By Steve Underwood
Every believer has signposts for the journey of faith — the day we encounter our Savior, the challenges that uncover our deep need for Him, the moments we experience God’s faithfulness.
For Paul Baloche, this spiritual journey is marked by songs, music that has moved from personal touchstones to collective signposts for millions of believers. Intimate prayers that have become global anthems.
“Songwriting is a big part of my spiritual life,” Paul shares. “It helps me go deeper with God. It helps me fix my mind on Jesus, to set my mind on things above. It keeps my own heart fresh and alive, for myself, my family and the Church.”
“When I’m writing songs,” Paul says, “I think, Will this help the Church worship God? Will this help people connect with Him?’ I want to make music that they can believe in.”
In short, Paul writes songs that the Church sings worldwide with translations of his songs in Spanish, Korean, French, Portuguese and more. It’s a calling he doesn’t take lightly.
“When I’m writing worship songs,” Paul notes, “I realize that I’m putting words into the mouths of God’s people. I’m giving them a vocabulary to sing back to God. And when they sing those words, hopefully it will act as a catalyst in their hearts, so something will happen in them. Because when we sing something, it goes down deep into our soul.”
“Glorious is about the adventure of being led by a living, active God,” Paul says. “It’s about looking beyond the cross, to look behind the mystery, to see the risen Savior. For us to live in the new covenant idea that Jesus Christ is alive in us. Instead of only looking back 2,000 years, we see the risen Christ now. Learning to be led by His Spirit, guided by His Spirit, and to discern the language of His Spirit.”
The songs highlight Paul’s ability to transform personal revelations into universal truths that resonate with every believer. The record’s title track suggests another anthem for the church, a song that looks back to one of Paul’s most memorable musical signposts, “Open the Eyes of My Heart.”
Paul recalls, “My pastor told me that Glorious feels like an answer to Open the Eyes of My Heart.’ That original cry of my own heart. Glorious paints a picture of seeing Jesus for who He is, as the risen Christ and the living God.”
The album’s first single, “Just To Be With You,” offers a different, though no less profound, view of our God and our reliance on Him.”
“‘Just To Be With You’ is simply about intimacy with God,” Paul says. “With all of the stuff in this world that overwhelms us, no matter what happens, all I want is to be with You’ as I’m walking through this life.”
“Shaken,” a powerful track written by Paul’s wife, Rita, acknowledges the uncertain times we live in while sharing the solace found by resting in God no matter what life brings our way.
“Life is going to shake us,” Paul says. “Storms are going to come. The only thing that’s going to remain is what we’ve invested in God… sinking our roots down deep into God’s Spirit.”
Filled with songs of hope, praise, and adoration, Glorious affirms Paul’s legacy as one of today’s premiere worship artists and songwriters. But he desires to give more than music to the church. Through Leadworship.com and a variety of resource materials that he developed, Paul is committed to encouraging and equipping the next generation of worship leaders.
“I’m just trying to press into God, to keep my own heart right, and to encourage and help the Church worship.”
Find out more about Paul Baloche at http://www.integritymusic.com/.