"Monsters" and the God of the Bible: A Response to Shinedown’s Lyric

Shinedown’s song Monsters has a hauntingly raw appeal. It speaks to struggles with inner demons, darkness, and the human fight against forces that seem beyond our control. As I listen to the song, I connect with the intensity and vulnerability of its message. It's a powerful anthem for those facing their own monsters—whether they’re mental health struggles, addiction, or deep-seated fears.

But there’s one line in particular that stirs something deeper within me:

"Choose a god you think is fair."

This lyric resonates because it reflects the reality that so many people today are searching for something or someone to place their hope in. The suggestion here is to pick a god—whichever one seems fair, fitting, or approachable. This sentiment, though relatable, leads to an important question: What makes a god fair? And which god can truly offer peace amidst the chaos of our monsters?

The answer for me is clear: the God of the Bible.

The God Who Knows Our Monsters

One thing I’ve learned on my own journey with mental health, faith, and struggle is that the God of the Bible isn’t distant. He isn’t an abstract deity or a vague idea of justice. He’s a personal God who understands the depth of our struggles. In fact, the Bible describes Him as a God who has experienced human suffering firsthand through Jesus Christ.

When we face our monsters, the God of the Bible doesn’t stand far off in judgment, demanding perfection. He walks through the pain with us. Psalm 34:18 says, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” This is a God who enters into our suffering, who understands the depth of our battles, and who promises to never leave us alone in them.

A God Who Is Fair – And Just

The lyric suggests choosing a god who is fair. But fairness is often subjective. What we see as fair today might not seem fair tomorrow. We crave fairness because deep down, we desire justice. We want the world—and our lives—to make sense. We want to know that someone is in control and that evil won’t ultimately win.

The God of the Bible is both fair and just. In Deuteronomy 32:4, He is described as "a God of faithfulness and without iniquity, just and upright is He." This means that not only does God understand our suffering, but He also guarantees that justice will be served. The monsters we fight—whether external or internal—do not have the final say.

A God Who Loves Us Despite Our Monsters

One of the deepest truths I’ve come to embrace is that the God of the Bible loves us not because we have it all together, but in spite of our brokenness. Romans 5:8 says, "But God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Our monsters may tell us that we are unlovable, broken beyond repair, or too far gone. But God’s love reaches even into those dark places.

God’s fairness doesn’t mean He expects us to be perfect. His fairness means that He meets us with grace. We don’t have to clean up our lives before we come to Him; we come to Him because He is the only one who can ultimately heal us. The monsters lose their power when we realize that we are loved and accepted as we are, not as we should be.

Choosing the God of the Bible

So when the song says, "Choose a god you think is fair," I respond by saying that I choose the God of the Bible because He isn’t just fair—He is far beyond that. He’s a God of mercy, justice, grace, and love. He doesn’t abandon us to our monsters but walks through the battle with us, offering healing and peace.

In the end, choosing a god isn’t about picking what feels fair in the moment. It’s about choosing a God who is steadfast, who understands our pain, who fights for us, and who offers us a way through the darkness. And for me, that God is the God revealed in the pages of the Bible—the One who sent His Son to conquer even the greatest monster: death.

If you’re facing your own monsters today, know this: there is a God who sees you, who knows you, and who is walking with you. He is the God of the Bible, and in Him, there is hope, healing, and the promise that your monsters will not have the final word.

Watch the Video

If you haven’t heard the song Monsters by Shinedown, I encourage you to watch the video and reflect on the lyrics. The song's portrayal of inner battles and darkness resonates with so many of us who face struggles every day.

While the song raises important questions about facing our demons, it also invites us to consider where we place our trust in the midst of those battles. You can find the official music video below:

Watch the official music video for 'Monsters' by Shinedown here.