As a young lad, Peter Furler would tap incessantly on anything he could find, driving his brothers and sisters insane in the process. As a young drummer, the beat was always in him – and always looking for an avenue to escape. His musical creativity is no different. There’s a timeless energy that seems to know no bounds. Raw talent combined with hard work has produced one of Australia’s biggest exports–not just in Christian music, but in every genre. There are few Aussies who can lay claim to writing, producing and singing more than 25 No. 1 hits, including classics such as "He Reigns", "Shine", "Something Beautiful" and "It is You."

Despite Furler’s sales of more than seven million units, including five Gold records, fans see more than just Grammy- and Dove-winning music. Furler communicates with raw honesty, having the ability to turn a rock show into a deep worship experience, leading millions on to a stronger faith in Christ. For Furler, the music has always been about making a difference, leaving the listener encouraged and uplifted.

As one of the most successful and award-winning singers and songwriters in contemporary Christian music, Furler has crafted his own sound and has nothing left to prove. But the beat inside goes on, as does the quest to create new music that not only reflects his personal journey with God, but also inspires a generation to follow.

"There is a fire shut up in my bones that I have not been able to hold in since I was a child," says Furler. "For me, I find its release through melody and testimony." Furler's fans are eagerly anticipating what will be next from one of music’s truly inspired and charismatic artists.

Peter Furler returned to music after ending his long tenure in 2009 as the lead singer of Newsboys, the band he founded in Mooloolaba, Queensland, Australia. Refreshed and reawakened to the joy of music, Furler steps out June 21 with his first solo album, On Fire. 

I had the chance to interview Peter about his solo album’s first hit single, "Reach."


Please describe the personal message behind the song "Reach."

Ironically, this is the only song on the album I didn’t write. Seth Moseley wrote the song, and the message immediately connected with me or I wouldn’t have decided to record it. The song is about how as Christians, we need to remember that God is a personal God. Throughout the entire Bible we see it. He’s a jealous God, jealous for us and wanting us to follow His plan. He designed us and wants us to be in community with Him.

As humans, we have a body, soul, mind and emotions, but we also have a Spirit inside of us through accepting Jesus as our Savior. That’s the beauty of the message of the song. We have a God who created the Heavens and Earth, and yet He’s a personal God. The best example of Him reaching out to us is through His son, Jesus. He’s who we need to model our own lives after. In my own life, letting Him direct my steps is the key. I need to be attentive to God’s still small quiet voice guiding me. Sometimes I feel like God waits on us every morning.

Did you base the song on any Bible verses? Any life verse?

Isaiah 40:28-31: “Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

How can listeners apply that message in their walks as Christians when they listen to the song?

The message of Isaiah 40-41 are my life verses in a sense. The concept of "on fire" is about your Spirit from Him. It’s about watching for the hooks that are trying to grab us: anxiety, financial, relational, manipulation, fantasies. We see so many people caught up in those things and they get depressed. They may believe in God and that Jesus is God’s Son, but they’re not "on fire." They aren’t living in the freedom of The Holy Spirit. They might be bound up by pride or unforgiving hearts. For me, being on fire means following the practical steps that Jesus laid out for us and doing them. Jesus said those that hear His words and do them are the people that build on the rock and those who don’t do them are the people that build on the sand. Winds always come and if your foundation isn’t Jesus, you’ll feel the affects of those winds. It may be financial, in business, or our joy in life and adventurous natures, whatever you put your trust in.

Here are the lyrics:

You hold the weight of the world
Still I don't slip through your hands
Your love is bigger
Than just an ocean built by man
I fall again and again,
But you whisper, "You're still mine"
You feel the pain of the world,
But you never push mine aside

And You reach for me
With a love that quiets all my fears
And You reach for me
Like a Father wipes away the tears

So many people in this world,
But I hear You calling out my name
You reach for me
Now I'm never gonna be the same

You know all of my fears
There's nothing Your eyes can't see
When I tried to give up,
Lord, you never gave up on me
I give You all of my hopes and dreams,
I lay them down
Of all the place I've looked,
You're the one truth I have found

You hold the weight of the world,
Still I don't slip through Your hands
You put the stars in the sky
You know every grain of sand

But You reach for me
With a love that quiets all my fears
And You reach for me,
Like a Father wipes away the tears

So many people in this world,
But I hear You calling out my name
You reach for me
Now I'm never gonna be the same

You reach for me
For me

Here’s Matthew Henry’s commentary on Isaiah 40:28-31: "To those who are sensible of their weakness, and ready to acknowledge they have no might, God does in a special manner increase strength; for, when we are weak in ourselves, then are we strong in the Lord. He will help the willing, will help those who, in a humble dependence upon Him, help themselves, and will do well for those who do their best. But those that wait on the Lord, who make conscience of their duty to him, and by faith rely upon Him and commit themselves to His guidance, shall find that God will not fail them."

This is a great return from one of Christian music’s all-time most prolific songwriters, having written more than 25 No. 1 songs in his time with Newsboys. What separates Christian music from secular music isn’t the musical hook, as this song demonstrates a very contemporary sound that can be heard on mainstream radio. What separates Christian music and Christians from the world is the message of the songs.

Right from the beginning, Peter’s songs have had bold Christian messages in songs like "I'm Not Ashamed", "Shine", "He Reigns" and "In The Hands of God." This song is very edifying and encouraging and truly reflects the message of the Bible, which is found in the great chorus: "And You reach for me, With a love that quiets all my fears." Amen.

(You can watch the music video here.)