Natalie Layne, one of the newest artists on Centricity Music, has quickly made a name for herself in the contemporary Christian music (CCM) scene with her standout debut hit singles "Amen," "Fragile," and "Grateful For" from her full-length album All Joy. With her fresh musical style and heartfelt lyrics, Natalie has captured the attention of both fans and industry professionals alike.
I've been married for 30 years and have three young daughters, and Natalie's album has truly ministered to me and my family. Her gift of encouragement shines through in every track, lifting us up with her positive messages. With her strong and distinctive vocals layered over catchy melodies, she has quickly emerged as one of the top new female vocalists in Christian music. Moreover, Natalie is a fantastic role model for young girls, offering both musical inspiration and a Christ-centered example.
Her debut album is a powerful message for anyone struggling with fear and self-doubt. Each song is a showcase of her incredible voice, and you can almost hear her smile as she delivers one infectious song after another. The well-crafted, layered arrangements enhance the depth of her passionate and powerful songs.
Layne's songwriting is both vulnerable and uplifting, offering real, positive messages that celebrate freedom in Christ. Her music has particularly resonated with my daughters, whose lives have been touched by her biblically inspired lyrics that highlight how true joy and identity come from a relationship with God. I had the privilege of speaking with Natalie about her new song, "All Joy," and how it reflects her heart for worship and encouragement.
Please tell me the personal story behind this song.
"All Joy" is based on the truth of the passage in James 1, “count it all joy.” This song is meant to encourage listeners to shift their perspectives and open their hearts to finding and acknowledging the good things surrounding them even in the midst of trials. It serves as a reminder that even in the darkest times, to count it all joy.
Joy isn't based on our circumstances or our feelings. It's about committing to being joyful for life's triumphs and challenges. This song acknowledges that faithfulness and joy are two interconnected aspects that provide comfort and support in difficult times.
Joy is a fruit of the Spirit. It's near the top of the list: "Love, joy, peace." So, that means it's kind of important, right? Joy is not a fruit of our own striving. Joy is not a fruit of anything other than the Spirit. If we want more joy, we have to ask for more of the Spirit.
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."
James 1:2-4 (NIV): “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
Psalm 28:7 (NLT): "The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust Him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving." Psalm 16:11 (NKJV): "You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore."
Psalm 30:11-12 (VOICE): “You did it: You turned my deepest pains into joyful dancing; You stripped off my dark clothing and covered me with joyful light. You have restored my honor. My heart is ready to explode and erupt in new songs. It's impossible to keep quiet! Eternal One, my God, my Life-Giver, I will thank You forever.”
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?
The enemy has been trying to steal joy from people, and I just want these songs to be a shot of joy. We need joyful songs to get us through the day sometimes, and God's given me a lot of permission to go for the happy songs.
I picture these songs being played in the car in the school drop-off line or in the kitchen when families are making dinner. I want to write songs for the lifelong church kids, but at the same time, I want people who have left or who are far off to hear these songs and be called back home. No matter which end of the spectrum people find themselves on, I want to give them permission to feel like their story matters.
I want to talk about the power of staying. Sometimes finding the Lord for yourself and choosing to stay can be harder than leaving, but life with Jesus really is better. It's not perfect, but it's way better.
Lyrics
Walked quite a few miles with you now
And you've never walked away
Been through a few trials and somehow
I bent but did not break
You never failed me
And you never will
It's true, might sound crazy
But I'll say it still
I count it all joy when I run into trouble
Count it all good when the bad days come
'Cause I know that you're always working
And I know that you're still not done
So I'm gonna lift your praise through the trial
Ain't no storm gonna stop my voice
'Cause I've lived some life
And I've learned that I can always
Count it all grace
Count it all joy
I gave you my heart in pieces
And it healed inside your hands
The more I learn I can trust you Jesus
Oh, the more I understand
You never failed me
And you never will
You prove it on the daily
So I'll say it still
I count it all joy when I run into trouble
Count it all good when the bad days come
‘Cause I know that you're always working
And I know that you're still not done
So I'm gonna lift your praise through the trial
Ain't no storm gonna stop my voice
‘Cause I've lived some life
And I've learned that I can always
Count it all grace
Count it all joy
I'm counting all of my blessings
I'm naming them one by one
And that number keeps getting higher
And I've only just begun
I count it all joy when I run into trouble
Count it all good when the bad days come
‘Cause I know that you're always working
And I know that you're still not done
So I'm gonna lift your praise through the trial
Ain't no storm gonna stop my voice
‘Cause I've lived some life
And I've learned that I can always
Count it all grace
Count it all joy
Closing Thoughts
"All Joy" is a reminder that you can overcome hardships. It declares that there is a light at the end of the tunnel, that God's love is never-ending, and that He is your refuge and strength. The same resurrection power that defeated death and raised Jesus from the grave is available to you.
This song reminds you to let go of worries and allow the Lord to be your redeemer. In many areas of life, valuable time is spent worrying, but this song calls you to surrender and find freedom in Him.
If you're struggling with depression, hold on to the truth in these life-giving words: “So I'm gonna lift your praise through the trial/Ain't no storm gonna stop my voice/‘Cause I've lived some life/And I've learned that I can always/Count it all grace/Count it all joy.”
The song encourages you to worship loudly about the love of God in your life. His grace takes away anxiety, guilt, and shame. Know that being His is enough. In Natalie's vocals, you hear a sincere yearning for the Lord and a heart full of thankfulness for His mercy and grace.
Through this song, you are invited to lay your doubts and struggles at the feet of Jesus. He will take them from you and release you from those burdens. Believe in the freedom found on the cross: that you are free from addictions, insecurities, and perfectionism.
"All Joy" reminds you that life with Jesus is better. While this fallen world may obscure grace and truth, the song urges you to trust in Jesus.
Regardless of circumstances, the song calls you to be truly free in Christ, just as Paul and Silas rejoiced in prison. One of the greatest witnesses of faith is living out this message: having a joy that is supernatural, showing others that even in hardship, you have the hope and love of God and will not forsake Him. Amen to that.
NRT lead contributor Kevin Davis is a longtime fan and passionate collector of Christian music. He credits Christian music's message with guiding him to Christ. He resides in Pennsylvania with his wife and three daughters.
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