The Songwriter

Author's Website:
http://darylwilliamstrio.net

Chris Tomlin

Several years ago, our trio was singing at a large Baptist Church in Alabama. We had really prayed for God to move in a powerful way, and He did not disappoint us. His presence was very rich. When the service was over I went to our product table in the lobby. It looked like we were going to run out of Cd's that night. But isn't that the dream of every Gospel Singer? We all want to sing to a large crowed and then sell every piece of product we have. Well, that's what happened that night.

When I got down to the last CD of our latest project, the man who bought it made a statement to me that has stuck in my mind ever since. He was a young man, who looked to be in early twenties. He did not look, dress, or act like a Southern Gospel fan. As he placed the money in my hand for the CD, he said "I can't believe you made me like a style of music that I hate". He was surprised at himself for even wanting to buy it. But he was very happy to get the last copy.

As some of you know, I have never been much of a fan of Contemporary Praise and Worship Music. I really don't care for the beat, the chord progressions or the lyric structure of so many of the songs I've heard from this genre of music. So I can relate to how that young man in Alabama felt. I have thought at times that I would never enjoy any modern Contemporary Praise and Worship Music. I have had many friends try to convert me into being a fan, but the bottom line is there are many other music styles I like better. That's just my own personal taste.

I have heard many of the current Praise and Worship standards that are being sung in churches today. The music of Hillsong, Third Day, Israel Houghton, and Chris Tomlin are everywhere. I thought I'd never hear one that I actually enjoyed. But then one night, I saw and heard Chris Tomlin singing one of his own songs, and suddenly I could understand why so many people have been drawn to this music.

He was performing his huge hit, "How Great Is Our God". I had heard this song sung in many churches hundreds of times, and it never moved me before. It never touched me, and never made me want to worship. But as I watched this man of God sing it, something inside me agreed with his spirit, and I began to sing along. I felt compelled to worship. And now I am thrilled every time I hear a worship leader begin to sing it. I immediately join in. But it's not because of the music. It's not the chord progressions or even the melody that got my attention. The lyrics are so simple, that they almost seem elementary. So why do I love this song? It's written in a style that I thought I hated.

When the Spirit of God is in full force, then style and personal taste have to take a back seat to what the Lord has in mind. And anything the Lord does is beautiful. I've often wondered how I could have heard that song so many times and never have been moved by it before. The only answer that I can come up with is that I had never heard anyone sing it with the authority, power and anointing that Chris Tomlin did. It seemed as though every time I heard it before, it was just words and notes, nothing more. But the Spirit of God resting on Chris, made it alive and powerful to me. Now when I listen to other Chris Tomlin tunes, I listen with a whole new attitude. Amazing Grace, My Chains Are Gone, is another composition that seems to usher me into God's presence just as quickly as the traditional music that I have always preferred.

There are many people who like Contemporary Praise and Worship music just because they like the style. That's OK. There are others who like Traditional and Southern Gospel Music just because that Music Style appeals to their musical taste. And that's alright too. God created it all, from Beethoven to Bluegrass.
And it's ok to like any style you want, just because you prefer that kind of music. But I have found that when the Holy Spirit gets involved in the performance of a song, all style barriers and walls will come down. The Spirit will cause a teenager who prefers only hard driving Rock music, with lasers and smoke bombs, to be moved by a Greater Vision song, or one by the Hoppers. Likewise, the Holy Spirit can cause an old traditional Southern Gospel fan like myself to weep and worship God at the first strains of a Chris Tomlin tune.

Oh, and by the way, have y'all heard Toby Mac? Wow!!! Apparently he has a serious relationship with God too.

Until next time, keep on writing!

Daryl Williams