Benjamin Hastings is a worship leader who works as a solo artist and as a member of the iconic worship band Hillsong United. Hailing from Ireland, Benjamin found a home in the Australian Hillsong community (although he now resides in the United States). He pens lyrical masterpieces that many listeners are familiar with including "So Will I (100 Billion X)," "Gratitude," and "The Father's House." His role as a co-writer on these projects is a fraction of his musical talent. And he's intent on sharing his faith using his voice as well. That's where his lead vocals come in on "So Will I" and the Hillsong Worship melody, "Come Alive."
Benjamin recently released his solo album, aptly titled Benjamin William Hastings, which is an extensive collection of songs showcasing his heart and his journey. Here's a look at two of the collection's songs.
"Eden (Isn't It Just Like You?)"
"See the empty grave is overgrown
And the earth begins to heal
For the enemy is overthrown
And the darkness finally yields"
This song establishes the connections between Adam and Eve and us as God's children. The lyrics are true depictions of heritage as the bondage of sin was passed down through generations to who we are today. Benjamin acknowledges this captivity and then spins it into a story of victory.
Jesus is redemption personified. He came to Earth to forgive us of the mistakes we made in the first Garden of Eden, all the while representing salvation in a new garden Himself. As the song progresses, we hear an increasing amount of passion channeled in the lyrics. One after another, the many truths of freedom are laid out in beautiful rhetoric for the listener. When the song concludes, Benjamin hits his audience with one last statement of ultimate truth: God has risen so "Eden's my eternity."
"Homeward"
'"Cause what I learnt from waiting is waiting never lasts
You didn't bring me this far just to bring me back
No, You're too good for that"
Benjamin released this anthem over a year ago. More than a thrown-together hopeful hit, this melody has been curated with care to position the right amount of power behind each word. But, that's not to say "Homeward" is manufactured because the authenticity shared is anything but stale.
When the world seems hopeless, hang on to the words of Jesus and they will guide you home. This song embodies God's voice lighting up our journey to heaven. When we doubt the goodness of God, all we have to do is look back on the innumerable ways He has moved in the past and His righteousness is reaffirmed. Stemming off that message is the lyric, "Should that road leave me lonely/Well, I know that I am never alone."
Originally, I was stumped on why God would send us down a road on which we would feel the ache of loneliness. But, the second part of the verse is where Benjamin asserts that we're never alone because of Jesus' constant presence. Even on the days when our friends seem sub-par, our passions inadequate, and our family lacking, God stands strong as the constant provider by our side. On our way homeward, He's always holding you close.
Selena Schulz is NRT’s youngest staff contributor. She loves God, music, reading, and writing.
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