I thought I knew what “Heart Beat” was about when I wrote it last summer. The truth is: I had no clue. This is an experience I have with most of my songs. As I craft the music and draft the lyrics, bits and pieces come together and a whole begins to emerge. I feel a rush of excitement and energy when I listen to this rough draft of the whole song for the first time. It is an exhilarating moment! I hear the goodness of what already is and anticipate what the song will become after hours of more work.
I only get to listen to a new song for the first time once. That moment seems even more sacred when I look back after spending over 100 hours with the song. In that first moment of enjoyment, I have only a partial glimpse of the song’s meaning. I don’t ever really understand the songs I write until months later. I think I do, but I do not. My songs end up serving as a kind of self-prophecy, priming me for a spiritual lesson further down the road. It is only after months of walking with Jesus and journeying deeper into the themes found in this song that I am able to start understanding.
I’ve been learning lately that all my sacrifice is carving out room for the Heart of Jesus in me. All the difficulties and sufferings I have experienced lately are reminding me that His Heart is greater than any treasure the world can offer me. I humbly invite you to listen and pray with my new song: “Heart Beat.”
Check out more of Timothy’s music on all your favorite music platforms or at his website: https://bishopsj.com/.
Heart Beat
Where do you call home
when you’re always on the move
and you always fall in love
with the folks in front of you
how you keep your cards close
when you give away your heart every day
watch your hopes and dreams float away
that’s okay
God provides new focus
new motives
new graces unnoticed
he sets me motion
keeping me moving
He makes me a new man
I’m wounded
he uses me all
miracles coming
and they will not stop
if home where the heart is
it’s getting way harder
discerning the borders
of sister and brothers
and fathers and mothers
and all of the others I
Am beginning to think that my heart
is burning with more than a spark
I laid down my life for the Light of the World
and now I am merely the salt
To all of the world that says I lost all it
I’m confident saying you’re wrong
Foxes have dens, and the birds have nests
you may have comfort and I may lack rest
But I have His life in this world and the next
I have the beat of His Heart in my chest
What do you say
when you’ve run out words
You’re trying your best but you’re just not sure
If you’re living the way that you hoped you would
But your friends all tell you that you should
Relax
You’re on the right path
You’re on the right track
He gave you his all
And He won’t take it back. Relax.
Believe me I’m trying
I’m don’t think you’re lying
But I am
slow to learn
Quick to turn
Skip to burn it all
down on myself when I fall
Attempt to attain the perfection I’m aiming
forget I need saving and well he is savior for all
Who are broken and battered and beaten
Who’ve stolen and lied or have cheated
I offer my anthem repeated
If you’re with me then go head and sing it
I laid down my life for the Light of the World
and now I am merely the salt
To all of the world that says I lost all it
I’m confident saying you’re wrong
Foxes have dens, and the birds have nests
you may have comfort and I may lack rest
But I have His life in this world and the next
I have the beat of His Heart in my chest
