As we enter Easter weekend, I wanted to take a moment to slow down, literally concerning the tempo of these songs and figuratively considering a reflection on Jesus. No matter how you choose to recognize this weekend, as Christians, there is no denying its fundamental gravity. Beyond three days, Easter is a time to remember Jesus' sacrifice on the cross. Without it, our salvation would be nonexistent.
Iconic worship band Hillsong UNITED recently dropped Of Dirt And Grace - Live From The Land (Expanded Edition), an album from many years ago, now reimagined. The record has always spoken to me, and this refreshed listen is no different. I pray it will be a blessed accompaniment to your acknowledgment of Easter this weekend. On the day of posting this, it is a saddened moment of grief, Good Friday, when Jesus was crucified for our sins. But soon, Sunday will come, and I look forward to celebrating with my praise to the tune of these melodies.
Even When It Hurts (Praise Song)
"Take this mountain weight
Take these ocean tears
Hold me through the trial
Come like hope again."
This hidden gem on the album is an introduction to my love for the Hillsong community. I'll get to the point as worship leader Taya Gaukrodger does so beautifully in this melody. "Even When It Hurts" is probably the most candid song I've heard coming out of this church; it has been my long-term anthem.
From someone who typically thinks the parenthetical additions to song titles are ridiculously unnecessary, I'm here to tell you that this one changed my mind. "Praise Song" is an accurate description of this melody, and it's a turnaround from the pain acknowledged in the lyrics. "Even when it hurts like hell, I'll praise You." Oh Lord, yes, we will. "Even when I have no song, I'll praise You." And, oh, readers, yes, He will. He will provide us with a song if we lift our voices first and only in praise. He carries us through, no matter how we feel. I can tell you I did a sub-stellar job of adding any meaning to this song, but that's because of how much it already means to me. I can't quite articulate it, but I know the communal passion of this melody has accompanied me through some of my most challenging moments. I pray that even when it hurts today, you will also choose to praise Him. As Easter Sunday proves, it never fails to be worth the effort.
Scandal of Grace (I'd Be Lost)
"Death, where is your sting?
Your power is as dead as my sin
The cross has taught me to live
And mercy, my heart now to sing."
The melody's chorus strikes a familiar chord within me each time I hear it. I grew up singing these words in church, but I must admit I didn't stop considering what they meant until today. The band's clear depiction of Easter is unparalleled for this season, but even more, it is woven into these lyrics.
When Matt Crocker, the lead vocalist in this song, sings, "The cross has taught me to live," I was taken aback. Those few words hold immense meaning and urge listeners to reconsider their pursuits in life. Are we just surviving because we were placed on this Earth? Or are we recognizing the Lord's sacrifice for us and walking by it by serving Him? I'll first acknowledge my constant misdirection and confusion about the future. However, Taya comes in during the bridge with, "It's all because of you, Jesus," and goes on to say He is "forever the hope in my heart." It was a literal articulation of an affirmation I often repeat. No matter the tangible path God takes me down, my heart remains devoted to Him as my only desire. "I'd be lost without you, Jesus," the team sings out. Let's remember to act on this faith, not just during the next few days, but for all our life. His sacrifice on the cross has given us purpose, a monumental reason to praise Him. Happy Easter, friends.
Selena Schulz is NRT’s youngest staff contributor. She loves God, music, reading, and writing.
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