Stay by Kestin Mbogo Ft Winnie Wambui: Song Review & Lyrics

Set in a spiritual atmosphere of worship and reflection, the song, Stay by Kestin Mbogo Ft Winnie Wambui calls on believers to enter the secret place and worship God. Like the title suggests, the song is an exaltation of the beauty of being in God’s presence, and the believers’ desire to stay and bask in it.

The song is anchored in Psalm 27:4 (KJV),

[4] One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to enquire in his temple.

From the first soft piano notes to the soulful harmonies and gentle crescendos, the song, Stay, ushers in an atmosphere of stillness and awe. It is almost like being invited to sit quietly at the feet of God. It makes you want to pray. Not the hurried kind of prayer; rather, the quiet, intimate kind where words become fewer and God’s presence becomes everything.

STAY is an invitation to linger, to listen, and to love His presence again.
May this sound stir hunger.
May it anchor wandering hearts.
May it teach us how to wait on the Lord.

Kestin Mbogo’s post on Instagram, after the release of the song Stay

Stay is part of Kestin Mbogo’s live album Atah (Intimacy with God) released in early 2025.

Song factsheet

Song review

Main themes

Stay by Kestin Mbogo ft. Winnie Wambui is built on the themes of:

• Divine Presence
• Timelessness
• Satisfaction yet Longing
• Perseverance in Worship

Scriptural references

The aforementioned themes are deeply reflective of a believer’s journey, especially in a world marked by chaos, distraction, and spiritual drought. These themes mirror the daily need for intimacy with God, the internal battles Christians face, and the eternal truth that God’s presence is the only place where the soul truly finds rest.

Divine Presence

The desire to remain in God’s presence is the heart-cry of every true believer. In a time when the world is defined by noise, speed, and constant demands, the presence of God becomes a refuge and a source of renewal, like the Psalmist says in Psalms 91:1. The verse doesn’t promise a momentary visit but an abiding staying

Psalm 91:1 (KJV)

[1] He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

The world pulls believers in every direction, with temptations, anxieties, and responsibilities that often choke intimacy with God. Yet, God’s presence remains the only place where strength is renewed (Isaiah 40:31), peace is restored (Philippians 4:6–7), and identity is reaffirmed (Romans 8:16).

Isaiah 40:31 (KJV)

[31] But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

Philippians 4:6–7 (KJV)

[6] Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
[7] And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Romans 8:16 (KJV)

[16] The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God

Like Moses in Exodus 33:15, the believer often must cry out, “If your presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here.” It’s not enough to merely believe in God; we must dwell with Him.‭‭

Exodus 33:15 (KJV)

[15] And he said unto him, If thy presence go not with me, carry us not up hence.

Timelessness

In the fast-pased modern day life, time feels like a tyrant. Deadlines, appointments, notifications, all pressing in constantly. Yet, in God’s presence, time is suspended.

Psalm 84:10 offers a spiritual reality that one moment in God’s presence can bring more healing, clarity, and joy than years of striving. Time slows down not because the clock stops ticking but because the soul steps into eternal realities.

Psalm 84:10 (KJV)

[10] For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.

Like Mary at Jesus’ feet in Luke 10:39–42, the believer finds that the one thing necessary is not another task, but simply being with Jesus. The pressures of life fade in the light of God’s glory, and eternity begins to touch time.

Luke 10:39–42 (KJV)

[39] And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word.
[40] But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me.
[41] And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things:
[42] But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.

Satisfaction yet Longing

Yet even in those moments of divine encounter, the believer faces a paradox; satisfaction yet longing. The lyrics of ‘Stay‘ echo this beautifully: “Until I am satisfied, then realize I’ll never be satisfied.” This is the holy tension described in Psalm 42:1–2:

Psalm 42:1-2 (KJV)

[1] As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God.
[2] My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God?

God satisfies the soul fully, and yet stirs a deeper hunger still. It’s not because He withholds, but because He is infinite, and the more of Him we taste, the more we long to know. This longing is a gift, a safeguard against complacency and spiritual pride.

In a world full of shallow substitutes like materialism, entertainment, and affirmation, believers often chase things that leave them emptier. But in Christ, the soul finds true nourishment (John 6:35), though it never grows bored or indifferent.

John 6:35 (KJV)

[35] And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.

Philippians 3:10 captures this beautifully: “That I may know Him…” Paul, after years of walking with Christ, still burned to know Him more. The same is true for the believer today.

Philippians 3:10 (KJV)
 
[10] That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;

Perseverance in Worship

So, we are called to perseverance in worship, to “start all over again, and again.” Worship is not a one-time event or an emotional high. It is a discipline and a lifestyle. Hebrews 13:15 encourages us,

Hebrews 13:15 (KJV)

[15] By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.

There are seasons when worship flows easily, and seasons when it is costly. Believers struggle with spiritual dryness, unanswered prayers, disappointments, and distractions. Yet, the call is to keep returning. Psalm 63:1–8 is the prayer of a persevering heart:

Psalm 63:1–8 (KJV)

[1] O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is;

[2] To see thy power and thy glory, so as I have seen thee in the sanctuary.

[3] Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee.

[4] Thus will I bless thee while I live: I will lift up my hands in thy name.

[5] My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips:

[6] When I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night watches.

[7] Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice.

[8] My soul followeth hard after thee: thy right hand upholdeth me.

In a generation prone to spiritual burnout and quick fixes, the call to stay is revolutionary. God honors the one who keeps showing up in the secret place, even when emotions fail and words are few.

The song Stay is more than music. It is a prophetic invitation to slow down, return, linger, and fall in love with God’s presence again and again. It invites us to be like David, whose one desire was to “gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to seek Him in His temple” (Psalm 27:4).

Psalm 27:4 (KJV)

[4] One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to enquire in his temple.

Song lyrics

Did you know you could follow through the song with lyrics?

Here in your presence  
Surrounded by heaven  
I don't want to leave  
I just want to stay  

Here in your presence  
Time is suspended  
I don't want to leave  
I just want to stay  

So I will stay right here  
And bask in your presence, until I am satisfied  
Then realize I'll never be satisfied  
Then start all over again  
And again, and again  

Then start all over again
And again, and again
Then start all over again

Joy is right here  
Pleasures unending  
I don't want to leave  
I just want to stay  

(repeat)
Ooh oh oh oh…


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Audience

Stay is a good fit for individual edification and congregational worship.

Have you listened to the song yet? Let us know what you think of it.

[Cover image credits: Facebook/Kestin Mbogo]