If you're a fan of All Sons & Daughters’ worship anthems such as "Path of Sorrow," "This My Inheritance," "You Hold it All Together," and "I Surrender," you won’t want to miss Plans, David Leonard’s recent solo album. As one-half of the GRAMMY-nominated All Sons & Daughters and a former touring member of NEEDTOBREATHE, David brings his signature blend of sincerity and introspection to the album, featuring hits like "Every Hour" and "Good Lord."
Plans, the album, offers a calming worship experience with rich music and deep, heartfelt songs. David's journey through heartache, depression, and confusion, culminating in ultimate redemption, unfolds with raw honesty, making this project one of the most powerful and Spirit-led worship albums in recent years.
Following Plans, David released the singles "By His Wounds" and "God of This Place" from his album, Just Jesus. In connection with his new EP, The Day Is Coming, I’ve compiled my top five David Leonard songs, essentially his essentials, as a way to celebrate his music ministry.
“Great Are You Lord”
This song begins with the lyrics, "You give life, You are love, You bring light to the darkness." A Bible verse about that concept is 2 Corinthians 4:6 (NKJV): "For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ." That's a lot of what we are showing adoration for in this song: our true source of light, that face of Jesus Christ that God showed us by sending His Son to earth. Jesus wants us to show our light by demonstrating some of His characteristics to people in need. It's great that people are connecting with these songs in church, but my prayer is that "Great Are You Lord" reflects a lifestyle for believers that they are living out every day of the week. You'll be blessed by this powerful song, which is a stand-out anthem with a convicting declaration: "All the earth will shout Your praise / Our hearts will cry, these bones will sing / Great are You, Lord."
“Good Lord”
This is a beautiful song of encouragement and prayer, asking God to break your pride, live redemption's story, and move closer to who we're meant to be in Christ. Allow God and His Holy Spirit to change you to be more like Jesus and move closer to His glory. Even if that looks like God unraveling the threads of your heart. God wants us to know that He's faithful in completing what He's started in all of us who've put all our hope and trust in Jesus for our salvation. Some believe worship occurs during events, in churches, or through music, but it should be thoughtful. Worship reflects what we value deeply, not just empty gestures or routines. Join in and sing along with your breath, given by God: “I may not know what tomorrow holds/But I know one thing for sure/Good Lord, I got a good Lord/Every day, every step of the way it’s You who opened the door/Good Lord, I got a good Lord.”
“By His Wounds”
This song celebrates the freedom we're promised in God's Holy Word. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, "If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new." You're a new creation on the inside. The Holy Spirit has given you a new life. You're born again. This song has an important message: there is always hope. Breathe it in like oxygen, and God will turn whatever you're going through into something different for His glory. I hope you feel the same joy and hope in Christ that this song expresses. Remember these truths: "On that old rugged cross, where my Savior bore my scars/Perfect love destroyed my fears." Gratefully accept God's love. It's something you can freely receive by accepting Him as your Savior. This song gives words to express gratitude. It's a reminder to sing to God: "My debt's been paid in full there's no more ransom/There's forgiveness flowing freely from His hands/By His torn-up flesh and bone He is redeeming/And a sinner is no longer who I am."
“God Of This Place”
This song highlights Jesus' call for unwavering trust in God, irrespective of our circumstances, personal distractions, or worries. It's not just about agreeing intellectually; God desires to be the focal point of our deepest desires. While our minds may change swiftly, our hearts remain steadfastly devoted. When I listen to this song, I think about whether I am keeping my life in separate parts, rising above my situations while I worship the Lord, or simply recognizing that Jesus is my Lord, no matter how I feel or what I am going through. This is a beautiful song of encouragement and prayer, asking God to break your pride, live redemption's story, and move closer to who we're meant to be in Christ. Allow God and His Holy Spirit to change you to be more like Jesus and move closer to His glory. Gratefully accept God’s love. Something that you freely receive by accepting Him as your Savior. This song gives words to express gratitude. It’s a reminder to sing to God: “Anywhere, anywhere/Everywhere I go/You are there, you are there/I’ve never been alone.”
“We’ve Got History”
Have joy and worship loudly about the love of God in your life. His grace takes away anxiety, guilt, and shame. Know that being His is enough. This song celebrates the freedom we're promised in God's Holy Word. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, "If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new." You’re a new creation on the inside. The Holy Spirit has given you a new life. You're born again. God will turn whatever you're going through into something different for His glory. I hope you feel the same joy and hope in Christ that this song expresses. Remember this truth: “And I will not forget/Who You've always been.” Gratefully accept God’s love. Something that you freely receive from accepting Him as your Savior. This song gives words to express gratitude. It’s a reminder to sing to God: “We got history/That I can count on/You′ve been faithful/Like the rising sun/You stayed with me/Even in my downfall.”
