Brooke Ligertwood, a gifted worship leader, has transitioned into different phases of the music business throughout her lifetime. Beginning under her maiden name, Brooke Fraser, she released six mainstream albums with Sony Music. Subsequent choices brought her to the position in Hillsong Worship which she is now most well known for. She has been a part of their ministry for seventeen years and has now decided to release her own worship album.
She states this decision with beautiful clarity: "I never had a worship album on my heart until the Lord made it clear He had it on His." Her passion for God makes this record, titled SEVEN, a truly special display of dedication. Written spontaneously in 2021, she collaborated on the project with Jason Ingram, Scott Ligertwood, and Pastor Steven Furtick. We dive into two songs off SEVEN, below.
"A Thousand Hallelujahs"
Who else would die for our redemption Whose resurrection means I'll rise There isn't time enough to sing of all You've done But I have eternity to try
The first time I read this lyric, I instantly felt a small smile creeping across my face. It felt like such a miracle that these words were birthed into a song I could hear. There is something about them that I just can't put into words. I have never been more confident that God spoke a set of lyrics into existence.
This song is incredible, purely because it points all the glory back to God. I enjoy looking back into my past, seeing how far I've come, and especially analyzing the mistakes I've made. Most of them seem so insignificant now and I love the fresh perspective. But the mindset I used to apply was one of anxiety, one of self-criticism, and one that was not of God. I used to look back and think of how ignorant I was in those moments; now I think of how ignited I am, on fire for God. As a Christian, no decision didn't further me in some way. I may not have made the right choice, but it somehow steered me onto the right path. In some way or another, it pushed closer to God. With this spirit of gratitude, I reflect now and declare that no matter where life leads me, I will never stop singing out to God with a thousand hallelujahs.
"Nineveh"
Holy Spirit, help me see
Where there is Nineveh in me
Turn away Your wrath once more
God, have mercy
The story of Nineveh in the Bible is one of power, betrayal, and punishment. But it is also one of forgiveness, love, and humility. I highly encourage you to read it in the book of Jonah, as my summary will never do the word of God justice. In short, the people of Nineveh had turned away from God and chosen to chase the wicked desires of their hearts instead. This incurred God's wrath while they pushed him away and repeatedly chose sin over Him. Jonah was sent by God to preach in this land, despite much reluctance on his part. The truth He spoke had a miraculous result and the citizens humbled themselves. They repented of their wrongdoing and for the time being, God prevented their punishment from ensuing.
It is a lesson we can all learn from, which is why I love the line, "Holy Spirit, help me see where there is Nineveh in me." Opening your soul up to God in this sense is not always an easy choice. Surrender requires vulnerability which personally, I find to be a frightening state. But the increased closeness to God makes it all worth it. For if we harbor that affection for sin, there is no way He can live in us. I challenge you to humble yourself and pray the plea of Psalm 139:23-24 today: "Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."
Selena Schulz is NRT’s youngest staff contributor. She loves God, music, reading, and writing.
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