Ocean's Edge Collective is a group of worship leaders formed out of Ocean's Edge University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. They are actively engaged with their student community and intend the group to have rotating members after the original four musicians graduate. This inaugural class includes Connor Henderson (vocals, guitar), Hannah Shelatz (vocals, piano), Dawson Askew (bass, production), and Troy Ramos (drums). They've been releasing singles since September 2022 with more music coming out soon. Here are two of these recent singles.
"Affections"
"Jesus, you are the one that I adore
The truest form of love my heart aches for
Now all my affections are yours
I'm all yours "
There is a vivid description of God's grace embedded in the song's melody. As each musician complements the others, His light shines through. It's apparent that the artists' affections, as sung about in this song, truly belong to Jesus.
Simply resting in the presence of the Lord is a life-changing experience; I love how unconventional this is. As people with school, jobs, families, friends, and just life, we take it as a given that to earn something, we have to work for it. However, God's care is something we could never earn, and because it is His nature, He sings repeatedly, "my love's already yours." If He so freely lavishes His affections on me, it only makes sense that I would do the same for Him.
"Home"
"When I thought I was too far gone
You pulled me back into your loving home
When I thought I was too far gone
You picked me up and healed my broken heart"
I love the song's lyrics because they speak of how near God is. When hearing about the miracles He performs, it's easy to generalize Him as a big God who doesn't see little me. However, just as much as He will take over the world, He can take over your heart. Insignificant as that may seem, it's His first goal and that's the precious dedication to my Heavenly Father.
I pray that as you listen to this soft and truth-speaking song, you will also be able to encounter the real love of God. He is always present and forever able to comfort you. He imbues the warm light that I associate with home. As it permeates through my soul, I can't help but remember how good He has always been; more than anything else, this truth encourages me that He will do the same in the future. He is guiding us to heaven, and His everlasting presence we experience now is just a taste of our home.
Selena Schulz is NRT’s youngest staff contributor. She loves God, music, reading, and writing.
NEW!BEHIND THE SONG
#1236 - Brandon Heath
Transforming wounds into stories of redemption in this powerful song
ADVERTISEMENT
NEW!NRT EDITORIAL
Skillet
We explores some of the band's best songs outside their hits
NEW!NRT LISTS
Jordan Merritt
A real conversation around the artist's new track, "Human"
NEW!HEARTSPEAK
Jordan Feliz
The artist's must-listen-to songs about faith, family, and redemption
NEW!AN NRT EXCLUSIVE
Rock Meets Worship
Seven gritty cover songs of popular worship music and hymns
