ChristianDance

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,...