Ephesians 5:19 says, “Speak to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart”. Through song, we praise God and are lifted up. Songs of worship also have a way of touching our heart and drawing us closer – or sometimes back to the Lord! Casting Crowns has a new song out entitled, “One Step Away,” that does just that. Listen,

“What if you could go back one day and relive – One day of your life all over again -And unmake, the mistake – That left you a million miles away – From the you, you once knew –“

We all have moments in time that derail us, moments that leave us lost and bewildered. Perhaps your life speaks of missed opportunities to love as you should, or to use your God-given talents for good. Maybe your addiction or a lapse in judgment tore your family apart. Maybe you were responsible for a car crash that left someone disabled or even dead, and, “what have I done” plays endlessly in your head. If so, listen,

“Now yesterday’s shame keeps saying you’ll never get back on track – But what if I told you – You’re one step away from surrender – One step away from coming home – One step from arms wide open – You’re not alone – You’re one step away – It doesn’t matter how far you’ve gone – Mercy says you don’t have to keep running on the road you’re on – Love’s never met a lost cause – “

When our world is falling apart, we tend to hold tighter than ever onto anything we think we have control over. Often in our frenzied panic we complicate matters by relying on ourselves instead of God for direction. We forget that, “A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out,” Matt 12:20. We forget that God does not focus on the transgression, He focuses on the repentance. When we finally reach that point where we can lay down our humble and contrite heart before Him and surrender our will to His, we will find a faithful Father, patiently waiting for the return of His prodigal child. We will find a good Shepherd, seeking the heart of that one lost sheep. So,

‘Your shame, lay it down – Leave your ghosts in the past ‘cause you know that you can’t go back – But you can turn around – You’ve never been more than – One step away from surrender – One step away from coming home – Lay down your old chains – Take up your new name – Your best life up ahead now – You’re one step away –“

Take that step! Listen to the song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hktP9LHaRI0

“You’re one step away from arms wide open!”

(Quoted lyrics written by Mark Hall, Bernie Herms and Matthew West of Casting Crowns.)