Throwback Thursday – This Song That Reminds Us God Is Always Near

There’s something sacred about music that reflects your personal journey. When lyrics mirror your experiences and faith, it becomes more than sound — it becomes shared testimony. Carrie Underwood’s “Jesus, Take the Wheel” captures this beautifully.

This faith-filled anthem speaks to those pivotal moments when we’re out of strength and need divine rescue. With raw emotion and heartfelt vulnerability, Carrie paints a powerful picture of surrender and grace - a reminder that when we let go, God steps in.

Though released over 15 years ago, the song remains timeless. Its melody and message continue to touch lives, offering reassurance to those navigating difficult seasons. Let’s explore the lyrics and reflect on their deeper meaning.

“Jesus Take The Wheel” by Carrie Underwood. 

Verse 1:

”She was driving last Friday on her way to Cincinnati on a snow-white Christmas Eve

Going home to see her mama and her daddy with the baby in the backseat

50 miles to go, and she was running low on faith and gasoline

It'd been a long, hard year

She had a lot on her mind, and she didn't pay attention

She was going way too fast

Before she knew it, she was spinning on a thin black sheet of glass

She saw both their lives flash before her eyes

She didn't even have time to cry

She was so scared,

She threw her hands up in the air;

CHORUS: 

Jesus, take the wheel

Take it from my hands

I'm letting go

So give me one more chance

Save me from this road I'm on

Oh, Jesus, take the wheel

Oh, I'm letting go

So give me one more chance

'Cause I can't do this on my own

Save me from this road I'm on From this road I'm on Jesus, take the wheel

Oh, take it, take it from me.

Verse 2: 

It was still getting colder when she made it to the shoulder

And the car came to a stop

She cried when she saw that baby in the backseat, sleeping like a rock

And for the first time in a long time

She bowed her head to pray

She said, "I'm sorry for the way I've been living my life

I know I've got to change, so from now on tonight;

Chorus: 

Jesus, take the wheel

Take it from my hands

'Cause I can't do this on my own

I'm letting go

So give me one more chance

And save me from this road I'm on

Oh, Jesus, take the wheel

Oh, I'm letting go

So give me one more chance

Save me from this road I'm on

From this road I'm on

Jesus, take the wheel

Oh, take it, take it from me

Oh, whoa, ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh.

Why These Lyrics Resonate. 

This song isn’t just storytelling - it’s a declaration of faith. Carrie delivers a universal message of God’s intervention in our lowest moments. Lines like “Jesus, take the wheel” followed by “the car came to a stop” reflect that beautiful intersection of human surrender and divine rescue.

It echoes the promise in Deuteronomy 31:6:

“Be strong and of  good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.”

No matter how chaotic life feels, God is present - ready to take the wheel if we call on Him.

Final Thoughts

“Jesus, Take the Wheel” reminds us to surrender, even when things feel out of control. As Jeremiah 33:3 promises:

“Call to Me and I will answer you.”

If you’re in a waiting season or need a reminder of His perfect timing, let this song be your encouragement. Click the link, stream the song!