When I Consider

Song Meaning

The lyrics paint a picture of someone grappling with their own perceived failings and unworthiness, finding solace and a sense of unwavering acceptance through contemplation of a divine presence. The repeated phrase "When I consider..." acts as a mantra, shifting focus from personal shortcomings to the perceived steadfast qualities of this higher power. It's a quiet, internal dialogue where the narrator's self-doubt is consistently met with an affirmation of divine attributes like tenderness, righteousness, faithfulness, and holiness. The central tension arises from the narrator's awareness of their own limitations – "Whenever I fail," "I don't deserve this love" – contrasted with the overwhelming and unconditional nature of the divine love being considered. This creates a powerful emotional push and pull, where the narrator feels the weight of their actions but is simultaneously assured of a love that transcends those actions. The lyrics suggest a profound sense of relief and security found in this contemplation, even amidst personal imperfection. A key craft element is the deliberate repetition of "When I consider," which builds a sense of escalating reflection and reinforces the central theme. Each consideration of a divine attribute – tenderness, righteousness, faithfulness, holiness – leads to a specific, personal reassurance. The structure moves from acknowledging personal failure to recognizing divine grace, then to the feeling of undeserved love, and finally to the overwhelming power of this divine presence that makes "all else fades away." This lyrical construction is effective because it mirrors a process of spiritual reflection. By grounding the abstract concepts of divine attributes in concrete personal experiences like failing, not deserving, and lacking strength, the lyrics make the abstract feel deeply personal and relatable. The final lines, "You're calling me to surrender to You / I know I cannot resist," suggest a powerful, almost inevitable pull towards this divine connection, born from the consistent contemplation of its perfect qualities.