As far as I was concerned, when speaking of worship as a concept, my favorite way to remind myself of God's awe has always been through the Bible. I feel like some people love to sing, some others pray...I believe mine is reading the Bible and talking about God. So whenever I would see people crumble in tears during worship sessions, I used to be surprised. To me, praise and worship was mostly about having a good time—albeit in God's presence.
Well all that is beginning to change. More recently I have been listening to songs that are exceedingly powerful. Songs that, by themselves speak to the greatness and power of God. Gosh, Hillsong Choir is pretty astounding. They are a group of highly talented individuals. It goes beyond the singing (which in itself is great); it extends to the writing and overall production of the songs. The lyrics of their songs are filled with depth and meaning.
I now truly understand and believe those who emphasize the act of worship as an essential aspect of worshipping God. Anyway, in that vein I decided to share (I love to share, don't I?) a list some songs that have spoken to me recently, and of course I also say one or two things about them. I also think ever since joining the presentation team in Church—which involves posting the lyrics of songs on the big screen among other things—I find myself appreciating the true meanings to those words I post. This is another way my life has been enriched since choosing to serve. Anyway, here we go.
1.) Storyteller by Morgan Harper Nichols
I have said it over and over that if our lives came with soundtracks, this would be mine. And although it's not by Hillsong, it is just as awesome. I first heard of it from BellaRose, one of the Okojie sisters. I need you to actually watch the video to further understand the implication of this song.
Now that you're done with that. Let's go over some words.
God has been right there and he has been ever since.
Every page I turn in my life, God WAS RIGHT THERE.
No kidding.
Every mountains I climbed, every valleys I fell, he really was there all along.
This is exactly the testimony of my life. It's definitely easier to appreciate this in retrospect, but God has been there every step of the way. This gentle reminder is great because it helps me appreciate some of the unpleasantness in any season of my life. He does bring the pieces together. Because of that, I can say with confidence that I know it IS WELL. That's the story I will tell: that it is well.
Yasssss lol
And just for a little context: Morgan and her sister wrote it while their mom was battling [an illness I can't really remember right now].
2.) What a beautiful name by Hillsong Choir
Hmmph....this one.
This one reads like a love letter from God. Seriously speaking. Sometimes when I'm depressed, this song reminds me that there is a God who, because he didn't want heaven without me, brought heaven to me. And who, though my sins have been great, His love has been EXPONENTIALLY greater. And then I'm like, shoot I really am the big deal. Or at least God thinks I am.
I think this is very popular so I don't need to say much about it. I sometimes imagine what the writer was thinking about while writing this song though, just because of the depth. I almost feel a tinge of envy; that someone else was able to conjure up words to describe how exactly they feel about God. Isn't it amazing? Because sometimes, words are not enough. Other times, words are just perfect to bring the sweet sounding melody.
What a wonderful name it is, the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Nothing compares
Death could not hold him.
anddddddd:
HE HAS NO RIVAL
HE HAS NO EQUAL
Ha
3.) So will I (100 Billion X), also by Hillsong.
I literally just heard this for the first time last Sunday. The moment I heard this song...I mean the very moment, I was awestruck. And despite my newfound appreciation for songs, they still usually take a moment to grow on me. This was an exception. Now I was having a particularly difficult Sunday; difficult in an interesting way, not a sad way. Anyway, the song was...different.
With no point of reference
You spoke to the dark...and fleshed out the wonder of light.
And as You speak
A hundred billion galaxies are born
You don’t speak in vain
No syllable empty or void
For once You have spoken
All nature and science
Follow the sound of Your voice
I feel like that alone is prove that God just doesn't speak anyhow. It was also a reminder that while God is this awesome friend and companion in form of the son and the Holy Spirit, He still has earned a great deal of respect and awe. I feel like more and more, I don't hear people speak [with RESPECT] of Him and of His awe. Think of it this way, no matter how close you get with your parents—and many of us are—you still RESPECT them. And you HONOR them. And fear them. I like to think I still fear my parents; I'm not afraid of them but I do fear them, revere if you will. How much more God? I think that's what this song brought back or reminded me. That, babes, God is not your mate o.
If the mountains bow in reverence so will I
If the oceans roar Your greatness so will I
For if everything exists to lift You high so will I
Familiarity does breed contempt. That's not something any of us wants. And this song just touts His greatness. His fullness. His strength.
I will stop here for today, and post a second part next week! I really hope you enjoy these songs as much as I do. I hope that they minister to you as they did to me. And if they don't, it's fine also. For the longest time, I used to feel shut out of an exclusive club because I never got emotional at songs (I still don't). So errr, if these songs don't do it for you, some other(s) will.
Love,
I
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