Step into the musical world of worship leader Brooke Ligertwood, the New Zealand singer and songwriter acclaimed for her 2010 hit "Something in the Water." Formerly called Brooke Fraser, she mixes folk-pop with modern elements in her music, showing how her art has changed.
Beyond the melodies, Brooke's compositions resonate with Christian themes, amplified by her collaboration with the iconic praise band Hillsong Worship. People say she's a hardworking and quick artist, and she also brings her creativity into her fashion and songwriting. Described as a "fast-paced and diligent" artist, her creativity extends to fashion and songwriting.
Following up her standout worship anthems with Hillsong Worship, “What A Beautiful Name,” "Who You Say I Am," “King of Kings,” and “A Thousand Hallelujahs,” churches and believers around the world celebrate the release of Brooke’s latest solo worship album Eight.
These staples, sung at church worship services worldwide, continue to put the Word of God into Christians' minds, mouths, and hearts everywhere. I spoke with Brooke about her latest song, “Fear of God.”
Please tell me the personal story behind this song.
I’ve written so many songs in my life. Maybe a thousand by now. Not sure. Whatever it is, it’s more than I’ve deserved. I like most of them, wince at many, and deeply love many. But there’s a small few that I feel an otherness about. “Fear of God” is one of those songs.
“Fear of God” is one song I was born to leave here. When we have a correct understanding of God and a greater revelation of who He is and what He has done, our natural response is worship. The lyrics depict Satan as a roaring lion, constantly seeking to devour and bring destruction. However, the fear of God is portrayed as the powerful force that keeps believers safe and guarded.
Which Bible verses connect to the message of the song?
1 Peter 5:8(NKJV): “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.”
1 Corinthians 15:52(NKJV): “In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. The trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.”
Revelation 19:7(NKJV): “Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready.”
Hebrews 12:2(NKJV): "Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."
1 John 3:1(NKJV): "Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore, the world does not know us because it did not know Him."
What is the takeaway message?
The song "Fear of God" expresses the anticipation of Christ's return and the transformation believers will experience when He returns. The lyrics highlight the supernatural power that will change them and encourage believers to fulfill their God-given purpose while still on Earth.
Towards the song's end, the lyrics emphasize the imminent return of Christ. It describes how He will come with a trumpet sound and a flash of light, bringing salvation to His followers. The lyrics call for celebration and praise, proclaiming that Christ is coming for a pure and spotless "blood-washed bride," symbolizing those whom His sacrifice has saved.
The album, Eight, was created with love for someone we love and for you. It was completed while our family navigated a constellation of traumas, some of which continue and others of which we are still trying to catch our breath. All that to say, it’s a message from the middle. It’s weird here. But He’s still good here.
Lyrics
Satan roams like a roaring lion, seeking to devour us, but The fear of God will keep us Let him keep scheming; let him keep trying He knows the hour is near but The fear of God will keep us, the fear of God will keep us
In the blink of an eye, a trumpet sound We will be changed by a supernatural power So lift up your voice if God’s called you too While we’re still here, we’ve got work to do
Satan roams like a roaring lion, seeking to devour us, but The fear of God will keep us Hold to what lasts and keep your lamp lit Stand in the knowledge of this The fear of God will keep us, the fear of God will keep us
In the blink of an eye and a flash of light The trumpet sounds, and the dead will rise The mortal clothed immortal in his name Lift up your voice if you’ve been saved By the blood of the lamb who forever will reign
1, 2, 3, 4 We may not win every battle, but He wins the war 5, 6, 7, 8 Christ is coming, and there’s only so long He’ll wait
In the blink of an eye and, a trumpet sound We will be changed The mortal clothed immortal in His name So, lift up your voice if He’s called you, too While we’re still here, we’ve got work to do
He’s coming with a trumpet sound He’s coming with a flash of light He’s coming for a pure and spotless blood-washed bride
Satan roams like a roaring lion, seeking to devour us, but The fear of God will keep us
Closing Thoughts
This song serves as a reminder of His unshakeable presence, casting away any fear that dares to consume us. The Lord our God has given us the strength, light, and wisdom to prevail over the darkness.
The lyrics depict a battle between our faith and the adversary seeking to devour us. Yet, with a steadfast heart focused on the fear of God, we find that in our most vulnerable moments, He is our divine protector and refuge.
We cannot earn grace or gain eternal life through our efforts. The only way to receive salvation is by accepting Jesus as our savior. What if we lived as though we believed the song’s sincere words? Jesus loves us so much that He came down and took our punishment so we can be with Him forever.
I enjoy it when artists turn biblical truths into catchy songs filled with God's Word. Jesus, Prince of Peace, taught us to pray for His kingdom to come and His will to be done so we can witness Him in our world. Once the Holy Spirit is in you, you can share that light with others as you live your daily life, even outside of a worship context.
"Fear of God" is a song that delves into the idea of confronting spiritual battles and finding strength and protection through the fear of God. The lyrics highlight the ongoing struggle against evil forces and acknowledge that Satan will continue to scheme and try to deceive. However, the song encourages listeners to remain steadfast and hold on to what is eternal. The term "fear of God" refers to the reverential awe and respect for God, recognizing His sovereignty and power.
Overall, "Fear of God" conveys a message of hope, perseverance, and trust in God's protection despite the spiritual battles believers may face. It emphasizes the need to remain vigilant, hold on to faith, and fulfill one's purpose while awaiting Christ's return. This song is a great way to prepare our hearts for Christ’s coming. Be ready and sing along, “He’s coming with a trumpet sound/He’s coming with a flash of light/He’s coming for a pure and spotless blood-washed bride/Satan roams like a roaring lion, seeking to devour us but the fear of God will keep us.” Amen to that.
NRT lead contributor Kevin Davis is a long-time Christian music fan and an avid collector. He credits the message of Christian music for leading him to Christ. He lives in Pennsylvania with his wife and three daughters.
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