When I started writing this article, I was pretty tired—distracted, and more than a bit burdened by all I chose to take on during this season. But the music of the praise team 7 Hills Worship of the Cincinnati-based 7 Hills Church (three locations in Kentucky and Ohio) gave me some energy.
7 Hills Church has outreach ministries at a correctional facility and an online streaming service. The church's worship team embodies the desire to passionately spread the Word of God. Their newest album, Matters of the Heart, embraces one's heart's love for Jesus. The musical group is set apart from the world's shared culture but is one with Jesus--and that's all that matters.
I'll examine one song from Matters of the Heart and a recently released non-album single. With gentle melodies and praise-rousing anthems, each piece presented another side of the Lord for me to love. Taking part in the listening experience was the most incredible part of my day. It also speaks to you; you can discover an overwhelming flow of joy through the tunes.
"My Revival"
"I feel the revival
Every heart beating in this room
Your wonder expected
Attention arrested
I just want to see you move."
I smiled when I played the song "My Revival." The lead singer's boundless energy vividly represents her unwavering devotion to God. The lyrics remind me of God's forever peace.
The truth of the matter is that His love is unconditional. Rather than a human affection that fluctuates based on performance or worthiness, I have a backward sense of peace with the understanding that I will never be enough to warrant the love of my Heavenly Father. There is nothing I can do to earn His love; therefore, I can do nothing to lose it. That is never an excuse to go gallivanting in the ways of the world; instead, it is just excess proof of how endless His love is. If commitments likewise bog you down, whether of the heart, time, or something else entirely, take heart in this. Let the lightness of His love, the absence of obligation, allow you to rise today. May He revive you in every weary corner of your being today.
"Safe Place (feat. Rachael Nemiroff)"
"All I ever wanted was a safe place
In the middle of my mind race
Without any judgments, you were there to listen
When I needed a reason that I'm breathing
That's how much you love me."
I recently raved about the song's featured worship artist Rachael Nemiroff in my article "Women in Christian Music." After my relentless hype, I'm happy her cameo didn't disappoint. Her voice is incredible, and the fact that she is using it for the betterment of His kingdom is so inspiring.
As for the song's message, I couldn't relate more. Fresh out of the first week of my senior year, I can confidently say that public school is rough. Something I knew but yet again rediscovered. As I've stressed earlier, the unfortunate truth remains that various friendships exist. Among them are unreliable and insincere people who seek more than friendship, as well as those with whom you eventually lose sight of why you're friends with them in the first place. But God. Oh, but God. He embodies none of those negative traits. He ditches stereotypes in favor of purely adoring His children.
He's the friend who never walks away and always loves you. He is not afraid of our hidden darkness, as He brings light and beauty with His passion. I pray that He'll reveal this tenderness to you and that when you are in the most desperate need of a friend, you will look around and discover Him beside you, right where He promises He will be. He is the safe place, the best listener, and the reason to keep living. Even when a physical place of comfort may not be available to you, He will never leave your side. For that, I am beyond grateful.
Selena Schulz is NRT’s youngest staff contributor. She loves God, music, reading, and writing.
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