A multiple-time GMA Dove Award-winning artist, Natalie Grant has blessed worshippers and provided worship leaders with her passionate music. Her excellent vocals are showcased in popular hits such as "Held," "Greatness of Our God," "Desert Song," and "Your Great Name.”
Natalie’s album Be One continued in that same upbeat, worshipful vein. The album features the call-to-action song "Be One," the stirring worship ballad "Clean," the passionate “More Than Anything,” and the GRAMMY-nominated hit "King of the World."
In our 10th Behind the Song devotional, I spoke with Natalie about her song “My Weapon,” the lead single from her 10th studio album, No Stranger. In connection with her upcoming album Seasons, I’ve compiled my top five Natalie Grant songs essential to celebrating her music ministry.
“Clean”
I immediately connected with the message of this song right from the opening lyrics: "I see shattered/You see whole/I see broken, but You see beautiful." We sometimes have issues accepting how God sees us because of how we see ourselves. During my spiritual journey, I had the opportunity to read and study the book Wild at Heart by author John Eldridge with a few fellow believers. The book helped us explore and understand the emotional wounds we all carry from our childhood experiences. These wounds are often the result of our sinful tendencies and the brokenness of this fallen world, which leave deep scars on our hearts.
God wants you to know that "there's nothing too dirty that You can't make worthy/You wash me in mercy/I am clean." As a father of three young daughters, I deeply resonate with the message conveyed in this song. I want my girls to know that even though I may disappoint them at times, they can always turn to Jesus and be accepted by Him, regardless of their actions or self-perception.
We all have lies that we believe about ourselves. Also, we have an enemy who doesn't like us. He has a voice and speaks to us, but the voice of God's agape love speaks louder. This song encourages us to see ourselves the way God sees us.
Remember that "Christ died for us while we were still sinners." Be free from those doubts about yourself and know that "there's nothing too dirty that You can't make worthy" as you sing along, "Washed in the blood of Your sacrifice/Your blood flowed red and made me white, my dirty rags are purified/I am clean."
“More Than Anything”
This song beautifully captures the truth expressed in John 3:30. There's the knowledge that we are the bride of Christ, bowing in worship to the King of kings and Lord of lords. We are all called to have the faith expressed by John the Baptist: "He must increase, but I must decrease."
Romans 5:3 states, "And that's not all. We also celebrate in seasons of suffering because we know that when we suffer, we develop endurance, which shapes our characters." This song reminds us that suffering shapes our characters and draws us near to the peace of God that passes understanding. Sing to Him: "All that I need You've already done."
Are we living as though salvation is our reward, or are we living for temporal things? This song allows us to consider whether we live for "the Giver more than the giving." Once we live for heaven, our joy is no longer tied to our circumstances. A good day isn't about what you did but how you've allowed God to use you.
This song is a great way to thank Jesus for our undeserved gift of grace. Grace is freely given and isn't something we can earn through good works. It’s a gift from God by faith in Christ Jesus. The gift of eternal life in Jesus Christ started at His birth and continues until we see Him face to face. To celebrate the gift of grace, "Help me want the healer more than the healing, help me want the Savior more than the saving, help me want the giver more than the giving, help me want You, Jesus, more than anything."
“King of the World”
The song’s central message is to hold on to Christ as something better comes. The grace and promise that God is with us, proclaimed in the bridge, "Oh, You set it all in motion, every single moment/You brought it all to me, and You're holding on to me," is what moves me and guides me in my Christian walk. Live every day for heaven, and don't forget that God will always be the King of the world.
There are still billions of people on earth who don't know Jesus as their King. One day, He will rule the new heavens and earth, and every knee will bow, and every tongue will confess that He is Lord. The world is still crying out desperately for a savior, and our job as followers of Jesus is to tell the world that He came, He lived a perfect, sinless life, He died for our sins, and He has risen. That's cause to celebrate and sing loudly, "How could I make You so small when You're the One who holds it all?/When did I forget You've always been the King of the world?/You will always be the King of the world."
“My Weapon”
The song's message is to hold on to Christ, even when something better comes. The lyrics proclaim the grace and promise that God is with us and that the presence of Christ is our greatest weapon. It helps us to push back the darkness and break every chain. "My Weapon" represents our victory over battles by trusting that God is before us and He wins. Sing loudly, “My worship opens up the heavens/Crushing every stronghold/When I speak Your name/Your presence is my weapon.”
“Hurricane”
This song serves as an excellent reminder that everyone goes through storms. The lyrics carry a message that every follower of Jesus should hold on to: "It's never too late, never too far, for you to reach out and take hold of love." Natalie's passion is evident in her voice as she sings those lyrics.
Having spoken to her about the story behind the song, it's clear that she has an intense passion for the truth of reaching out and holding on to Jesus during difficult times. Listeners can relate to Natalie's lyrics and communicate with her. That's the beauty of the bond we have as believers. We are all in need of our savior, Jesus.
As the song reminds us, "When you feel the rain/Call His name/He'll find you in the hurricane." What an inspirational message. Jesus commands each of us to trust Him completely. Trusting Jesus assures us that we don't have to be afraid. Pray these words along with Natalie: "Step out on the edge. Don't be afraid of it/Just let go/Cause you are held in His arms."
NRT lead contributor Kevin Davis is a long-time Christian music fan and an avid collector. He 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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