As we honor Black History Month, we’re excited to launch a blog series titled The Gospel in Song: Theological Truths for Teenagers from Black Spirituals. This series highlights the rich theology, resilience, and faith woven into these timeless songs. We hope youth ministers and parents will be inspired to share the Black spirituals as tools for discipleship.
In 2022, my wife and I took a trip to Cancun to celebrate a milestone of my wife’s new U.S. citizenship. In 13 years of marriage, it was the first international trip we had taken together, and it felt like a long-overdue adventure. We had an amazing time, filled with laughter, rest, and awe-inspiring moments.
One moonlit night, we walked along the shore, the cool sands hugging our toes as we made our way to a gazebo overlooking the sea. Our footprints followed behind us, marking the path we’d taken. Resting in the gazebo, we gazed into the darkness of the waters. At first glance, the scene felt chaotic with endless waves crashing against the shore, a sound that could have evoked unease. Yet, amidst the chaos, there was beauty and calm. Periodically, faint lights pierced through the darkness, revealing fishermen hard at work. The light reminded me that even in the vast and uncertain waters, life and purpose existed.
I found myself struck by the paradox of it all. The sound of chaos was oddly soothing. I could feel a sense of peace and security in the midst of uncertainty because I know the one who controls the waters. This experience reminds me of the deep theological truths found in one of the most powerful Black spirituals, “Wade in the Water.”
The History of ‘Wade in the Water’
This spiritual, born from the struggles of enslaved Africans, speaks to navigating chaos with hope through faith in God and with courage gained from him. Its historical significance runs deep, resonating with themes of God’s delivering power, his divine protection, and his provision in uncertain times. Just as dangerous waters can symbolize peace and calm in uncertainty, those same chaotic waters also symbolized a path to freedom and hope for those who first sang this hymn.
The song achieved the dual purposes of worship and coded communication. “Wade in the Water” is said to have been used as a code song for the Underground Railroad to communicate strategies of escape. The lyrics, “God’s gonna trouble the water,” served as instruction for the enslaved to wade into rivers and streams to mask their scent from tracking dogs, making it harder for pursuers to follow them. (This article from American Songwriter offers more of the history.)
Biblical Connections
“Wade in the Water” also draws heavily on biblical imagery, particularly from Exodus 14, when God parted the Red Sea to deliver the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. Trapped between Pharaoh’s army and the vast waters, the Israelites faced what seemed like certain death. But through Moses, God parted the sea—the chaos—allowing his people to cross over a path of dry ground. When the Egyptian army pursued them, the waters returned, ensuring the Israelites’ freedom.
The Exodus is a powerful example of God’s sovereignty, faithfulness, and ability to bring deliverance in the face of impossible circumstances. The words “Wade in the Water” pick up on this same imagery, where the waters symbolize both chaos and the hope of divine intervention. The spiritual’s refrain, “God’s gonna trouble the water,” points to the miraculous intervention of God’s stirring the waters to create a path of deliverance just as he parted the Red Sea. The song reminds believers that he remains present and active in our struggles. The same refrain also points to John 5:4, where God sends an angel to stir or “trouble” the waters of the Bethesda pool, offering healing to those who entered.
Gospel Hope for Teenagers
God’s promise of deliverance encourages youth ministers as we care for the students he has called us to serve. The waters of chaos in our students’ lives are plentiful. Many of our young people are losing hope as they navigate the trials and suffering because they forget where their hope comes from. Their hope does not come from the wisdom the world gives them; instead, their hope comes from the Lord who willingly gave his life for them and who is able to calm the waters (Mark 4:35-41).
Just as God guided the Israelites to freedom by troubling the water in the Red Sea, just as God troubled the water at the pool of Bethesda and troubled the waters of our ancestors, God will trouble the waters of the students we serve. We can trust him to lead them through the trials they face, both physically and spiritually. Our great Deliverer doesn’t just part waters or heal bodies. He offers freedom from sin and eternal life. “Wade in the Water” echoes this hope, reminding us that God moves in the chaos of life to bring healing, freedom, and redemption through Christ.
In this life there will be trouble. Young people will experience difficulty. As our students navigate the chaotic waters of life we can encourage them to take heart because Christ has overcome the world. Remind them to “Wade in the Water” because they need the Lord’s deliverance. They can find comfort being able to look to his work in the past, knowing he will do for our students what he did for Israel and for precious people made in God’s image who were enslaved. Because the God that troubled the water for the Israelites, the God who troubled the water at the Pool of Bethesda, the God who troubled the water of our for our enslaved ancestors will trouble the water in their lives to deliver them, too.
A note from the editors: Black spirituals are songs of worship that connect us to God’s faithfulness in the past, encouraging us to trust in him today. Here’s an arrangement of “Wade in the Water” by the Fisk University Jubilee Singers that we hope will bless you and your students.
We hope you’re tune in for Youth Ministry Unscripted on the Rooted family of podcasts to hear more from Isaiah Marshall and co-hosts Danny Kwon and Josh Hussung.
