If you're a fan of All Sons & Daughters’ worship anthems like "Path of Sorrow," "This My Inheritance," "You Hold it All Together," and "I Surrender," you won’t want to miss Plans, the recent solo album by David Leonard. As one-half of the GRAMMY-nominated All Sons & Daughters and a former touring member of NEEDTOBREATHE, David brings his unique blend of sincerity and introspection to this album, featuring hits like "Every Hour" and "Good Lord."
Plans, the album, offers a calming worship experience with rich music and deep, heartfelt songs. David's journey through heartache, depression, confusion, and ultimate redemption unfolds with raw honesty, making this project one of the most powerful and Spirit-led worship albums in recent years.
Following Plans, David has released singles "By His Wounds" and "God of This Place" from his upcoming album, Just Jesus. I had the chance to speak with him about "God of This Place" and explore the deep, prayerful lyrics and emotive, vertical expression that define his latest work.
Please tell me the personal story behind this song.
“Where can I go from Your Spirit?/Where can I hide from Your presence, God?” are the first lines of this song, “God of This Place.” Quoting directly from the poetry of Psalms, in writing this song, we wanted to proclaim that the presence of the Lord encompasses the whole of our lives, and His promise to never leave or forsake us still stands. This song is a testament to the goodness of God in my life.
Which Bible verses connect to the message of the song?
Psalm 139:17-18 (NKJV): "How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they would be more in number than the sand. When I awake, I am still with You."
Psalm 145:1-3 (VOICE): “I will lift my praise above everything to You, my God and King! I will continually bless Your name forever and always. My praise will never cease—I will praise You every day; I will lift Your name forever. The Eternal is great and deserves endless praise; His greatness knows no limit and recognizes no boundary. No one can measure or comprehend His magnificence.”
Isaiah 40:31(VOICE): “But those who trust the Eternal One will regain their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles. They will run--never winded, never weary. They will walk--never tired, never faint.”
Isaiah 53:5 (NIV): “But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on Him, and by His wounds we are healed.”
1 Peter 2:24(NIV): "He himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; By His wounds you have been healed."
1 Peter 5:6-7(NIV): “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.”
Psalm 91:1-2(NKJV): "He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, "He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust."
Psalm 23:1(VOICE): “The Eternal is my Shepherd; he cares for me always.”
Psalm 55:22(NIV): “Cast your cares on the Lord, and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous be shaken.”
Hebrews 4:15-16(NKJV): “For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Therefore, let us come boldly to the throne of grace so that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”
What is the takeaway message?
We are never out of the Father’s reach. His love relentlessly pursues us. Like everybody else, through these last couple of years, I’ve realized that the need for God is great. I try to make reminders and live in the space of constantly trying to remember, and this song has been that for me. It's become an anchor point that I've been able to fall back on, and I'm proud of it.
Lyrics
Where can I go from Your spirit Where can I hide from Your presence God If I go up to the heavens You are there Yeah You are there
Lord when I’m lost in the darkness When I arise with the breaking dawn I put my hope in the promise That You are there Yeah You are there
You are the God of this place Where I stand, heaven invades Every worry, every trouble that I face today You’re the anchor, You’re the rock that will always stay You are the God The God of this place
You’re in control every moment Faithful to never leave my side Lord, there is peace in the knowing That You are there Yeah You are there
You are the God of this place Where I stand, heaven invades Every worry, every trouble that I face today You’re the anchor, You’re the rock that will always stay You are the God The God of this place
The God of this place
Anywhere, anywhere Everywhere I go You are there, you are there I’ve never been alone (No)
Anywhere, anywhere Everywhere I go You are there, you are there I’ve never been alone
You are the God of this place Where I stand, heaven invades Every worry, every trouble that I face today You’re the anchor, You’re the rock that will always stay You are the God The God of this place
Anywhere, anywhere (oh) Everywhere I go (The God of this place) You are there, you are there I’ve never been alone (No)
Anywhere, anywhere Everywhere I go You are there, you are there I’ve never been alone
Closing Thoughts
“God of This Place” strikes a chord with me. It highlights Jesus' call for unwavering trust in God, irrespective of our circumstances, personal distractions, or worries. It's not just about agreeing intellectually; God desires to be the focal point of our deepest desires. While our minds may change swiftly, our hearts remain steadfastly devoted.
When I listen to this song, I think about whether I am keeping my life in separate parts, rising above my situations while I worship the Lord, or simply recognizing that Jesus is my Lord, no matter how I feel or what I am going through.
King David sings with a fantastic passion, with unashamed praise and gratitude to our Savior, who is very inspiring and emotionally moving. His songs are poignant and powerful, with earnest, worshipful lyrics. While listening to “God of This Place,” you’ll feel like you are eavesdropping on David’s prayer, like his namesake in the Bible.
This is a beautiful song of encouragement and prayer to ask God to break your pride, live redemption's story, and move closer to who we're meant to be in Christ. Allow God and His Holy Spirit to change you to be more like Jesus and move closer to His glory.
Gratefully accept God’s love. Something that you freely receive by accepting Him as your savior. This song gives words to express gratitude. It’s a reminder to sing to God: “Anywhere, anywhere/Everywhere I go/You are there, you are there/I’ve never been alone.” Amen to that.
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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