Having enjoyed contemporary artist Josh Wilson’s previous tracks like “3 Minute Song,” “Before the Morning,” “I Refuse,” “Fall Apart,” “Carry Me,” “That Was Then, This is Now,” and “Borrow (One Day at a Time),” I was eager to listen to “It Gets Better” from his album, Mental Help. With his spiritual curiosity and introspective lyrics, the album confirms Wilson’s status as one of the top songwriters of his generation.
Josh's heartfelt songwriting combined with musical excellence encourages me to see God more clearly in each song. This album is bound to resonate with listeners who enjoy catchy tunes that convey truth and a longing for God. Josh shares his life in a genuine and relatable way, making you feel like a lifelong friend after hearing it. He addresses themes that keep me hanging on every word, and this track is no different. Once again, Josh demonstrates his unique ability to connect life's challenges with the need for a savior.
Mental Help showcases the full breadth of Josh’s songwriting, from the celebratory, pop-driven track “I Surrender All” to the beautiful and moving anthem “Jesus and Therapy.” I spoke with Josh about the title track of his upcoming album, “How Loved You Are.”
Please tell me the personal story behind this song.
A few years ago, I was in a deep pit of depression. By the grace of God and the help of my friends, family, doctors, counselors, and church, I’m still here. I know what it feels like to look in the mirror and hate the person looking back. I thought about what Jesus would do if He heard us talk to ourselves with such cruel words. I imagined Jesus standing face-to-face to say, "I can't let you keep talking to my friend that way." I want this song to interrupt the bad things people tell themselves.
Which Bible verses connect to the message of the song?
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 your minds in Christ Jesus."
Matthew 6:31-34 (VOICE): “So do not consume yourselves with questions: What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear? Outsiders make themselves frantic over such questions; they don't realize that your heavenly Father knows exactly what you need. Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and then all these things will be given to you too. So do not worry about tomorrow. Let tomorrow worry about itself. Living faithfully is a large enough task for today.”
Matthew 11:28-30 (MSG): "Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to Me. Get away with Me, and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with Me and work with Me--watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with Me, and you'll learn to live freely and lightly."
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."
Psalm 91:1-2 (NKJV): "He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, "He is my refuge and fortress; My God, in Him I will trust."
What is the takeaway message?
I went through a dark time in my life filled with heavy anxiety and depression. I tried to calm my anxious mind by drinking alcohol. Drinking helped for a short time, but it turned into an addiction that made the anxiety worse. With support from family, friends, doctors, and my church, I survived and began to heal. If you’ve ever wondered if you’re supposed to be here, you are. If you can’t feel that or believe it right now, I hope the words of this song can remind you how loved you are.
Lyrics
What would Jesus do?
If He heard me talking to me like I do
Looking in the mirror, hating who I see
No one has been harder on myself than me
What would Jesus say?
Would He stand between me and the mirror, face to face
Say, I can't let you keep talking to my friend that way
I wonder, would He say
You're someone that I died for
Someone that I cry for
Someone that I hold together when you fall apart
You're someone that I'll fight for
Leave it all behind for
So look me in the eyes 'til you know with all your heart
How loved you are
How loved you are
God, would You help me see
I'm trying to catch a glimpse of what You see in me
So shatter all the shame that's got me covered up
And burn down every lie that tries to hide Your love
When You say
You're someone that I died for
Someone that I cry for
Someone that I hold together when you fall apart
You're someone that I fight for
Leave it all behind for
So look me in the eyes 'til you know with all your heart
How loved you are
How loved you are
Jesus loves me, I know this is true
He loves me for me and not what I do
So I can let go of what I put myself through
If Jesus loves me, then I guess I can too
You're someone that I died for
Someone that I cry for
Someone that I hold together when you fall apart
You're someone that I'll fight for
Leave the ninety-nine for
So look me in the eyes 'til you know with all your heart
How loved you are
How loved you are
How loved you are
How loved you are
How loved you are
Closing Thoughts
The enemy uses fear, anxiety, and worry to prevent us from sharing our faith, from fixing our eyes on Jesus, and from the greater things that God has in store for us as His followers. Too often, we get wrapped up in our circumstances and bring ourselves down with negative thoughts, allowing the enemy to define our self-worth. I know that many of us struggle with the idea that our past and present mistakes are unforgivable, yet the Bible tells us that isn't true.
Jesus died on the cross to set us free from the battle of our minds, from sin and death, and He wants us to have abundant life in Him. The Holy Spirit gives us new life, and we no longer have to live with our guilt, fears, or worries. We are born again and need to live as children of God. What a wonderful, encouraging truth.
God keeps reminding me of His resurrection power through His Spirit in believers. That's the beauty of His Word. It doesn't return void. Instead, it provides a constant source of comfort, guidance, and a way to draw closer to Him. Read that great translation in The Message of Matthew 11:28-30. Jesus tells us: "Come to me. Get away with me, and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest." What an amazing comfort to know that when we struggle with our pain, pride, and unloving natures, we can all lay it at the feet of Jesus.
There's no need to feel ashamed of singing about our dependence on God and showing Him reverence. We raise our hands to celebrate and in surrender. We can lift up our hands in confidence to God and know that His mercy is unfailing. His love is never-ending. He is our refuge and our strength. God's ultimate will is not to bring affliction upon people, but to restore us so that we may experience His unfailing love. Think about the things in your life that are beyond your control—these are opportunities to hand them over to God. Trust in His supernatural power to guide you beyond your own limits. We are empowered when we rely on God's supernatural ability rather than our own.
I admire how Josh transformed his personal moments of anxiety and panic, moments when he doubted whether he was living up to his calling as a follower of Jesus, into songs that serve as prayers of surrender to God. This song truly touches me in many ways. This is a wonderful song of encouragement and prayer, asking God to break your pride, live redemption’s story, and move you closer to who you’re meant to be in Christ. This song encourages us to see ourselves the way God sees us. What a great message of redemption: grace is an unmerited favor and a gift. Allow God and His Holy Spirit to change you to be more like Jesus and move closer to His glory. This is a great song to sing to our Lord and Savior as a personal prayer of thanks and praise.
God loves you so much. So, lean on Him, and He'll give you strength. If you follow Jesus, know that God is singing these words over you. Know that being His is enough. Join Josh in responding in total surrender to God: “If Jesus loves me, then I guess I can too/You're someone that I died for/Someone that I cry for/Someone that I hold together when you fall apart/You're someone that I'll fight for/Leave the ninety-nine for/So look me in the eyes 'til you know with all your heart/How loved you are.” Amen to that.
