Rising contemporary Christian artist Katy Nichole is an artist to watch. Her debut single, "In Jesus Name (God of Possible)," derived from a simple chorus she released on TikTok, has topped both Billboard radio and iTunes music charts. The song was created from words in the now 25-year-old Katy's prayer journal that were written during a global health crisis and in response to her own story of suffering, hope and healing.
Sharing her unwavering belief in God's ability to heal and the power of prayer, Katy's debut single connected with audiences around the world who are looking for healing and restoration in a weary and anxious world. The chorus was inspired by one of Katy's multiple journal entries which led to the release of her debut album, Jesus Changed My Life, which also includes the hit songs, "Jesus Changed My Life,""Hold On," and "God is In This Story."
"When I Fall" is the first single from her much-anticipated sophomore album, Honest Conversations, a mature effort that finds the songstress wrestling her insecurities in the light of grace, questioning God's goodness in the face of hardship, and ultimately accepting the sovereignty of a loving Father in the wake of uncertainty. Her songs address the pressures of life, and she understands that her identity only comes from her relationship with God. I had the chance to speak with Katy about "Have Your Way."
Please tell me the personal story behind this song.
This is a song of deep personal surrender. I wrote this song with Jeff Pardo and Ethan Hulse, during a season of uncertainty and fear about the future. It serves as a prayer and a reminder that surrendering control to God brings greater peace and better outcomes than trying to manage everything on my own. The song was inspired by my personal struggles and my belief that fully trusting God leads to plans beyond my own expectations.
Which Bible verses connect to the message of the song?
Matthew 19:26 (NIV): Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."
Philippians 4:13 (NKJV): "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
Psalm 55:22 (NIV): "Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous be shaken."
Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV): "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
John 15:4-5 (VOICE): "Abide in Me, and I will abide in you. A branch cannot bear fruit if it is disconnected from the vine, and neither will you if you are not connected to Me. I am the vine, and you are the branches. If you abide in Me and I in you, you will bear great fruit. Without Me, you will accomplish nothing."
Philippians 4:7 (NKJV): "And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."
Romans 8:28 (VOICE): "We are confident that God is able to orchestrate everything to work toward something good and beautiful when we love Him and accept His invitation to live according to His plan."
Ephesians 3:20-21 (NKJV): "Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen."
What is the takeaway message?
I hope the song serves as an anthem for others, encouraging listeners to also surrender and trust that God's plans are better than their own. When I've tried to control things, they often didn't go well, but when I've given things fully to God, they turned out better than I could have imagined. This song is a spiritual plea for God to guide my life, heart, soul, and mind.
Lyrics
I've crawled through the valley of the shadow of death
And somehow I walked out alive
I've run from my father I've run back again
Time after time after time
One thing I have found
I rise when I lay it down
Lord have your way in my life
In my heart, in my soul, in my mind
Lord have your way every time
Cause I know that your plans are better than mine
I lift up my hands and I fall on my knees
Surrendering all singing
Lord have your way in me
Your blessings fall on me like rain on a garden
I'll sink in an ocean of grace
How kind are your mercies how faithful your heart is
You hold my tomorrow today
Lord have your way in my life
In my heart, in my soul, in my mind
Lord have your way every time
Cause I know that your plans are better than mine
I lift up my hands and I fall on my knees
Surrendering all singing
Lord have your way in me
Lord let your kingdom come
Lord let your will be done
Jesus you're all I want
Jesus you're more than enough
You're more than enough
Lord have your way in my life
In my heart, in my soul, in my mind
Lord have your way every time
Cause I know that your plans are better than mine
I lift up my hands and I fall on my knees
Surrendering all singing
Lord have your way in me
Oh Lord have your way in me
Lord have your way
Lord have your way in me
Closing Thoughts
"Have Your Way" celebrates the freedom we're promised in God's Holy Word. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, "If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new." Christians are new creations. God wants us to believe in the freedom that we have in the cross of Jesus. We're free from our fears, addictions, insecurities, and perfectionism. Jesus came to die for us so that we can truly live in Him.
This song is about trusting in God and confessing to Him and others when you fail or have struggles. Lay your burdens at the feet of Jesus. He'll take them from you and release you from them. God wants to hear from you. What I love about this song is that it includes a testimony of submission to the Lord that we can all pray about our personal struggles. Our weaknesses are nothing to hide.
In fact, because of our weaknesses, God's grace and strength are perfectly revealed. I'm completely convicted by the strong lyrics and find immense comfort in this song. We can't know everything, and we are not in control, but trusting God gives us an assurance that we don't have to be afraid.
God will be there to pick us up when we fall. The challenge for me when I listen to this song is to pick an area of my life that I've been trying to control and instead step out and put all of my hope and trust in God.
Romans 8:28 says to live each day knowing that, despite circumstances, God has a plan for "those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose." Let everyone hear this song. It puts God's Word in the mouths of believers, reminding them of the truth of God's promises. It also puts truth in the ears of those who have yet to hear it.
I'm captivated by how Katy's song moves me emotionally and connects me spiritually to the truth behind the music. Her vocals will soothe your soul, and the lyrics will direct your attention to the One who defeated death to heal your heart.
This song gives me hope and reminds me to not give up. I listen to it daily to remind me of how God feels about me. Katy's hope is to pass on the life-giving message of Jesus Christ.
Allow the Holy Spirit to "cast the light of life into your mortal bodies." If you are struggling with depression, please know with certainty these life-giving words: "I've crawled through the valley of the shadow of death/And somehow I walked out alive."
Know that being His is enough. This song has become my personal anthem, and I sing along at the top of my lungs the sincere and emotive lyrics of submission. I'm deeply moved by the lyrics, "Lord have Your way in my life/In my heart, in my soul, in my mind/Lord have Your way every time/Cause I know that Your plans are better than mine." Amen to that.
NRT lead contributor Kevin Davis is a passionate enthusiast and dedicated collector of Christian music. He believes that the message of Christian music has helped him gain a deeper understanding of Christ. He lives in Pennsylvania with his wife and three daughters.
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