Nobody does tours like veteran Christian band NewSong. When the group introduced its annual Winter Jam Tour Spectacular in 1995, NewSong helped reshape the public face of Christian music, creating a mega-event that has grown into one of the genre's largest annual tours.
Now entering its fourth decade, Winter Jam continues to draw massive crowds across the country, showcasing a diverse lineup of established artists and emerging voices while maintaining its unique ticketless model—making it one of the most accessible tours in live music today. Along the way, it has become a launching pad for countless artists and a powerful platform for sharing the Gospel. To this day, NewSong’s multi-artist concerts give thousands the opportunity not only to hear incredible music but also to encounter the message of Jesus in a meaningful way.
Recently, NewSong fans have resonated with tunes like “I’m Always Talking to Jesus,” the title track from their album Church People, and their latest worship song, “Glory All Around,” which continues their tradition of lively, prayerful expressions of faith. With a renewed emphasis on ministry, touring, and new releases, NewSong continues to be an important voice in modern Christian music. I had the opportunity to discuss “I’m Always Talking to Jesus” with lead singer Russ Lee at Winter Jam in Reading, Pennsylvania.
Please tell me the personal story behind this song.
"I'm Always Talking to Jesus" is a heartfelt song that focuses on our intimate, personal communication with God. It highlights that He is a faithful listener who never tires of hearing about our struggles. In times of trouble or uncertainty, believers can find peace by talking to Jesus. The song emphasizes that, despite life’s difficulties, Jesus provides comfort and guidance through prayer. The song was introduced to audiences at last year’s Winter Jam Tour.
For our most recent Church People album, we wanted to write songs that would work at Winter Jam and encourage people to celebrate their faith freely. I feel a sense of excitement in my heart and soul about the times we are living in.
Which Bible verses connect to the message of the song?
Proverbs 18:10 (NKJV): “The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.”
Proverbs 3:5-6 (NKJV): "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight."
Deuteronomy 31:6 (HCSB): "Be strong and courageous; don't be terrified or afraid of them. For it is the Lord your God who goes with you; He will not leave you or forsake you."
Romans 8:37 (NLT): "No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us."
Psalm 122:1 (ESV): Let us go to the House of the Lord. A Song of Ascents. Of David. I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go to the house of the Lord.”
Psalm 33:3 (VOICE): "Sing to Him a new song; play each the best way you can, and don't be afraid to be bold with your joyful feelings."
Psalm 66:1-3 (NKJV): “Make a joyful shout to God, all the earth. Sing out the honor of His name; Make His praise glorious. Say to God, ‘How awesome are Your works. Through the greatness of Your power, Your enemies shall submit themselves to You.’”
Hebrews 10:25 (NLT): “And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of His return is drawing near.”
Proverbs 18:24 (NIV): "One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother."
Romans 12:1-2 (NIV): "Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—His good, pleasing, and perfect will."
Hebrews 11:40 (NIV): "God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect."
2 Corinthians 5:7 (NKJV): "For we walk by faith, not by sight."
What is the takeaway message?
“I’m Always Talking to Jesus” emphasizes finding strength and comfort through constant prayer, reassuring listeners that they are never alone in their challenges. The song serves as a reminder of God's unwavering presence, encouraging an ongoing, daily conversation with Him. God speaks to us through His Word, and He encourages us to bring our worries to Him.
We are God’s family. We’ve been justified and adopted into His family. That’s who church people are. Celebrate the community, joy, and freedom that come with being a Christian, a joint heir with Jesus Christ. It is powerful and sustains you. People like you and me who can’t believe we’ve been set free. We are not in bondage anymore.
Lyrics
Life can be such a mystery There's so many unknowns And I have found All the ups and downs Can make us feel all alone
Oh, but I have a quiet place That anchors my soul Where I hear His voice Rise above the noise Always keeping me strong
I'm always talking to Jesus And He's always talking to me A comfort again and again Oh, what a friend He's always listening
I'm always talking to Jesus Telling him all of my troubles I know: wherever I go, I'm not alone He always hears me
I'm always talking to Jesus
I have all of these letters That He's written to me Every page holds a promise That He'll always love us I trust every word that He speaks
I'm always talking to Jesus And He's always talking to me A comfort again and again Oh, what a friend He's always listening
I'm always talking to Jesus Telling him all of my troubles I know: wherever I go, I'm not alone He always hears me
I'm always talking to Jesus
Through the wind and the rain Through the joy and the pain He's so faithful to me And even in the silence He speaks
I'm always talking to Jesus And He's always talking to me A comfort again and again Oh, what a friend He's always listening
I'm always talking to Jesus Telling him all of my troubles I know: wherever I go, I'm not alone He always hears me
I'm always talking to Jesus
Closing Thoughts
This infectious song captures the power of prayer and reflects the joy we find when we don't rely on our own understanding but fully trust in God's ability to lift us up, no matter our circumstances. Jesus calls us to rely on Him and the power of His resurrection, reminding us that He has overcome death and fear. We can all say hallelujah and celebrate those truths together as we sing along. Our true joy comes from our relationship with Jesus.
When you sing, do you sing in complete submission, or just sing the words? The song's sentiment is something the global church can cling to and proclaim loudly. In surrender, we raise our hands to celebrate His goodness.
We can lift our hands in confidence to God, knowing His mercy is unfailing. His love is never-ending. He is our refuge and our strength. God's ultimate will isn’t to bring affliction but to restore us so we may experience His unfailing love.
One lesson I've learned about life is that we shouldn't wait to fix ourselves before stepping out in faith. We need to fully trust God. Since I've become a follower of Jesus, I have a better understanding that success for Christians is defined differently than the world’s. Many Christians, myself included, struggle to hold on to their dreams and expectations rather than letting God show them what He wants for them. Instead of living in fear, we need to proclaim in faith, “I'm always talking to Jesus/And He's always talking to me/A comfort again and again/Oh, what a friend/He's always listening.”
I take great solace in the truth of Proverbs 18:10 (NKJV): "The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe." I love that every translation of those words of wisdom from Proverbs urges believers to "run" to the name of the Lord. In the midst of any pain you are facing, run to Jesus. His name is a strong tower. We can call out to Jesus, and He will keep us safe. This is a truth for believers to cling to. We're not supposed to merely hope it is true or turn to the Lord only as a last resort, but to be washed daily in the truth of the Word of God. The Lord wants us to spend time with Him every day.
This song is a great reminder to read His Word, the Holy Bible, and to cultivate a relationship with Him in prayer. Jesus modeled prayer in the Lord's Prayer. If we learn to build our lives on Scripture, we would all have a rock as our foundation as we navigate life.
We can know for a fact that the words of this song are true: “I'm always talking to Jesus/Telling Him all of my troubles/I know, wherever I go, I'm not alone/He always hears me.” Amen to that.
NRT lead contributor Kevin Davis is a passionate enthusiast and dedicated collector of Christian music. He believes the message of Christian music has deepened his understanding of Christ.
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