ChristianDance

John Long wrote "Simple Pursuit" after realizing he had spent years chasing the next big thing for God, but in the meantime his family suffered. The real grand moments aren't found on a stage (or at work), they are found in moments like at the supper table, in bedtime prayers, in the waking of children in the morning, and while standing with a brother in his laughter and sorrow.  It's in those moments that we will find God: "My reward is knowing that you're closer than my breath." It's these moments that make us ask ourselves why we are chasing the applause when the King is already within whispering distance. Instead of building towers, John Long suggests choosing a slower, lower altar: "I will live a life that's slower… I find my joy here in the… still." This song is one of those beautiful nudges in life, one that challenges us to trade the big race for the rhythm of "ordinary days." The lyrics point us to the real and simp...

Have you ever stood on a mountaintop, awed by the vastness of creation, and wondered how God can be both infinite and intimately close? That's the heart of "God Of…" by Blessing Tangban, the African Nova Scotian Music Association's 2025 Songwriter of the Year. Blessing wrote the lyrics for this song on a mountaintop in Nigeria.  The song reminds us that God isn't limited to our highs or lows. He's the God of the mountain and the valley, as Blessing sings, and He's the God of the healed and the broken. She sings, "God on the mountain, God in the valley // God every waking moment I see," emphasizing that God is there for us through our highs and lows… He is not there as an observer; He is deeply involved in our life.  "God in your splendor, God in your rage // God never changing from age to age." Blessing admits that she isn't always able to grasp this. "I try to understand, and I try to reconcile // All the ways that you show ...

Given what's happening in the world today, it is difficult to imagine that there will be a time that all nations unite in peace. Even more challenging is trying to imagine the thrill we'll feel when this happens. That promised moment of uniting in peace, and the excitement this will bring, is the heart of "The Mountain of Yahweh," by NARROWAY. This is one of the songs on NARROWAY's latest album, a song where the artists try to picture what will happen when the Messiah returns. Based on biblical prophecies, the song is about how people will be streaming to Yahweh's mountain, a gathering where all will come to worship and learn His ways. Don't mistake the use of the word "all" as an indicator that this is still so far away and nearly impossible. It is a promise that is going to happen, and when it does, it will still come as a surprise to so many! "To the mountain of Yahweh go, // Where His truth and mercy flow." And just as important, t...

Kingdmusic's "Speed Dial" is a reminder that God is always just a prayer away. It's like having God on speed dial, no matter what trials or temptations you're facing. The main takeaway is that God's presence and protection are always there for you.  The song begins with acknowledging the challenges that life can bring and at the same time affirming, "They won't bring me down." Instead of succumbing to fear, Kingdmusic shares that "My God is in control." You'll like how Kingdmusic refers to prayer as: "He's on the speed dial." This is such powerful idea, simple and profound, and so true… God is always accessible, and realizing that He is on "speed dial" or just a prayer away helps to face any obstacle with confidence.  God makes a way where it seems (in our eyes) to be none. "If you know God makes a way… Gotta give Him all your praise."   Now ask yourself: When was the last time you reached out to...

There are times when life can feel like an endless storm, raging on and on, with hardly a break in between. We see dreams crumble, periods in life that don’t fill us with energy, and bad news followed by more bad news. It’s in those moments when we’re left wondering… “What’s so good about God right now? Is He even there?” Dawson Shorman wrote “Everything Good” from that same place… hurting, yes — and despite everything, still choosing to trust that God is good even when it’s hard to believe it. This isn’t a song for those perfect days. It’s for the messy ones, waiting, the pruning seasons. Dawson doesn’t sugarcoat the struggle. “If my dreams all crumble // Will I sit here in the rumble?” That’s real! But instead of wallowing, He asks: “Will I find the hidden Beauty in the ruins?” Can I trust the One who prunes so my roots grow deeper? The chorus is a declaration, “I’ll keep on waiting. I’ll keep on trusting.” Why? Because God doesn’t just fix things — He makes them better than we e...

It's difficult to imagine that there will be a day when all nations are tired of the chaos and finally ask, "Where do we go from here?" The answer to that question is the theme of NARROWAY's "Come, Let Us Go." The lyrics are inspired by Isaiah 2 and Micah 4, and look forward to "… the days that are coming, the mountain will rise // Lifted above all the nations and skies // People will gather from near and far // Saying, "Let's go to where His teachings are." As we observe the chaos in the world, the wars, and the rumor of wars, it's hard to imagine that "Swords turned to plows, war fades away // Shalom will reign in Yah's good way." Believe it or not, there will be a day with "No more fear, no more fight // Just His Torah shining bright." But the key message of this song isn't a distant promise! The lyrics pull us to the here and now… our present reality. The reality is that God's Kingdom is stepping on...

ECTaylor wrote "How Good You Are" one early morning while sitting outside alone, watching the sunrise and listening to the peaceful sounds of the woods. After more than a share of life's challenges, ECTaylor felt something almost sacred as the first light of day broke through the trees. He speaks about a "deep, whispered reminder of God's goodness that shines even in our darkest places." The lyrics immediately set the tone, "When morning breaks with golden light, Your mercy lifts me from the night," a tone of hope. It's amazing how simple wonders of nature, like the sparrow's singing and the flowing of a river, can remind us of God and His constant presence. ECTaylor shares, "I thought about Paul, worshiping God from a prison cell. I finally began to understand just a bit of how he could praise and be thankful in the midst of pain—because when you truly see who God is, gratitude rises above circumstance." Sometimes we are trappe...

In his new single, "Nothing Like The Father's Love," Alex Young And Friends sing about the constant factor in our lives, God's love! The song was written together with Sam Heilig and Steve Davis, and is essentially a simple reminder that God's love for us doesn't fluctuate with our feelings or behavior (thankfully!).  The song starts with a small admission: "Father, I've had better days // If I wrote down all my failures there'd be ink on every page." These words, words that could also have easily been my own, introduce the main theme of the song. "But Your endless mercy and boundless grace // cover me time and time again," and as if that isn't enough… "Nothing compares to this love that I've found in You // It's simple and so true // There's nothing like the Father's love for me." It doesn't matter how tough our days are or how our emotions fluctuate! God's mercy and grace are always there t...

"For It All" by Howard Gripp is a song of gratitude for the change and transformation that God brings into our hearts and lives through our faith. Change that starts by acknowledging that God is always there for us: "Every time my heart beats, I have to thank God." The lyrics reflect on how His love heals, renews, and covers our scars. God walks beside us through every moment of joy and pain that we face in life. It is through His salvation, love, and forgiveness that our brokenness is healed and turned into something new. The lyrics emphasize that no trouble or strife can pluck us from God's hand, because He walks, talks, and stays with us throughout our journey. Howard sings about the moment when we start to realize that we are truly part of His bigger plan: "For being everything You said that You would be… And there's something so much bigger here than me." He has a purpose for us in that bigger plan, and that purpose unfolds when we place our...

Morgan Starner's debut single "FUNK!" isn't your typical worship track… and that's exactly the intent! The song comes out of Morgan's journey through anxiety, insecurity, and depression during adolescence. She shares the lessons learned during this journey in a joyful, 70s-inspired song, reminding us that you don't need to have it all together to praise God. In fact, your "funk"—that heavy, stuck feeling—can be the place where worship begins!  "Get me out of this funk… I'm thirsty for that living water only You provide," she sings, pointing to God for relief and renewal. We don't need to pretend that we've got everything under control, because God already knows what's going on. The song is an invitation to surrender our control and trust in a God who's "always right on time." And what if your next step of faith isn't a quiet prayer… but a dance?  The message is clear… joy doesn't depend on our cir...

"Wonderful Becoming" is a Pop R&B fusion about resilience, overcoming, and hope that can rise after loss. The message of the song was born out of a season of heartbreak and rebuilding. ANO uses her experience to send a relatable message of hope.  The lyrics beautifully capture her journey in a manner that invites us to listen closely. She links her experiences with spiritual truths that we all need to hear from time to time. A gentle reminder that "You Formed me from heaven // And Knit me together." Our existence isn't random! We have been intentionally created by God for a reason and with a purpose.  The lyrics don't dwell on any feelings of despair. It is touched on because that is how life can feel from time to time. The song quickly moves on to a bigger vision and inspiration: "You fill me with visions // And dreams when I'm sleeping." The chorus puts everything into an eternal perspective: "Before time and space // You knew me....

"A Child's Prayer" is the first song that Remilekun wrote. It's a song that whispered for years as she sang it to herself, until she realized that it was meant to be shared with the world.  Backstories really matter! They frame the songs, and this song is one that really moves and touches the heart. It's easy to picture a child's hands folded at dawn: simple, honest, and filled with positive expectation. This song is a prayer without pretense. We hear an open and vulnerable heart asking God to listen, to notice every thought, and to meet the day with mercy.  The timing of this release is magnificent, like clockwork in God's larger plan. A time when the world desperately needs reminders like this one, affirming that God is a faithful Father who hears us, who carries our burdens, who never fails.  There's a morning rhythm here, starting the day with a prayer directed upward, eyes lifted toward His help. Instead of striving, trust. Instead of fear, surren...

With "bones […] in agony," a "soul […] deep anguish," and "drench(ing) my couch with tears," King David refuses to let grief have the last word. What imagery! Have you ever felt like this? "Psalm 6 (Tears)" by Red Letter Society shows us that there is hope beyond the sorrow. It reminds us that it's okay to be vulnerable and that we can be very honest with God about our struggles.  The song starts as a raw cry, mirroring the words of King David, "Heal me Lord, my bones are rubble." It's a feeling of being utterly worn out, and still knowing that this is not where the story ends. Knowing that God gives us the strength to turn our grief around, just like in the song where grief is turned into a prayer of hope.  "Can resurrection bring you praise?" , or in other words, can our lowest moments in life ultimately become a testament to God's glory? Psalm 6 answers that question. It acknowledges our pain and at the same...

Justin Barnett's "Your Kingdom—Live" captures the heart of anticipation and encourages us to think about what it means to long for Christ's return. A song that was recorded at Riverside Revival in East Nashville and written by John Chisum & Bonnie J. Barbey.  The song looks at the fact that we're already citizens of heaven and that we ache for the day when Christ's kingdom fully comes. It makes it clear that we live between a promise and the fulfillment of that promise. Barnett sings about Christ's kingdom being characterized by love, mercy, and power, and how it touches our present reality.  The lyrics encourage us to recognize our identity in Christ. We are "children of light," and are called to lift our praises and anticipate the moment "when we look on Your face." The lyrics also links its message to the Lord's prayer, "let Your kingdom come, let Your will be done, on earth as in heaven,"  where the prayer is bot...

Joshua Malachi's song, "The Veil," is about our intimacy with God, that has been made possible through Christ's sacrifice on the cross… The song starts with "I enter by your blood // I enter by your name," Christ's sacrifice—His blood and name—is the key that made it possible to approach God. This message is further emphasized with, "I enter by your spirit and the sacrifice you made."   "The veil was torn, that I may know you, I want to know you, Jesus," He removed the barrier between us and God's presence. It's not through our efforts, but through Christ's ultimate sacrifice that we find our way home. It's an open invitation to our Creator!  "We enter by your blood… We enter by your spirit and the sacrifice you made." Note the use of the word "we"! "We" as in everyone, and He makes no exceptions! You and I may know God intimately, because Christ prepared the way. "The veil was tor...

We've all been there, those situations in life when our prayers feel empty, our strength is gone, and all we can whisper is, "Lord, I need more of You." That's the real heart of Michael Encarnacion's song, "More of You." Michael shares, "This song came during a time when someone close to me was drifting away, and I didn't know what to do, I tried everything in my power but realized I couldn't do this on my own."   When we've reached a point where it doesn't matter what we do or what we can say, we still have the option to kneel in prayer. When we lack words to say, it's enough to pray: "Less of me. More of You."   Isn't this a truth that we all need to understand better? So, ask yourself, when life is bright, do you still want more of Him? When you're broken, do you still reach for Him? The song not only shows us a way forward to Him, but it also holds up a mirror to see our mess, "Sometimes my mind d...

Howard Gripp's song "Strong" offers a powerful declaration about the firm foundation that can only be found in Jesus. We have all experienced those moments where doubts flood our minds and drain us. Howard Gripp also knows that feeling. He shares, "The song Strong really comes from the strength that I have found in Jesus to be able to face anything head on knowing I am not alone. Even since being saved I have faced some pretty tough times. I have learned how to lean on God to protect me when facing adversity. Before I would not have the confidence I have now to face troubled times and uncomfortable situations." You can hear that confidence in the lyrics of this song: "It's Your strength, within that makes me bold."   This isn't just a song about coping. Howard shares, "The song is really about not being alone in anything you face." When the storms hit and you feel overwhelmed, remember that "No storm can break me, for I'm Y...

Have you ever wondered if your pain has purpose? What good can come out of the wounds we carry (emotional, mental, or physical)? If there is a God, then why do we need to suffer these pains? The song "God Uses Scars" by Josh Grove puts our pains and scars in a different perspective.  The key message in this song is that God turns our pain and scars into beauty, and what was meant for harm is turned into good. Josh wants everyone to know that "God never wastes our pain." In other words, every wound we carry can be turned into a purpose. Just like Jesus' scars brought redemption and salvation, our scars can testify to His love and purpose. Note the words: "can testify"  … because it requires us to look at our scars from a different angle.  The first verse points us in the right direction: "I see scars in your hearts // But I see hope in the dark // I see you and you're doubting what you are // But what I see are God's moving parts." I...

Tyler Philip Ratcliffe just released a powerful new single called "Count Me In." It's an honest, raw anthem about saying, " I'm all in for Jesus no matter what"— even if it costs comfort, reputation, or platform. This song didn't start as a planned song. Philip shares, "Back in May, I was spending time in the book of Acts. I had gotten to a point of complacency that felt wrong with my spirit, which is weird because I was writing more songs than ever in that moment, but I felt… like a fraud. I knew I wasn't facing persecution, I wasn't hiding my Bible for safety, and I felt the voice inside saying that how dare I expect to have a space in heaven next to those who faced lifelong persecution and struggle?"   The lyrics came after Ratcliffe started to look at his own spiritual complacency. Ratcliffe continues: "That night I got out a pen and paper and began to write my prayer. I didn't think about structure, rhyming or singability,...

Recorded live at the Student Collective Conference 2025, Red Letter Society's "I Claim" is a declaration of faith that can't be repeated enough! We're living in a world that often avoids talking about suffering and sacrifice; instead, we'd rather focus on personal success, achievements, temporary joys, and what others should or shouldn't be doing. And don't forget the politics (especially now as the tensions around us and in the world continue to grow). We are constantly being bombarded with emotions that pollute our minds with feelings of disgust and even of hate, causing us to forget that other people around us are also children of God. Some minds have become so polluted that they try to justify the deliberate and methodical destruction of groups of people (= children of God). (?!?) We're drifting away from God's purpose for us!  This song calls the Church back to the radical heart of discipleship. "I claim the cross / I'll suffer wi...