Meaning of "Splinters and Stones" by Hillsong

The lyrics of "Splinters and Stones" convey a powerful message about the love and grace of God. The song begins by acknowledging that fate holds nothing compared to the providence of God. It highlights the freedom from material things, represented by "wood and stone."

The lyrics then shift to emphasize the unconditional love God has for us. The singer acknowledges that when all they had to offer was their worst, God still loved them first. This demonstrates the depth of God's compassion and His ability to see beyond our brokenness.

The song continues by highlighting the redemptive nature of God's love. The singer describes how God's beauty stares down their brokenness and how He chooses to throw His heart into the mess. The imagery of God's compassion crashing down upon their debt showcases the transformative power of His love.

The chorus emphasizes the continuous presence of God in the singer's life. Like a river running through their failures, God carries them. The reference to "splinters buried in Your shoulders" illustrates how God bears their burdens and carries them through difficult times. The song encourages praise and gratitude, with the singer declaring "Hallelujah" in response to the wonder of God's grace.

The second verse further explores the theme of forgiveness and redemption. The singer acknowledges their flesh deserved a heavy weight, but God saw it and chose to extend forgiveness. The act of writing forgiveness in the dirt symbolizes the erasure of past wrongs. The stones that represented the accusers fall away, and the only thing left to throw is a cross. This signifies the ultimate act of love and sacrifice by Jesus.

The bridge amplifies the theme of praise and gratitude. The singer marvels at the greatness of their Savior and declares that their soul will forever say "Hallelujah." The mention of the scars upon Jesus' crown represents His sacrifice and demonstrates how His love carried the singer's shame.

Overall, "Splinters and Stones" is a deeply spiritual song that reminds listeners of God's unwavering love, grace, and redemption. It encourages gratitude, praise, and a realization of the transformative power of God's love.