“I Can Only Imagine” is one of the most beautiful, emotional, and influential Christian songs ever written by the band MercyMe. When it was released, it achieved something very unusual for a worship song: it competed directly with secular music, reaching the top 10 most listened-to songs across mainstream charts. This alone speaks of the power of its message and the deep connection it established with people from all walks of life.
The song was written by Bart Millard, the lead singer of MercyMe, as a deeply personal reflection on heaven, eternity, and reunion with God. Behind the lyrics lies a painful but redemptive story: Bart lost his father, a man who had been abusive during his early years but later experienced a profound transformation through faith in Christ before his death. The song became a way for Bart to process grief, forgiveness, hope, and the promise of eternal life.
“I Can Only Imagine” does not try to describe heaven in detail or define exactly what eternity will look like. Instead, it captures the human longing to know what it will be like to finally stand in the presence of God. The lyrics ask honest questions: Will I dance for You, Jesus, or in awe of You be still? Will I stand in Your presence, or to my knees will I fall? These questions reflect the heart of a believer who understands that words are insufficient to describe the glory of God.
One of the reasons this song resonates so deeply is because it touches something universal: the hope that there is more beyond this life. In a world marked by loss, pain, and uncertainty, “I Can Only Imagine” lifts the listener’s gaze beyond the present moment and reminds us of the eternal promises found in Scripture. It points to a future where sorrow is no more, where tears are wiped away, and where God dwells with His people.
This song has been a great blessing not only for adults but also for children. One of the most touching expressions of this is seen in a video where a girl of only 17 months of age is sitting in her baby chair, listening to “I Can Only Imagine.” With simple gestures, innocent movements, and visible joy, she appears to be worshiping God. Though she may not fully understand the lyrics, her response reflects something deeply spiritual.
This moment reminds us that worship is not limited by age, language, or theological understanding. Worship flows naturally from the human soul because we were created to glorify God. Even a small child can respond to the presence of God through music. Scripture itself affirms this truth, saying that out of the mouths of children God has ordained praise. The innocence of a child becomes a powerful testimony of God’s majesty.
Our God is majestic, sovereign, and worthy of all honor. That is why all His creation worships Him, whether consciously or instinctively. The heavens declare His glory, the earth shows His handiwork, and every living being exists because of His sustaining power. When we see both adults and children moved by a song like “I Can Only Imagine,” we are reminded that God’s glory transcends human reasoning.
Music has always been a powerful vehicle for worship. From the psalms of David to the hymns of the early church, God has used melodies to shape faith, express devotion, and teach truth. “I Can Only Imagine” stands firmly within this biblical tradition. It does not glorify the singer or the band, but points entirely toward God and eternity with Him.
The song also serves as a reminder that worship is not only something we do in church services, but something that flows into everyday life. Worship happens in moments of joy, grief, silence, and even in watching a child respond to a song about God. True worship is not defined by perfect lyrics or polished performances, but by a heart oriented toward God.
“I Can Only Imagine” has also been used in moments of mourning, funerals, and times of deep reflection. For many people, it has become a song of comfort, reminding them that death is not the end for those who are in Christ. It points toward reunion, restoration, and eternal joy in the presence of God. In this sense, the song functions not only as worship but also as pastoral care through music.
Seeing a 17-month-old child respond to this song invites us to examine our own hearts. Do we still approach God with wonder? Do we still respond to His glory with humility and joy? Children remind us of a pure and uncomplicated faith, one that trusts, rejoices, and worships without reservation. Jesus Himself said that unless we become like little children, we cannot enter the kingdom of heaven.
This video, simple as it may seem, becomes a profound testimony. It tells us that worship is not about age, status, or ability, but about the heart. God receives praise from the smallest child just as He receives it from the greatest theologian. His glory is so vast that it draws every willing heart toward Him.
We hope that the following video will be a blessing to you, not merely as something cute or emotional, but as a reminder of why we worship. May it renew in you a desire to exalt God, to praise Him with sincerity, and to look forward with hope to the day when we will no longer imagine, but finally see Him face to face.
As you watch, may your heart be stirred to worship the God who is worthy of praise from every generation, from the youngest child to the oldest believer. May this song continue to awaken faith, gratitude, and longing for eternity in all who hear it.
May everything that has breath praise the Lord, today and forever.