"I find space for what I treasure."
That one line from Jonathan McReynolds basically summarizes the entire struggle of modern faith. Honestly, it’s a bit of a gut punch. Most of us spend our days juggling a dozen different tabs in our brains—career moves, social media feeds, family drama—and then we try to "squeeze" God into the cracks that are left.
The make room lyrics jonathan mcreynolds wrote aren't just for a Sunday morning sing-along. They represent a full-on lifestyle shift. Released in 2018 on the album of the same name, this song became a defining moment for McReynolds, who was already established as a leader in the "new school" of Gospel music. He recorded it live in Chicago, and you can hear that raw, unpolished urgency in every note.
What the Make Room Lyrics are Actually Saying
Most people hear the song and think it's a simple prayer about being busy. It's deeper than that. McReynolds, who holds a Masters in theology from Moody Theological Seminary, isn't just complaining about a packed calendar. He’s talking about the "idols" we don't realize we have.
Take a look at the bridge. He mentions shaking the ground of tradition and breaking down the walls of religion. That's a bold thing to say in a Gospel song. He's suggesting that sometimes the very things we do for God—the church programs, the rehearsals, the "looking Christian" part—actually get in the way of knowing Him.
The song asks a simple but terrifying question: If Jesus walked into your life today, would He have to stand in the corner because your ego and your plans are taking up all the chairs?
The Theology of Priority
The lyrics echo Matthew 6:33, "Seek first the kingdom of God." Jonathan has mentioned in interviews that he realized he was wrapping God around his life instead of wrapping his life around God. It sounds like a small distinction. It’s actually the difference between a fan and a follower.
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- The Burden and the Crown: The lyrics talk about laying down burdens (the stuff that stresses us) and crowns (the stuff we’re proud of).
- The Lie and the Doubt: He identifies that we fill our "room" with insecurities that don't belong there.
- The "Move That Over" Moment: In the live version, there’s an extended section where he literally tells different things to "move over." It’s a rhythmic, almost confrontational way of reclaiming mental and spiritual space.
Why This Song Hit So Hard
When Make Room dropped, it wasn't just another track. It earned a Grammy nomination for Best Gospel Album for a reason. McReynolds has this way of writing that feels like a journal entry. He’s not preaching at you; he’s confessing right next to you.
He admitted that even as a successful artist, he was losing focus. He was on stage singing about God but wasn't talking to God. That’s a level of honesty you don't always get in the industry. He calls it "Life Room" music—songs that are meant to be lived out in your living room, not just performed in a cathedral.
The collaboration on the live album is also worth noting. While the title track is a solo powerhouse, the project features voices like Tonya Baker, Corey Barksdale, and DOE. It creates this atmosphere of a community all trying to figure out how to be better humans.
Breaking the Cycles
You can't talk about the make room lyrics jonathan mcreynolds gave us without mentioning the song Cycles from the same era. They are two sides of the same coin. While Make Room is about the space, Cycles is about the repetitive mistakes that keep that space cluttered.
He’s basically saying, "I’m tired of being here. I’m tired of this version of me."
How to Actually "Make Room" Today
It’s easy to listen to the song and feel inspired for four minutes. It’s harder to go home and actually move the furniture of your life.
If you're looking to apply the message of the lyrics, it starts with an audit of your "treasures." Where is your time going? If your phone screen time is four hours a day but your prayer time is four minutes, the room is already full.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Audit Your Morning: Before you check your emails or Instagram, give the first five minutes to silence. No music, no talking. Just space.
- Identify Your "Crowns": What are you holding onto for your own glory? It might be a job title or a reputation. Practice mentally "laying it down" so it doesn't define your worth.
- The "Move It Over" Technique: When you feel overwhelmed by a task, literally say (out loud or internally) "Move over" to the stress to make room for a moment of peace.
The song is a declaration of surrender. It’s not about being perfect or having a clean "room" all the time. It’s about being willing to move the junk out of the way so the most important thing can be front and center.