Few artists on today's musical landscape possess Jason Crabb's ability to move effortlessly from one musical style to another, erasing boundaries between country, pop and gospel with the smooth, rich voice that has made him a Grammy winner and the Gospel Music Association's reigning Male Vocalist and Artist of the Year. 

 

Jason follows his award winning solo debut with Love Is Stronger, a new album with songs that will appeal to pop and Southern Gospel fans as well as his growing country audience.

 

Jason's self-titled solo album netted a Grammy for Best Southern/Country/Bluegrass Gospel Album and the single "Somebody Like Me" earned him fans at country radio and among country listeners. 

 

When it came time to record his second solo effort, he admits to being a little concerned about following its Grammy-winning predecessor. "I was kind of nervous, but also excited too. With this one, I didn't have anything to do with any of it except get behind the microphone and sing. The producers had everything to do with it and that was the whole difference in this record."

 

Jason chose three acclaimed producers from three different genres. Jay DeMarcus of Rascal Flatts produced six of the 11 tracks on Love Is Stronger. The remaining tunes were produced by Ed Cash, a contemporary Christian music veteran whose credits include Amy Grant and Chris Tomlin, and Wayne Haun, who has long been known as one of the top producers and arrangers in the Southern Gospel field.

 

I had the chance to interview Jason about his powerful song "Near" from his new album, Love Is Stronger. 

 

 

The song "Near" is such a powerful message, not just because we need to know the Scripture that is based on, but also to know that it is real. Even when you do feel alone and when you are going through some crazy moments in life, when you feel like your prayers aren't being heard or you feel alone, the truth is His Word is alive. His Word is true. He will never leave you. He will never forsake you. He'll always be with you. 

 

Knowing that's true, and knowing that He is with us in all things sure beats the feeling of being alone. Truth outweighs feelings. Truth outweighs our emotions or what a storm has done to us emotionally or spiritually. God loves us. He tells us by all our ways acknowledge Him and He will direct our path. There are so many things we encounter in life, it is so amazing to know that God is near. It will also keep your life in check.

 

Deuteronomy 4:7: "For what great nation is there that has God so near to it, as the Lord our God is to us, for whatever reason we may call upon Him? "

 

…Psalm 73:28: "But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge; I will tell of all Your deeds."

 

…and John 3:17: "For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved."

 

 

Sometimes we can feel weak, but we can go right back to the truth of God's Word. The truth outweighs everything. You can have truth knowing the words of the song: "Trying to steal my hope and my faith, But I believe You when You say, You are near, Whenever I feel alone, I'm not on my own, God I know You're standing here, You are near." God is here. His Word says it and I believe it. 

 

Next thing you know you are encouraging yourself from truth of knowing the Creator of the universe is here. The God who breathed life into dust, and here we are. The God who flung the stars in the sky, and knows the numbers of hairs on our heads. He's right here. You know what, I'm on His heart, and He's got my best interests in mind. Knowing the truth of that, you've got to speak truth over your life no matter what you are going through. God is near. The Truth always sets us free. God wants what is good for us.

 

 

We know as believers that the Kingdom of God is here within each one of us who have put all of our hope and faith and trust in Jesus alone as our Savior. That can be a sobering reminder of a responsibility we all have as redeemed people to show the love of Jesus to others who don't know Him. The album title, Love is Stronger, sums that up. Knowing God is near, and knowing Scripturally from Romans that "if God is for us, who can be against us" assures us that there's nothing to fear.

 

A song like "Near" helps remind me of the biblical truth that God sent His only begotten Son Jesus to Earth to seek and to save the lost. No matter where you are in your walk with Jesus, this song is a salvation message that Jesus, through The Holy Spirit is "Near." 

 

There is nothing we have been given that is more valuable than our salvation. Take time to reflect on how thankful you are for the gift of Jesus and the moment that He found you and saved you. Also remember John 3:17: "For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved." 

 

What a wonderful, loving and gracious God we serve. I am so thankful to God for saving me through His Son Jesus. He is acquainted with our grief and anger. As the song proclaims, "Whenever I feel alone, I'm not on my own, God I know You're standing here." Amen.