Paul Baloche is one of the most acclaimed worship artists and songwriters of our time. Winner of two Dove Awards, he has penned radio hits such as “Because of Your Love,” “Hosanna (Praise Is Rising),” “All The Earth Will Sing Your Praises” and “Our God Saves” and he has written top-ranking CCLI songs and modern-day classics including “Above All,” “Open the Eyes of My Heart,” “Offering” and “Your Name.” Integrity Music is honored to present Glorious,
an all-new collection of songs that reflect his heart, and his passion for the Church.

My favorite song on Glorious is the first single, “Just To Be With You,” which offers a view of our God and our reliance on Him. “’Just To Be With You’ is simply about intimacy with God,” Paul says. “With all of the stuff in this world that overwhelms us, no matter what happens, ‘all I want is to be with You’ as I’m walking through this life.”

I had the great opportunity to interview Paul about his song. You can listen to the entire interview here.

Please describe the background in writing the song "Just To Be With You” and what's the main message of the song to you personally?

The song came out of one of those confessional and devotional moments. I had the first verse pretty much written for the past five years. In the midst of worship at church, that phrase “Lord my life is an empty cup, here’s my heart would You fill me up” is my prayer every Sunday when I show up at church to lead worship. The song is really about taking a posture of humility and putting my face to the ground and letting the Lord use me.

Please tell me about any bible verses that may tie-in to the song, particularly the lyrics: “Nothing compares to knowing You more”?

Philippians 3:8-9: What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ-—the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith.

How can listeners apply that message in their walk with God?

Being with God is what He wants and what we need. In some ways I wonder if this song somewhat contradicts the message of my song “Offering.” In that song, I sing about bringing an offering to God in worship. In this song, I sing that I have nothing to give God, but the twist is that we have the Word of God to rely on. God says that we belong to Him and all we need to say is that I am Yours.

Here are the lyrics:

Lord my life is an empty cup
Here's my heart
Would You fill me up
I'm face to the ground
Forsaking my pride
Leaving my will
My burdens behind

All I want
All I need
Is just to be with You
Just to be with You

Here I am
At Your feet
Just to be with You
Just to be with You

I have come to the end of me
And there's nothing
I have to bring
But You said I belong
You say I am Yours
Nothing compares
To knowing You more

You made a way for me oh Savior
I'm Yours forevermore
You made a way for me oh Savior
I'm Yours forevermore

I'm Yours forevermore
All I want
Just to be with You

Paul’s song is such a great way for us to respond in worship to God. Praise and worship is a heart condition, and an emotional connection to the words that we lift up to God. Our worship is an “Offering,” but God is the One who made the way for us to be with Him. When you sing along with this great song, make sure you are in prayer that you are submitting all of yourself to God, “forsaking your pride and leaving your will and burdens behind.” Let the cry of your heart be “all I want and all I need is just to be with You.”