Meredith Andrews has been leading worship since high school, currently at Harvest Bible Chapel in Rolling Meadows, Illinois, and is passionate about helping orphans in India and Guatemala. Singing about God's grace, love and hope for the broken is yet another form of outreach for her.

Meredith’s new album, As Long As It Takes is the result of a two year wait since the release that launched the hits “You Invite Me In,” “You’re Not Alone” and “New Song We Sing.” She was accurately described as one of Billboard Magazine’s “Faces to Watch” in 2008.

For me, Meredith brings sincerity and relatable themes that get deeper with each listen. My favorite albums are the ones that continue to provide new revelations over time by savoring them and The Invitation paved the way for that experience. As Long As It Takes is in that same mold and is fitting as the title track is based on Meredith’s experiencing the pressure of song-writing.

Recently I got to interview Meredith about her great song, “Can Anybody Hear Me,” and this is the background she shared with me about the song. You can listen to the entire interview here.

Please describe the background in writing the song "Can Anybody Hear Me” and what's the main message of the song to you personally?

I was on a tour with Fee and Phil Wickham and I found myself in a numb place spiritually. The Lord wants me to seek Him. I was empty and tired and feeling this pressure. It's the music industry and when you're writing for your sophomore record, they say that's the hardest to write. I was trying to prove myself. Okay God, this is where I am. I'm helpless. I'm empty and dry, but I'm just going to sit here until you fill me and wait until you speak and until You move me. 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. I was praying throughout the song for God to not hide Himself from me. Even in those seasons of silence, God is still working and wants us to pursue Him.

What Bible verses did you use to write the song?

Romans 8:38-39: For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

How can listeners apply that message in their walk with God?

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 bridge of the song “I will trust in You, even in the moments, I can’t find You, and I will hold on to, Your promises of love, You’ve never failed before” 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.

Here are the lyrics:

I’m staring at these empty walls
Wondering when You’ll visit me again
When will You come?
If there is anything at all
Coming in between our love
Please show me, ‘cause I am barely hanging on

Can anybody hear me?
The silence is deafening
Why do You feel so far away?
When I know You’re here with me
But I just need faith to see
Nothing can separate me from Your love

Believing what I can’t see
Has never come naturally to me
And I’ve got questions
But I am certain of a Love
Strong enough to hold me when I’m doubting
You’ll never let go of my hand

Can anybody hear me?
The silence is deafening
Why do You feel so far away?
When I know You’re here with me
But I just need faith to see
Nothing can separate me from Your love

I will trust in You, even in the moments
I can’t find you, and I will hold on to
Your promises of love
You’ve never failed before

I know You can hear me
When the silence is deafening
Even though You seem far away
And I know You’re here with me
But I just need faith to see
Nothing can separate me from Your love

Can anybody hear me?
The silence is deafening
Why do You feel so far away?
When I know You’re here with me
But I just need faith to see
Nothing can separate me from Your love

I think I can safely say in my opinion that God answered Meredith’s prayer of faithfully waiting on Him. I didn’t think it was possible, but somehow for me As Long As It Takes has topped The Invitation. I’m sure it will continue to challenge, inspire and move me. This is truly a great album and uplifting worship experience. For me, Meredith brings sincerity and relatable themes that get deeper with each listen. My favorite albums are the ones that continue to provide new revelations over time by savoring them. “Can Anybody Hear Me” is a great way to pray along with Meredith and to remember that God will never leave or forsake you. Nothing can separate us from the love of Jesus.