The latest single from Word Worship's passionate and powerful vocalist, Meredith Andrews, is the powerful and profound "Not For A Moment (After All)," the first track released from Andrews' new 11-track album, Worth It All. Written by Andrews, Jacob Sooter and Mia Fieldes and produced by Paul Mabury, the song introduces listeners to the album's concepts of meaning and value, and what's truly of greatest worth. 

 

As Andrews recently noted, "Only Jesus is worthy of it all. My life, my heart, my every breath, my authentic love, my worship. He is everything. He is Worth It All."

 

With her debut release in 2008, Andrews' insightful songs and engaging voice awarded her recognition as Billboard Magazine's "Most Promising New Artist." In 2011, she picked up two Dove Awards for "Worship Song of the Year" and "Praise and Worship Album of the Year," quickly distinguishing her as one of the preeminent worship leaders and songwriters in the Christian music community. With the success of her first two albums, she was afforded the opportunity to tour with acclaimed CCM artists Natalie Grant, Brandon Heath, Bebo Norman and Michael W. Smith. 

Worth It All is the newest "best" album by Meredith Andrews. While not a departure from her signature piano-based style, this album builds on the momentum of Meredith's vertical worship songs "New Song We Sing", "How Great is the Love" and recent No. 1 inspirational song, "Not for a Moment (After All)." She has written and recorded an entire album loaded with songs that all bring listeners the Throne Room focusing on how God is "Worth It All." I had the chance to interview Meredith about her stirring worship song.

 

When I started writing for this album, I wanted to write corporate worship songs that were also accessible to all types of listeners for the sake of reaching more people who may not hear these messages in a church setting. When Jacob and I wrote 'Not For A Moment' with our friend Mia, we had no idea that God would use the lyrics of this song to minister to us months after we had written it. 

 

We were having a writing session in Nashville, and Mia started talking about the song "Never Once" by Matt Redman. We loved how that song had such a fresh sound and timeless message. The truth that He loves us and will never forsake us, even in our weakest, darkest moments, is a truth that never changes. It is always true. He is constant, good, and in control even when it's difficult to believe. I've seen first-hand the influence that truth set to music has on people's lives. I'm humbled and thankful for the opportunity for this song touching hearts and lives in ways above and beyond what it's already done in our family. I was praying throughout the song for God to not hide Himself from me.

 

 

Jeremiah 29:11-13: For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. 

 

… Romans 8:35: "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?"

 

…and Romans 8:38-39: "For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

 

A few months later after we'd written this song, my family went through the ringer and we dealt with some really tough situations. My youngest brother had some personal struggles when I went home to visit my family and I called Jacob and started crying. Jacob sent me the lyrics from the bridge, "In my hurt, at my worst / When my world falls down / Not for a moment will You forsake me."

 

Then, I embraced that truth even more closely than ever before. What we need more than anything is God's presence in our lives. When we know God is with us, He carries us through our dark circumstances and trust in His sovereignty. We can trust that He gives and takes away, but blessed be the name of the Lord.


Inevitably we'll be in seasons in our lives when we'll think that God has forgotten us and is hiding Himself from us. Those are lies from the enemy. We need to cling to God's Word and believe everything He tells us. That's His love letter to us. That's the foundation of our faith. What God says is true no matter how we're feeling. In the chorus, I sing. "Not for a moment will You forsake me." The reminder that God will never leave or forsake us is the truth. The fact that we're able to come before the Lord and lay our burdens down, God lets us leave our burdens at His feet. God wants to draw us closer to Himself.

 

You were reaching through the storm
Walking on the water
Even when I could not see
In the middle of it all
When I thought You were a thousand miles away
Not for a moment did You forsake me
Not for a moment did You forsake me

After all You are constant
After all You are only good
After all You are sovereign
Not for a moment will You forsake me
Not for a moment will You forsake me

You were singing in the dark
Whispering Your promise
Even when I could not hear
I was held in Your arms
Carried for a thousand miles to show
Not for a moment did You forsake me

After all You are constant
After all You are only good
After all You are sovereign
Not for a moment will You forsake me
Not for a moment will You forsake me

And every step every breath you are there
Every tear every cry every prayer
In my hurt, at my worst
When my world falls down
Not for a moment will You forsake me
Even in the dark
Even when it's hard
You will never leave me
After all

After all You are constant
After all You are only good
After all You are sovereign
Not for a moment will You forsake me
Not for a moment will You forsake me
Not for a moment will You forsake me
 

Meredith is the premier female worship song writer in all of Christian music, along with Christy Nockels, Brooke Fraser-Ligertwood and Mia Fieldes. She consistently writes and sings piercing, relevant and moving songs. If you are looking for an entire album of songs like Dove Award-winning Worship Song of the Year "Your Great Name" as recorded by Natalie Grant, look no further than Meredith Andrews. What's especially cool about this album is how Meredith invites listeners into her life by sharing what's on her heart. She dwells on prayerful yearnings, lays out spiritual truths and worships God all at the same time. 

 

Meredith Andrews' excellent songwriting, singing and captivating songs have made her my favorite female worship songwriter and singer. This is the most spine-tingling female led worship project I've experienced and all of these songs are completely anointed, Spirit-led and emotionally captivating. There are no weak songs and this album is truly a masterpiece. Worth It All is flawless and overflows with worship-driven emotional responses to our Lord and Savior. Tying everything together is the standout song "Not for a Moment (After All)" which beautifully proclaims the Truth from Romans 8:35: "Nothing can separate us from the love of Christ." 

 

God's not afraid of our questions. He wants us to pour out our hearts and be desperate to know His presence. When you've been in God's presence, it melts you. Even in those seasons of silence, God is still working and wants us to pursue Him. This song is a great way to pray along with Meredith and to remember that God will never leave or forsake you. Jeremiah 29:13 says, "You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart." Meredith has once again written a song that touches my heart and meets me where I am spiritually. As the song prayerfully proclaims: "Even in the dark, Even when it's hard, You will never leave me, After all." Amen.

 

(You can watch the video here.)