Lyric discussion by Blithium 

Cover art for 1 John 4:16 lyrics by Mountain Goats, The

In Christian mythology, "The Beast" usually refers to Satan. Back to what lilotelasserie said, I think it's about Christian's struggle to follow God under all of Satan's pressures. Satan is usually depicted as being surrounded by fire. God is thinking about the Christian, so he's sending rain to douse the fire.

That's what I got from the song. Of course, that's the story. You also have the lesson that, no matter what horrible situation you find yourself in, there's someone who cares about you, so there's no reason to be afraid of living your life.

And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him.

The song is about the belief in the love that God has for us, and with the belief you can withstand anything with love/god in yourself. No matter the incoming problems you are not going to be afraid.

It's about faith