Madison Watkins is a singer-songwriter known for her soulful voice, uplifting music, and deep-rooted faith. She first gained national attention as a contestant on America's Got Talent and American Idol and has since built a successful career blending pop, R&B, and contemporary Christian influences.
Madison's music is defined by powerful vocals and heartfelt lyrics that explore themes of perseverance, faith, and self-worth. She has released several singles and projects, including “You Won't,” which showcases her personal testimony and spiritual journey. Through her artistry, Madison seeks to inspire and encourage listeners with messages of hope and authenticity.
Her EP, The Letting Go, is a mature effort in which she wrestles with her insecurities in the light of grace, questions God’s goodness amid hardship, and ultimately accepts the sovereignty of a loving Father in the wake of uncertainty. I had the opportunity to interview Madison in person about her new song, “God You Are.”
Please tell me the personal story behind this song.
"God You Are" was inspired by the biblical story of Mary Magdalene at the tomb. I was especially drawn to that moment when she feels lost in grief and confusion, only to realize that Jesus has been with her all along. The song focuses on that powerful moment of recognition—when sorrow turns to hope because Mary discovers that Jesus knows her and calls her by name.
The message also connects deeply with my own journey. After moving from Los Angeles to Nashville, I found myself feeling empty despite experiencing success. I decided to step away from the pressures of the industry and refocus on sharing my faith through music.
The song began two years ago with the simple lyric, "God, You are holy," and gradually grew into an anthem about God's mercy, hope, and presence in our lives. At its heart, the song reminds us that Jesus meets people in their deepest, darkest, and ugliest moments, and that no one is beyond His love and redemption.
Which Bible verses connect to the message of the song?
Romans 8:38-40 (NKJV): "For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Hebrews 13:5 (NKJV): Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you."
Luke 15:3-7 (NIV): Then Jesus told them this parable: "Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn't he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, 'Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.' I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent."
Luke 15:11-32 (NIV): The Parable of the Prodigal Son.
Romans 8:28 (NKJV): And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.
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."
Matthew 11:28 (NIV): "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."
Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV): "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."
What is the takeaway message?
The takeaway message is that true hope and purpose are found in a relationship with God. One of the books that had the greatest impact on my life was The Purpose Driven Life. It helped me understand why we're here and what life is really about.
I know faith can seem confusing to people who haven't experienced it. Some might wonder, "How do you talk to God?" But for me, everything began to change when I started spending time with Him in prayer and intentionally deepening that relationship.
That doesn't mean life suddenly became easy or that I no longer struggle.
I still face difficult days and have to continually surrender my burdens to Him. But through those dark seasons, my faith carried me. My hope is that this song encourages listeners to seek God for themselves and discover the peace, purpose, and hope that can only be found in Him.
Lyrics
Father, forgive me for doing it on my own Cause it’s been a while since we’ve talked, and I've been feeling alone Stuck inside of fight or flight When all this time You call me “Child” But if You can love a lost prodigal, lead me home
All you’ve ever been is good to me My best and my lowest You’re closest Even in my unbelief
How sweet it is That You love me like a friend Just as I am No matter where I’ve been It’s never too late For a miracle of grace Always chasing down my heart Cause that’s the God You are
Oh oh That’s the God You are Mmmm
I don't deserve how You’ve kept me inside Your hands How You’ve ordered my steps even when I went chasing my plans And Love knew my name before I lived a single day Before and behind You cover my life with faithfulness
How sweet it is That You love me like a friend Just as I am No matter where I’ve been It’s never too late For a miracle of grace Always chasing down my heart Cause that’s the God You are
(The God You are)
Oh oh (The God You are) That’s the God You are (The God You are)
You’re the God of my second chance The redeemer of brokenness Not a soul that You won’t forgive You are Mmm You’re the God that leaves 99 Ya You left ‘em to save my life Thank You Jesus, for Who You are
You are
How sweet it is That you love me like a friend Just as I am No matter where I’ve been It’s never too late For a miracle of grace Always chasing down my heart Cause that’s the God You are
(The God You are) Oh Oh That’s the God You are (The God You are) Thank You, Jesus is Who You are Oh oh oh oh oh (The God You are, the God You are)
That’s the God You are
Closing Thoughts
After repeated listens, the message in "God You Are" becomes even more profound, echoing the comforting biblical truths that God is love and that we love because He first loved us. Know that Jesus loves you and has something better planned for your life when you place your trust in Him.
I hear a sincere yearning for God and deep gratitude in Madison's vocals as she reflects on God's mercy and grace. The song reminds us that our identity is not found in our past mistakes, our fears, or our feelings, but in Christ alone. Because Jesus died for us on the cross, God sees us as redeemed, chosen, forgiven, and fully loved. If you've placed your hope in Jesus, nothing can separate you from His love.
Many of us carry guilt, shame, anxiety, perfectionism, and fear. We build walls between ourselves and God because we feel unworthy of His presence. Yet that's not the message of the Gospel. God isn't keeping a checklist of our failures. He simply wants us to come home to Him. Jesus taught that heaven rejoices when even one sinner repents and turns back to God.
"God You Are" serves as a daily prayer, asking God to transform our hearts so that our lives reflect His presence within us. The Holy Spirit gives us new life and freedom, helping us live as beloved children of God. The song encourages us to see ourselves the way God sees us and to trust His voice over the lies we often believe about ourselves.
The worshipful chorus beautifully captures God's relentless pursuit of His children: "No matter where I've been / It's never too late / For a miracle of grace / Always chasing down my heart / 'Cause that's the God You are."What a powerful reminder that grace is God's unmerited favor, freely offered to all who come to Him.
The song is best described as a stirring and empowering anthem that points listeners to God's love, grace, and faithfulness, and helps them counter fear, worry, and anxiety with the truth of who God is.
If you are seeking a firm foundation in your life, make these lyrics your personal prayer: “How You’ve ordered my steps even when I went chasing my plans/And Love knew my name before I lived a single day/Before and behind/You cover my life with faithfulness.” Amen to that.
NRT lead contributor Kevin Davis is a passionate enthusiast and dedicated collector of Christian music. He believes the message of Christian music has deepened his understanding of Christ.
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