التخطي إلى المحتوى الرئيسي

"Glorious Ruins" by Olly Kiff: Rising from Ashes Through Faith


This version of "Glorious Ruins" by Olly Kiff is not only a great cover, it was inspired by a terrible event in Olly's life. On September 25, 2024, the unthinkable happened. A fire destroyed his family's home. Fortunately, the family was not injured, but the flames took literally everything else, from everyday belongings to irreplaceable memories. Their journey since then has been marked by God's protection and grace. This song, originally by Hillsong Worship, was one of their lifelines in those early days, and what followed in the nine and a half months since the fire has inspired Olly and his wife to release a special version of the song. 

Olly Kiff - Glorious RuinsThe lyrics echo their experiences, the difficult path of rebuilding everything: "When the mountains fall and the tempest roars // You are with me." Even when life crumbles, we can always rely on His presence, "Still my soul will soar on Your mercy." Olly shares, "We never asked why - we've only seen grace." They constantly saw God's protection and provision as they were recovering from this devastation. Walking through the fires of life is never easy, but the song declares what happens when God is by your side, "I'll walk through the fire with my head lifted high." 

The chorus paints a picture of renewal that God brings to our lives: "So let the ruins come to life // In the beauty of Your Name." Olly shares how this renewal has become very tangible for his family, "We're now just weeks away from returning home, having signed off on repairs and collected our keys." 

What happened to Olly's family is one of the many ways that devastation can come into our lives, but His promise to all of us is still the same: we all may rise from ashes and find refuge in His love, "In the shadow of Your wings." You never need to travel alone on this journey from loss to rebuilding, because God is there, waiting for you to let Him in. So, let God be part of your life, walk with Him, let Him lead the way, and trust His promises. Don't ask why, just look at how His grace is opening doors and leading you on paths to renewal. Even ruins can become glorious again.

(Related scripture: Isaiah 43:2; Psalm 34:18; 2 Corinthians 4:8-9)


Lyrics: https://genius.com/Hillsong-worship-glorious-ruins-lyrics

Connect with Olly Kiff

PS: Did you know that the posts we have on Christian Music Today also contain the backstories that artists have shared with us? Check it out on: https://christianmusictoday.eu/

Tags:

Popular posts

"Is Anybody There? (Psalm 27)" by Stephen M. Miller: Holding On to Grace at Heaven’s Door

Stephen M. Miller's "Is Anybody There? (Psalm 27)" comes in the quiet aftermath of the Christmas celebrations, when reflection can feel like isolation. Stephen's song isn't about polishing away his mistakes, nor does it encourage you to do so with your mistakes. Stephen shares his painful experience, "I never saw it coming Lord // It felt right but it was wrong // Family and friends have left me // But I still have you and a song."   Stephen owns the fallout of his actions, taking accountability without despair. "I said it and I did it, Lord // Broke more hearts than I'll ever know // I can't fix this, though I've tried // Don't be angry, and please don't go." His song is a prayer for God's presence and guidance. "Hear me when I call you, Lord // Don't turn your face away // Don't give up on me like others have // Come help me through this day." Stephen describes a fear that we too experience when we ...
More >>

"Fishers of Men" by Tyler Philip Ratcliffe: Dropping Your Nets and Following Without Looking Back

Jesus doesn’t call the qualified. He qualifies the called.  “Fishers of Men” by Tyler Philip Ratcliffe was written back in July of 2024. It was the first Christian folk-style song that Tyler had ever written, and he had no idea at the time that God was going to pull him in that direction. It’s a favorite among his friends and family, and God recently laid it on his heart to share it with the rest of the world.  The song draws from the ordinary moments when Jesus walked up to fishermen and tax collectors and said two words that changed everything: “Follow Me.”   What strikes you in the lyrics is the honesty. “My friends thought I was crazy, and my folks just shook their heads.” Following Jesus has always looked strange from the outside. Peter left a fishing business. Matthew walked away from a lucrative government post. Neither of these men had it all figured out, but they simply responded to a call they couldn’t ignore.  Maybe you also know that feeling. The moment ...
More >>

"Forever" by Randy Wade: The God Who Has Always Been

The King who reigns forever also reigns over you. Before a single star burned in the sky, before the first mountain rose from the earth, God was. Worship Pastor and Contemporary Christian songwriter Rev. Randy Wade captures this in his song “Forever”, a song built on the unshakeable and eternal nature of God. “Before the mountains were lifted high, before the stars gave light to the sky, You O Lord have always been, the One with no beginning and no end.”   Randy wrote “Forever” to point our hearts toward Christ. The song pulls your gaze off the noise of daily life and fixes it on the One who exists outside of time. We have a God who doesn’t react to circumstances, but One who reigns above them. Revelation 1:8 declares, “I am the Alpha and the Omega, says the Lord God, who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.” This scripture isn’t just a declaration; it can also be read as a personal promise. It is the same God who holds eternity in His hands who also holds your uncerta...
More >>