Based in Dallas, Texas, The Worship Initiative is a collective of worship leaders and songwriters. Shane & Shane founded this group with the initial intent of creating an online resource for churches around the world. Although it still retains the same motivation, its influence has dramatically expanded. Now, The Worship Initiative cultivates a strong community ready to raise the praise of God with truthful yet beautifully melodic music.
We will celebrate their most recently released album, Sunday Setlist #3, by diving into a song from the new record, "Take You At Your Word." This will be balanced with the feature of "This Is Our God (feat. Shane & Shane)," their preceding single.
"Take You At Your Word"
"I'll take You at Your word
If You said it, I'll believe it
I've seen how good it works
If You start it, You'll complete it."
This song holds me accountable, and its lyrics encourage me to be mindful of my singing. Excuse my momentary dip into my obsession with the English language. I genuinely adore the action verbs thoughtfully slammed (a proper paradox) into these sentences. It's appropriately challenging to sing the song's declarations without being conscious about the words coming out of your mouth, which is lovely.
I believe we shouldn't worship God half-heartedly. It devastates me whenever I see someone or even notice myself slipping into that mindset. Of course, I'm eternally grateful that He has given us the freedom of choice and, by not making us robots, allowed us to decide how much effort to dedicate to His praise. The authenticity, when present, is undeniable. I pray this genuineness penetrates your worship today. This worship group's boldness is inspiring, and I know you will recognize it in their powerful rendition of this melody.
"This Is Our God" (feat. Shane & Shane)
"Now, those altars in the wilderness
Tell the story of His faithfulness
Never once did He fail, and He never will"
The Worship Initiative offers an incredible rendition of this catchy melody while highlighting its truthful lyrics. The depiction of the wilderness is accurate and heart-wrenching, as I know how often personal struggles can lead to such a feeling of isolation. Although circumstances can be rough, pushing ourselves into corners of darkness can also be easy.
I encourage anyone reading this to find community because being around others can work wonders. God didn't place this many people on Earth for no reason, and I assure you that. Everything He does is beautifully designed and for a reason. There will be a day when you're strong enough to look back and see how He moved you through unsteady times. It may seem impossible now, but "He bore the cross, beat the grave," and He's capable of miracles beyond our most untamed dreams. "This is our God. This is who He is."
Selena Schulz is NRT’s youngest staff contributor. She loves God, music, reading, and writing.
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