I’ve been listening to Chris Tomlin's latest project, Arriving, and I love it. When I get a new CD that I really like, I listen to it pretty much non-stop; I want the words and music to sink in. I’ve been listening to this one so much I often wake with one of the songs “playing” in my mind.
Chris Tomlin’s music is an integral part of worship at Highlands, and I saw him in concert last fall with Steven Curtis Chapman. The time that he had on stage was really a worship service rather than a concert, and I appreciated the heart that was there to honor God rather than to simply perform for a crowd.
What I like about Arriving is that the lyrics emphasize the majesty and greatness of God, something I’ve been seeking to learn more about over the past few months. I grew up in a tradition that taught me to fear God in an unhealthy way, and then I moved into a tradition that showed me God as a friend–and too often, as a buddy; I went from one extreme to the other. I love the fact that I feel comfortable talking to God at any time, but I’ve recognized in the past year that I am missing some of the awe that other traditions, particularly Roman Catholicism, instill in believers.
Arriving begins with “Indescribable”–“From the highest of highs to the depths of the sea / Creation’s revealing Your majesty.…” This focus on God’s majesty continues with “How Great Is Our God,” “All Bow Down,” “King of Glory,” and “You Do All Things Well.”
My favorite song on the CD is “Unfailing Love.” This song does what I think Tomlin is especially gifted at: articulating the wonder we must feel when we consider that the infinite God of the universe cares for us.
And everything You hold in Your hands
Still You make time for me
I can’t understand
“Unfailing Love” reminds me of Tomlin’s “Captured,” from the CD The Noise We Make (2001):
And I’m loved by the Father
And I’m loved by the Son
And it is love that has captured
The heart of this wayward one
Both songs are gentle, intimate, thoughtful reminders of how amazing it is to be loved by God.
Read a review of Arriving at ChristianityToday.com.
Charis means grace, and that’s what this blog is about: grace, in all its—sometimes messy, always magnificent—manifestations. I’m Dan Butcher, and I invite you to join me in learning to lead a Christ-centered, grace-filled life. 
Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version ®, copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.