Reborn marks Avalon's fourteenth recording in a career that has spanned nearly fifteen years of music and ministry. Few Christian artists can list 22 #1 singles, 6 Dove Awards, an American Music Award, 3 Grammy nominations and over 3 million albums sold. Reborn is the product of two husband-wife teams. Founding powerhouse vocalist Janna Long and her equally skilled husband, Greg, along with Jeremi and Amy Richardson.

I got the great opportunity to interview Avalon's founding member Janna Long about “Arise.” You can listen to our entire discussion here.

What’s the main message of the song “Arise”?

“Arise” is a song of encouragement. Life has a way of attracting people or events that try to keep us down, or remind us of who we were before Christ. Our story is that we don't have to stay in that depressed place. In the Name of Jesus, we can arise!

Do you have any personal application regarding your walk as a Christian in singing the song?

“Arise” is our first single from the new album, and I remember when we picked the song thinking that if it moves us sitting in a boardroom with fluorescent lights, I knew it would move other people as well. It is a very powerful song. I have found that it is a perfect first single for us from this album as the song affects everyone. The song is one that anyone can relate to, whether you’ve come out of a bad relationship, or faced a health issue or financial hardship. I think of many places in the bible where Jesus says, “Arise, get up and walk.” One way I’ve been moved by the song is that when we perform it live, people literally stand up and arise!

Any bible verses come to mind to go with the song? Do you have a life verse?

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.

How can listeners apply that message in their walks as Christians when they listen to the song?

We will all have our moments when we will go through struggles and lowest lows. I look at the path that my life has taken, we’ve lost band members and loved ones. When we look at circumstances through our own eyes, we have a cloudy perspective. God sees the whole picture. I tend to be a control freak and think that as long as I have a plan and work on things everything will work out. God has a different idea, which is to lean on Him and not our own understanding. The vision of the world I’ve built around me may be falling apart, but God is always in control. We need to cling to God because God’s plans are better than any plans we could ever make.

Here are the lyrics:

Buried in the ashes of
The consequences you’ve become
Again, falling

You wonder if there’s hope at all
To find the strength to even crawl
Away, from your pain

Then the voice of truth calls out to you
Stand up, I’m by your side

Chorus:
Arise, Arise, Arise

Mercy brings you to your knees
And forgiveness lifts you to your feet
In time, you will find

Grace will reach your lowest low
And never let you go

Chorus

Bridge:
The past has kept you bound
But your sin can’t keep you down

No matter what, there isn’t a detail in our lives that God isn’t concerned about. His grace, mercy and forgiveness is always available to us and all we need to do is submit ourselves completely to God. Proverbs 3:5-6 includes a great reminder to not lean on our own understanding, but instead acknowledge Him in all our ways and He shall direct our paths. “Arise” is a great song to sing either during your own personal time of worship or together with fellow believers.

You can listen to the song here.