not rhetorical but a theological argument that reasserts the presence and utter backing of God. This is to remind the listener of God's status in their lives and urge them to rely on divine strength in times of trouble. The crying to the Lord and being heard brings out more personal reasoning: all this proves that divine intervention is more attentive and responsive. The picture of lying down, sleeping, and waking up sustained by the Lord shows a peaceful trust in God's care and a sense of security and divine sustenance. "Thou, O Lord," is far beyond the song; it is prayer, declaration, and declaration of faith all rolled into one. It would encourage the listeners to find solace and strength in their faith, reminded of the protective and honorable presence of God in those lives—moments of great difficulty.