With the recent release of the faith-based flick I Can Only Imagine 2, we're reminded of just how successful the Christian contemporary band MercyMe has been. While the first I Can Only Imagine chronicled the band's early days and the story behind their breakout signature hit, "I Can Only Imagine," the follow-up shows the struggles they faced as a veteran band and the story behind their hit, "Even If." Looking back at MercyMe's storied career, the band has quite a few songs that touch on themes of grief, loss, and longing for heaven. Here's a look at some of their most notable.
"I Can Only Imagine"
The hit that more or less started it all—an instant classic. Memorable, melodic, inspiring. It made the band a household name almost overnight and launched a decades-long career. There's very little more I can say about it that hasn't already been said. Just that we probably wouldn't be here with a list of MercyMe hits if it weren't for this song.
"Word of God Speak"
Proving they weren't just a one-trick pony, "Word of God Speak" found the band with another major hit on their hands. The song's worshipful chorus cemented the band's place as a mainstay at Christian radio. And to this day, it remains one of their more notable songs. While not as obviously about struggle as others on this list, the song touches on finding Christ "above the noise" and being "at a loss for words." Sometimes, in the midst of our struggles, we just need the Word of God to speak to us and console us.
"Homesick"
Following on the themes of grief and longing for heaven explored on "I Can Only Imagine," "Homesick" was written after the tragic death of lead singer Bart Millard's brother-in-law in a car accident. The song's touching story could've been a film unto itself. It made for a poignant follow-up to "I Can Only Imagine," with a raw look at what it's like to miss someone.
"Hold Fast"
This song speaks to those going through difficult seasons. It doesn't specify which. Some of us go through tragic loss, while others struggle with loneliness or with feeling overwhelmed. The song encourages listeners with the hopeful lyrics, "What I've learned in my life/One thing greater than my strife/Is Your grasp."
"The Hurt and the Healer"
The song speaks about how Christ can heal us even after we go through seasons of suffering and trial. Admitting that sometimes there's a part of us that has to die, but even then, we are still not beyond Christ's healing power. The song offers more of the band's encouraging words, inviting us to meet in the middle of our pain. "It's the moment when humanity/Is overcome by majesty/When grace is ushered in for good/And all our scars are understood/When mercy takes its rightful place/
And all these questions fade away/When out of the weakness we must bow/And hear You say it's over now."
"Even if"
The new movie is based on this song, co-written with Tim Timmons and others. It connected with listeners in a way that surpassed even many of the band's own hits through the years. "Even If" reflects the dark places where its writers were at this point in their lives. It's a frank confession that sometimes we just can't wear a facade of everything being alright. Sometimes we're in stormy seasons. But even in those seasons, we can reach out to Christ with praise. Whether He calms those storms for us, or even if he doesn't: "I know You're able and I know You can/Save through the fire with Your mighty hand/But even if You don't/My hope is You alone."
"Almost Home"
Another classic MercyMe anthem targeted at those who are weary. The song encourages listeners to keep pressing on, because our ultimate home is in sight. "When all that's been lost is made whole again/When these tears and this pain no longer exist/No more walking, we're running as fast as we can/Consider this our second wind."
"Oh Death"
A song directly addressing death itself, singing of its inevitable ultimate defeat. With so many songs musing on those left behind after a death, or longing for heaven on the other side of this life, this song brings it all home with a confrontation with death itself. The song proudly declares, "I will dance on your grave with the one who buried you/You ain't nothin' but a stone that my savior rolled away."
Which song from MercyMe do you find most encouraging in times of grief and struggle?
J.J. Francesco is a longtime contributor to the NRT Staff. He's published the novel 'Because of Austin' and regularly seeks new ways to engage faith, life, and community. His new novel, 'When Miracles Can Dream,' is out NOW!
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