Jesu Juva

"Jesu Juva" is easily the most personal song on Let the Holy Roar. The idea for the song was planted after Amy read Andrew Peterson’s book Adorning the Dark. In his book, Peterson begins to dive into the work of creating by relating a poignant story about J.S. Bach. Many people know he ended all his masterpieces with Soli Deo Gloria (glory to God alone) scrawled across the bottom. What many don’t know is he wrote the words Jesu Juva (Jesus help me) at the top before he composed a single note. This great master began by acknowledging his own need. Bach’s story combined with Adorning the Dark, caused Amy to find a peculiar kind of joy in her weakness, making room for a move of God.

Of this process she wrote:
“The only person who is surprised when I mess up is me. My failures, shortcomings, and flaws never take my Maker by surprise. While I run away from weakness, Jesus runs toward it, knowing full well I cannot take one step toward Him without His help. How often do I forget to even ask for help? Most of the time. My heart is blind to its own destructive patterns, bent on a need to feel strong. Thanks be to God for being stronger than my foolish, wandering heart. Even in my prayers I expect more of myself than God does and when I don't feel up to the task I carry on like a bull in the china shop of my life. Chaos, wounding, frustration and fatigue always follow.
I am so thankful for the hard seasons that brought me to a place that Jesu Juva - Jesus help me - became more familiar than my own name. Jesu Juva is enough dear friends. On the other side of that plea is a holy, unexpected strength that can only be explained by the grace of a good Father.”