Story Behind The Song
The story of the songs from "GOD SPEAKING"
“Breakaway”
I find that I don’t get desperate, hungry, tired or angry enough at all the things I allow to slowly destroy me.Sometimes I feel like I’ve been waiting my whole life for God to part the waters, instead of considering that He might be asking me to take a boat.I’m learning about the responsibilities He gives us in the journey of life—decisions that He has empowered us to make through the person of the Holy Spirit.“Breakaway” is an expression of that determination to make those hard—but right—decisions. I want to inspire others alongside of me, to sacrifice what we’ve grown to be comfortable with in order to take hold of the freedom Jesus promised would be ours.
“Fight”
We quickly forget all the metaphors Paul used to describe our involvement in the true battle between good and evil.We‘re referred to as “more than conquerors,“ while Paul also talks in detail about things like spiritual armor.Some might shy away from the thoughts of a war in the unseen, spiritual realm, but we can’t deny that we feel some sort of struggle going on inside of us.Paul says it’s the spirit and the flesh both wanting what is contrary to the other.This is a real fight we’re in.It’s going on while we’re awake and while we’re asleep, whether we believe it or not.It’s the battle for our hearts and minds.The good news is that if Christ is in us fighting for us, we can know for sure that we win in the end.
“My Inheritance”
In the Psalms, King David called the Lord his inheritance, and in the Old Testament, Moses said the priests and Levites (the keepers of the house of God and the worshippers) would not receive any material possessions as their inheritance, but that the Lord ALONE would be their portion.I’ve heard songs referring to the Lord as many things, but few as our inheritance.I believe we need to be reminded that in calling God our inheritance, it means that He is our Provider, our Protector, our Treasure, our Healer, our Everything.And nothing will ever come close to satisfying us like Him.
“God Speaking”
I could take you directly to the spot on McEwen Road where I pulled over while listening to Nichole Nordeman‘s Brave album.I was so moved and aware of God speaking to me through a song that I scribbled down the lyric, “Have you ever heard a love song that set your spirit free…” I am convinced that based on what the Scriptures say about God being slow to anger and rich in love, not willing that ANY should perish, He will do whatever it takes to get our attention—through both rejoicing and pain. When we aren’t willing to do the obvious to hear from Him—like read the Bible or pray—but we still need Him more than ever, He speaks.I sleep better at night knowing that He loves me that much, to meet me exactly where I am.
“Love The Light”
I would suggest that the majority of people on this earth learn to live with secrets like one learns to live with a fatal disease.We keep those secrets in the dark and they end up crippling us, if not destroying us. When we do decide to tell, often it leaves a wake of damage and regret.Recently I’ve experienced what it means to live completely in the light—it’s the joy and peace of having nothing to hide. The man in this song discovers freedom like he’s never known.At the bottom, there’s no place to go but up.Although I don’t believe every person has to hit bottom, I do believe only the desperate know freedom to the extent that Jesus intended.
“Winter”
One of my favorite books is C.S. Lewis’ “Screwtape Letters.”I was most impacted in the story when Screwtape (the devil) told Wormwood (one of his demons) that if he could get his patient (you and I) focused on the past or the future, he had him where he wanted him.However, if the patient became only concerned with the present and the eternal, Wormwood lost his power over him.I was reading that book at a time in my life where the future mattered too much; it controlled me.I desperately wanted God to assure me that what I was hoping and praying for would come true.I was missing the beauty and purpose of the moment because I was obsessed with what had not happened yet. “Winter” reveals the honesty of the waiting seasons, and how they are often the most painful places.Although winter doesn’t last forever, I believe it can be a beautiful place of purpose and destiny if we will find the strength to see it that way.
“The Other Side”
Lately I’ve been struck by the realization that Jesus is always making intercession to the Father on our behalf.He has been patient with me through my own difficult times, and I know He is committed to anyone who desires Him, no matter what the struggle is.Though others may not understand what we’re going through, that will never change the fact that Jesus understands.What is “the other side?” It’s freedom from whatever your struggle is.It’s finally overcoming.And it’s not impossible when you know He’s fighting for you.
“No Changing That”
Everything is changing, but thankfully God is not. Never is He taken by surprise or caught off guard.All that we believe to be true about Him 2000 years ago is still just as true today.He is still slow to anger and rich in love.His mercies are still new every morning.He is still Holy.He is still calling us to be like Him.I find unbelievable comfort in knowing that while the world is slowly losing its convictions about what is right and Holy, we have the power to stand strong in the middle of it all because of His unchanging love in us and for us.
“Get There”
I feel like I live in a state of busyness, trying to do enough to feel like I’m worth something.Before I know it I’m wrestling with anger, guilt and shame, longing for God’s presence but running too hard and too fast to really experience it.Having a “quiet time” to worship, pray, read the Bible and meditate has sometimes felt like one more thing on my “to do” list.I could always count on guilt to flood my heart on the days I missed being in His presence.Although I don’t believe God is sitting on His throne waiting to hit us over the head when we fail to spend time with Him, I do believe He knows that it is ESSENTIAL for growing in intimacy with Him and for maturity in the faith.It’s everything we need.It’s even everything we want.If we can get there, God will faithfully remind us of every life-giving Truth the busyness of this world causes us to forget.
“Sober Me”
I got a phone call several years ago about a man who, after 18 years of ministry, left his family and the church he served in. He is one of countless stories we’ve all heard of those that let hidden sin cripple or destroy their lives. I would suggest that a story like this is a slowprogression of compromise, not an overnight casualty. “Sober Me” is a
caution, a warning for those of us who think we’re exempt from following in the same footsteps. Apart from God’s grace, we’re all capable of doing the worst. A friend once said that we don’t hate sin like God hates sin.When we underestimate sin’s power, we’re living life dangerously. I want this song to be a prayer of humility, dependence and hope that He will keep our feet from slipping as we cling to Him.