Main Review
One of my favorite inspirations for writing worship lyrics is Hillsong. Despite what many say about their rock style stirring
up emotions that have nothing to do with God, I still love their songs. (Aside – I have been emotionally stirred up by some
old hymns, too.) With a title like God Is Able, I expected this album to be a response to the year we’ve had so far –
earthquakes, fires, floods, tsunamis; bad times have a tendency to make our faith flag.
“Rise” begins the album with a song that declares what God has done for us, what we will do for Him, and what the
powers of this world will do when they see Him. With a triumphant cry, they sing as though we’ve already won every battle.
In “With Us”, based on Psalm 139, there’s joy at the thought that God is absolutely everywhere we go, intervened before
we called on Him, and is faithful without exception. “Unending Love” calls God the source of all needs and the love above
all other loves. It is a sweet pledge to devote oneself to God with. Interestingly, it also addresses two accusations that are
made against Christian music; ambiguity (“Neither love of myself or of anyone else will do”) and seeking self-glory (“More
than fame I will seek You Lord”).
Anybody who has never seen an honest-to-goodness, can’t-explain-it-away miracle finds it hard to believe the miraculous
claims made about Jesus in the Bible. (I myself am not sure what to think of claims made today that I cannot verify.) “The
Lost Are Found”, inspired by Jesus’ report by proxy to John the Baptist, that He was indeed the Messiah, confesses
believing that these events took place. (Funny, that last one, “Good news preached to the poor” seems out of place at first
glance. But salvation IS the greatest miracle!!) The title track, “God Is Able”, is a poignant reminder that God is so
incredibly high above our ability to imagine that we will always be surprised by what He does. He cannot and will not fail
us, even when we have not gotten our “best case scenario.” “The Difference” (NOT the Philmont song, which I love also)
attributes the change in our lives to Jesus. Everything that defined us before is completely powerless. He has completely
changed our ultimate destination from failure to success.
“Alive In Us” celebrates Jesus’ victory on and off the cross. Because He saved us, the victory is ours too. Now the Holy
Spirit dwells within us, and we are closer to God than any people have ever been. “You Are More” calls us to have a
perspective beyond our circumstances, and praise God for what He has done. Similar in topic to “Blessed Be Your
Name”, it’s a declaration that defies our human view of our situation. “Narrow Road” describes the journey we all make
as Christians, representing Christ and living for His glory wherever we go, being made more and more like Him. As we
continue doing His will together, we give of ourselves.
“My Heart Is Overwhelmed” describes salvation in words which will always be inadequate. We are so awed, floored,
wrecked by what God has done for us that we can’t forget it. Finally, “Cry Of The Broken” thanks God for hearing and
answering our needs when we are falling apart. Jesus knows what it was like to mourn, weep, and suffer, and so He is
more than understanding when we face these same problems.
Closing Thoughts
Well, the prediction I made at the beginning of this review was more than true. Because God Is Able, we remember the
promises He made, the things He has accomplished, and the joy that awaits at the end of the road. He is a God worthy of
our love, trust, devotion, and worship in every season of life. Add your voice to the crowd with this collection of songs,
confident in God’s provision.
Review Written By: Laura Chambers[laura.chambers@christianmusicreview.org] on 7/6/2011
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