Christian contemporary artist Natalie Layne symbolizes joy and strength in a world where music reflects life's trials. Her debut single, "Amen," has captured hearts, marking her arrival on the Christian contemporary music scene.
Natalie’s music journey began in her hometown, where she felt God calling her to share her faith through songwriting during high school. With the support of her family and mentors, Natalie honed her craft, releasing original tracks independently while studying at college. She’s faced many setbacks and challenges, but her determination has never wavered, and her talent continues to draw attention.
The artist's first EP, Amen, offers songs about faith and resilience, resonating with listeners everywhere. Natalie’s songwriting is real and vulnerable, and her upbeat songs are a great way to celebrate our freedom in Christ.
Every song showcases Natalie’s excellent singing voice. You can hear her smile as she delivers one infectious song after another. This EP's layered and well-produced musical arrangements perfectly stress Natalie’s powerful and passionate songs.
Natalie’s songs have connected with my daughters, and her biblically inspired lyrics represent how genuine joy and her identity come from her relationship with God. I spoke with Natalie about her upbeat song “Grateful For.”
Please tell me the personal story behind this song.
I started this song the same way I began most of my songs—by playing a series of notes on the piano. As I started plucking out a melody, my co-writer, Mitch Wong, observed, “That sounds like gratitude.” So that’s the exact sentiment we captured that day. I smile every time I listen to it.
“Grateful For” is meant to evoke a great deal of gratitude. It’s about finding gratitude and appreciation despite life’s challenges and setbacks. The lyrics focus on recognizing the positive aspects and blessings surrounding us, even when things don't go according to plan or expectations.
The song acknowledges that seeing the good in certain situations can be difficult, especially when they don't align with personal desires or expectations. Despite this, some blessings are scattered throughout life. Through these blessings, you don't need a rosy perspective to find beauty and positivity amid chaos.
Which Bible verses connect to the message of the song?
Philippians 4:7 (NKJV): "And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."
Psalm 37:4-6 (NKJV): "Delight yourself also in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord. Trust also in Him, And He shall bring it to pass. He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light and justice as the noonday."
1 Peter 1:3 (NKJV): “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.”
1 Peter 3:15 (NIV): “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.”
2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV): "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here."
Philippians 1:6 (NIV): “Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:13(NKJV): “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
What is the takeaway message?
"Grateful For" encourages listeners to shift their perspectives and open their hearts to finding and acknowledging the good things surrounding them. It serves as a reminder that even in the darkest times, there is always something to be grateful for. It’s about committing to being thankful for life's triumphs and challenges. This song acknowledges that faithfulness and gratitude are two interconnected aspects that provide comfort and support in difficult times.
Lyrics
It's not always easy to see the good When it doesn't look the way I think it should I know, I know what it feels like When a smile don't feel right But even the stress of a million cares Can't cover the blessings you put everywhere It don't take rose-colored glasses To see the gold in the madness
I just gotta take time Slow down Take a moment to see it now The little things are what it's all about What it's all about
I'll take a look around There's something to be grateful Something to be grateful for It's waiting to be found Underneath the surface Everything I'm searching for Couldn't find it in me But I found it in you I'm learning to see 'Cause you're teaching me to Take a look around There's something to be grateful Something to be grateful Something to be grateful for Ah, grateful for Ah, grateful for Ah, grateful for
For Your mercy, the morning light For all of the ways that love has changed my life I know You're behind all the goodness Don't let me forget it When the sun don't shine In the dead of night If the tears keep rolling from my eyes I know You're always by my side It's how I know I'm gonna be alright
I'll take a look around There's something to be grateful Something to be grateful for It's waiting to be found Underneath the surface Everything I'm searching for Couldn't find it in me But I found it in you I'm learning to see 'Cause you're teaching me to Take a look around There's something to be grateful Something to be grateful Something to be grateful for Ah, grateful for (ayy) Ah, grateful for (ayy) Ah, grateful for (ayy)
Closing Thoughts
“Grateful For” is a great song celebrating our freedom in Christ when we are born again. Christians are new people on the inside. The Holy Spirit gives us new life, and we are not the same anymore. We’re new creations living under God's authority.
This song is about trusting God and confessing failures and struggles. Surrender them to Jesus, and He'll ease the burden.
This song is a strong anthem that makes a powerful statement. Its message urges us to confront our doubts and consider how Jesus invites us to trust Him and His resurrection power. The song reminds us that Jesus has conquered death and fear and that we should never forget this fact. If you've put all your hope and trust in Jesus, nothing can separate you from His love.
God wants us to boldly approach the throne of mercy and grace to receive and get what we need. He is a perfect and holy God. Although He has wrath, His kindness leads us to repentance. He desires for us to know Him. We can confess during the song that this is who I was, who I am, and who I will be past, present, and future. His mercies are new every morning.
Jesus is ever true to His Word. What He spoke on earth, He affirms in heaven. His Word is a message of grace. You can live out the life-giving words of this song, “For Your mercy, the morning light/For all of the ways that love has changed my life/I know You're behind all the goodness/Don't let me forget it/When the sun don't shine/In the dead of night/If the tears keep rolling from my eyes/I know You're always by my side/It's how I know I'm gonna be alright.” 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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