I'm a major fan of southern rock; I've long enjoyed the music of Collective Soul, Third Day, and NEEDTOBREATHE. This explains why I was immediately drawn to Rhett Walker’s music. The Christian artist's debut album Come to the River included the hit title track and “When Mercy Found Me,” two personal faith expressions describing God's dedication to His children. That’s our irrefutable evidence as believers in Christ, sharing our personal testimonies.
Walker’s sophomore album, Here’s to the Ones was preceded by “Broken Man,” and also includes the catchy songs, “Clone,” “Here’s to the Ones” and the convicting and infectious single, “Love Like Jesus.” Rhett Walker returned with his recent release, Good to Me, which includes “Believer” and the catchy title track. I had the chance to speak with Rhett about “Believer.”
Please tell me the personal story behind this song.
“Believer” was written to combat the daily struggles and thoughts of ‘I’m just not good enough’ and ‘I’m not strong enough.’ We serve a God as a believer that says ‘Yes, you can’t be good enough, but I sent My Son to die on the cross to pay the ultimate sacrifice so, in that way, your foundation can be freedom.’
We know this truth. So, we can be truth speakers to help end anxiety. We can be mountain movers to help relieve stress and frustration. We're gospel preachers with hearts on fire. I want to walk in that freedom. I’ve been talking with other artists. We don’t write songs for a pandemic. We can’t just write songs and sing them on stage. We need to really believe in what we're singing. Jesus already paid the price for us and loves us as we are. This is worth singing.
Which Bible verses connect to the message of the song?
Mark 16:15-16(NKJV): "And He said to them, 'Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.'"
Romans 1:16(NKJV): "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek."
Matthew 28:18-20(VOICE): "Jesus came forward and addressed His beloved disciples. I am here speaking with all the authority of God, who has commanded Me to give you this commission: Go out and make disciples in all the nations. Ceremonially wash them through baptism in the name of the triune God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Then, disciple them. Form them in the practices and postures that I have taught you, and show them how to follow the commands I have laid down for you. And I will be with you, day after day, to the end of the age."
Isaiah 26:8(NIV): "Yes Lord, walking in the way of Your truth, we wait eagerly for You, for Your name and renown are the desire of our souls."
Matthew 5:14-16(MSG): "Here's another way to put it: You're here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We're going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don't think I'm going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I'm putting you on a light stand. Now that I've put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand--shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you'll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven."
Romans 8:28(VOICE): "We are confident that God is able to orchestrate everything to work toward something good and beautiful when we love Him and accept His invitation to live according to His plan."
What is the takeaway message?
The enemy whispers lies to me every day: "You’re not good enough," "People don’t like you," "You’re not a great dad," "You’re not a great husband," and "You’re not going to get a raise at work." For years, I tried to shut out those whispers. I’ve realized the only way to combat those negative thoughts from the enemy is with scripture, praise, and worship. I wrote “Believer” after reciting the following phrase to myself each morning: “You’re a mountain mover and you’re an overcomer.”
Because of Jesus, we’ve been set free and redeemed. Because of Jesus, we get to walk in joy. As believers, we do ourselves a disservice when we focus on the depravity of man. We're messed up, but this world needs the light of Jesus. We need to know we desperately need Him. The song is an anthem for the believer. Walk with joy.
We know we don't have to walk in fear. As believers, we get to find joy and peace in every scenario we face. From the mountains to the valleys, God has always been good and faithful to us.
Lyrics
I walk a bit different now Now that my heart's been found Nothing really feels the same I hold my head a bit higher I lift my voice a bit louder Yeah, something inside has changed
I am a mountain mover Water walker More than just an overcomer Cause I've been set free I am a gospel preacher Heart on fire Freedom singing Testifier Cause I've been redeemed I am a believer I am a believer
I know this is not my home I know I don't walk alone No matter what comes my way I have peace through the trouble I have joy though the struggle And now my hope's in a brighter day
I am a mountain mover Water walker More than just an overcomer Cause I've been set free I am a gospel preacher Heart on fire Freedom singing Testifier Cause I've been redeemed I am a believer
I am a child of the Father An orphan, no longer No doubt about who I am I'm in the hands of the Healer The arms of the Savior His grace makes me who I am
I am a mountain mover Water walker More than just an overcomer Cause I've been set free
I am a mountain mover Water walker More than just an overcomer Cause I've been set free I am a gospel preacher Heart on fire Freedom singing Testifier Cause I've been redeemed I am a believer I am a believer
I am a gospel preacher I am a believer My heart on fire I am a believer
Closing Thoughts
A revival is something that God wants us to pray for. And, biblically, we're commanded to spread the Good News of the Gospel. In Mark 16:15, Jesus commands: "Preach the Gospel to every creature." There are no conditions or exceptions in that command. It's more of a lifestyle that Jesus calls us to live, as Christians.
Do you feel your heart stirring for a revival? The source of that stirring is only by the Spirit and the Word of God. Once you have the light of the Holy Spirit, you can show that light to others, as you live your daily life. If you're doing everything for God's glory, then you're demonstrating Jesus' love in every encounter you have with people.
Sometimes your spirit needs to be ignited. So, ask for a fresh filling of His spirit. We need to pray daily that the Holy Spirit shines the light of Jesus through us. With a fresh filling and singing along with this song, you can have the courage and excitement to live biblically. If you're having trouble living a biblical lifestyle, "Believer" is a great way to connect with God in a fun and exciting way.
This song is about having a strong faith. Without faith, it's impossible to please God. Sometimes, we think we can try to know everything. God tells us in the Bible that with faith, we can do anything in Christ. One of the lessons I've learned about life is that we shouldn't wait to fix ourselves before we step out in faith. We need to fully trust God. Look for ways to obey Him. Offer your faith to Him by sharing what He has done in your life with others.
“They’ll know we are Christians by our Love” was a hymn I grew up singing in church. I used to think the hymn was a works-based message. But, I’ve come to realize that it more lines up with one of Christ’s greatest commandments to love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength and to love your neighbor as yourself.
"Believer" makes me think about how well I am preaching the gospel to every creature as we are commanded by Jesus in the Great Commission. The persecution of our church in the U.S. is coming.
Certainly, we face daily spiritual warfare. Christians are called to display their faith in their words and also in their actions once they are changed on the inside and become followers of Jesus. We are challenged in God's Word in Matthew 5:14-16 as believers to not hide the light of Jesus that is in us as His redeemed sons and daughters, to remember that "God is not a secret to be kept."
This is a great song to express your commitment to run the race well as a believer and not be ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Sing along and proclaim these words as a prayer for revival in our hurting world:“I am a mountain mover/Water walker/More than just an overcomer/Cause I've been set free/I am a gospel preacher/Heart on fire/Freedom singing/Testifier/Cause I've been redeemed/I am a believer.” Amen to that.
NRT lead contributor Kevin Davis is a longtime fan of Christian music, an avid music collector, and credits the message of Christian music for leading him to Christ. He lives in Pennsylvania with his wife and three daughters.
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