I am terrified of people, specifically groups of people. But there are times when I confront this fear, and Stephen Christian’s 2017 album, Wildfires, is always a go to, particularly the last track, All I Need To Know.

The song is calming throughout, with soft drums and a slow tempo. This allows the lyrics, which point to God through our struggles, to really shine. But for me it’s three lines that never fail to point me to God and calm my fears at the same time. I’ve listened to them  before speaking at a dinner, before meetings and before leaving the house on some days.

Even though I’m scared,
You are always there,
That’s all I need to know.

In the past week I attended a concert, far from a calm environment, in a location and setting very unfamiliar. But it was these three lines that were on repeat in my head. And I’m so glad they were, because it was definitely a concert I needed to attend.

At the concert, the singer encapsulated this song in a simple message we all need to remember. He said that when we follow Christ we can’t be deceived by our emotions. We have to let the FACT of Christ lead our emotions. If my fear decided what I believe, then I would not be here.

Jesus, hold me in Your peace,
When my fear’s surrounding me,
You are in control,
No matter what tomorrow holds,

You are my only hope,
I look to You alone,
Even though I’m scared,
You are always there,
That’s all I need to know.

All I Need To Know – Stephen Christian

I’m generally always in a TobyMac kind of mood. Play him or DC Talk and my lips start to hum and my feet want to move. I rarely don’t feel like hearing TobyMac, but when I first saw Everything was out, that was one of those times. After I Just Need U, I was left a bit unsure about his ability to continue making amazing music. So, for about a week I didn’t play Everything, but when I finally did the message and video clip inspired me straight away.

The catchy beat and groovy melody hooked me early on, but really shine in the first chorus where the message of the song, and the accompanying video really come through. I see you in everything, it’s profound, revolutionary, and yet, so simple. The video clip helps you understand, it’s the ability to walk down the street and see a simple busker the way God sees them. They’re special, loved, unique, beautiful, talented and worth more than this world can offer.

However, if you really understand the words they’re not just referring to seeing God with your eyes, but understanding how God works in everything. In conversations, nature, art, science, sound, design, actions, responses, consequences. Everything points to God and his love. Your all up in everything, is completely true as God orchestrates his creation.

Tonight is beautiful,
It’s got my mind on you,
And everywhere I turn is a reminder.

For me, those lines remind me of when I wheeled home late at night. It was just me, alone in the street with the night sky to look at. And every time I thought to myself, God is so beautiful and amazing.

For me it isn’t hard to see God in everything, but it certainly wasn’t always that way. When it feels like no one is there and God doesn’t do anything it’s virtually impossible, I’ve been there. But I came out of it and want to help you see God in everything: Remember that everyone you see is a Child of God, they are special, beautiful, and created by him.

The last thing I want to add is that I love the second last shot of the video clip. It may be hard to see if you’re not looking for it or watching on a small screen, but if you look closely, after she blinks, her eyes turn blue.

Everything – TobyMac

Ever since I bought Petra’s 1991 album Sight Unseen a week ago I haven’t been able to stop listening to it. All the songs are great, but In The Likeness Of You is my favourite by a long way. It reminds me of Home and encourages me on Earth.

Most Petra songs are heavy rock, containing soaring vocals, heavy drums, driving guitars and dramatic keys. But In The Likeness Of You isn’t a heavy rock song, it’s soft, melodic, harmonious and an effortless glide. This allows the message and John’s vocals to really give the song life. If you know Petra it’s in the mould of Don’t Let Your Heart Be Hardened (This Means War!) and Prayer (Beyond Belief).

My first listen to Sight Unseen was during a workout. I was in the backyard and as I listened I wondered why I hadn’t bought this amazing album before. I had just finished a set when In The Likeness Of You came on, and from the first line I was hooked. Because I was resting I had time to listen, and as I did I couldn’t help but look up. The first thing I did after hearing it was play it again.

The first words of the song are:
In the likeness of you
Recreated, renewed
Let me awake, forever
In the likeness, in the likeness of you

Straight away I thought of Heaven, my home. The first verse continues this theme of coming home, but with the addition of sleep and dreaming of home. For me that aligned with thoughts I’ve had recently of wanting to honour God with my dreams. Wanting my actions in my dreams to honour and show the love of Christ, not just while I’m sleeping, but also my dreams of the future.

The second verse changes focus, instead of dreaming of home, we’re reminded of Earth. In this life we’re called to represent Christ to the world. We can’t do that by acting like this world, but only by following Christ and becoming more like him everyday until we’re finally complete.

The bridge affirms this message, In all I say and all I do, and the heavy drums come in to really make sure this message hits right between the ears.

Every time I hear In The Likeness Of You, it leaves me in awe just thinking of Christ. Very few songs have such an impact on me, but this song has. And I pray it’ll impact you too.

In The Likeness Of You – Petra