Jeremy Camp is a phenomenal award-winning Christian artist who wears his heart on his sleeve and pours his love for Christ into every song he writes and performs. I remember the first time I heard one of his songs on the radio … his voice sounded like the lead singer from Matchbox 20 … so I called the radio station and asked who the singer was. The DJ said “we’ve had so many callers about this new artist because they all think it’s the guy from Matchbox 20”. I laughed and admitted that I was calling for that very reason. She told me that the singer’s name was Jeremy Camp, and that the name of the song was “I Still Believe” … I’ve been a fan ever since!
I’ve had the opportunity to see Jeremy Camp live in concert on several occasions, and the reactions to his music by those in the audience is overwhelming. His songs always touch my soul, no matter how many times I hear them. The words in his music never fail to bring me into the loving, awe inspiring presence of God.
My top 10 favorite songs by Jeremy Camp are:
Walk By Faith, from the CD Stay
The testimony behind this song is very powerful! Jeremy Camp wrote this song after finding out his wife was dying … they were newlyweds just returning from their honeymoon. He wrote this in her hospital room. The lyrics in this song are dear and near to me because of my own struggles with faith in times of great trouble and hardship. It is through some of our greatest hardships, trials, and times of darkness that we can grow deeper in our faith and love for God. This song brings me to tears no matter how many times I hear it. Lyrics: “…I will walk by faith, Even when I cannot see, Well because this broken road, Prepares Your will for me…”.
I Still Believe, from the CD Stay
Jeremy wrote this song during a dark time after the death of his wife. I can relate so much to these lyrics because, as a believer in Jesus Christ, I do walk by faith. Faith in things not seen – but because I believe the Bible is true – I walk by faith and stand on the promises and truths I read in the Bible. Even when I don’t’ see “evidence” of something coming to pass, I keep walking by faith and believing. This is another song that always brings me to tears when I stop and take the time to truly listen to the words and meditate on what they mean to me. Lyrics: “…I still believe in Your faithfulness, I still believe in Your truth, I still believe in Your holy word, Even when I don’t see, I still believe…”.
This Man, from the CD Restored
This song touches me because it reminds me of the great sacrifice that Jesus made for mankind when He suffered and bled and died on the cross for our sins. He died and rose again to pay the price for our sins … so we don’t have to die for our sins if we accept Him as our Savior. This song asks the question “would you take the place of this man”? Lyrics: “… Would you take the place of this man, Would you take the nails from his hands…”.
Trust in You, from the CD Carried Me
This is another song that I can relate to because of the battles I’ve had with health problems through most of my adult life. Without the presence of God’s Holy Spirit, I could not make it through. He is my strength and my courage and strong tower! Lyrics: “…When I can’t see You I know You’re there, When I can’t feel You I will not fear, I will trust in You and I will not be afraid, When the battle is close at hand, Though You’re with me and help me stand, I will trust in You and I will not be afraid…”.
Beautiful One, from the CD Carried Me
This song is upbeat and meant for a heart of worship! I can’t sit still when I hear it, I have to stand up and raise my hands toward heaven and sing and truly give God glory and honor and praise! God’s beauty if all around us if we just open our eyes and minds and hearts to see it! Lyrics: “…Powerful so powerful, Your glory fills the skies,Your mighty works displayed for all to see, The beauty of your majesty, Awakes my heart to see, How marvelous how wonderful you are…”.
You’re Worthy of My Praise, from the CD Carried Me
This is a great praise and worship song! It’s upbeat and the message is powerful and moving to me. It symbolizes the yearning I have in my heart and soul to give something back to God for all He’s done for me. I have nothing worth giving except my praise … which He is definitely worthy of receiving! Lyrics: “…I will give you all my worship, I will give you all my praise, You alone I long to worship, You alone are worthy of my praise…”.
Empty Me, from the CD Carried Me
I love to listen to this song when I’m preparing my heart and mind for prayer. I just close my eyes and let the words seep into my soul, and then I start to feel the presence of God around me. Nothing is sweeter than that feeling of total love that comes over you when God is surrounding you! Lyrics: “…Holy fire burn away, My desire for anything, That is not of you and is of me, I want more of you, And less of me…”.
Enough, from the CD Carried Me
I have learned throughout my life that God is all I need. He will supply all of my needs according to His riches in glory! This song reminds me of that every time I hear it! Lyrics: “…All of you is more than enough for all of me, For every thirst and every need, You satisfy me with your love, And all I have in you is more than enough…”.
When You Are Near, from the CD Beyond Measure
When you are in the presence of God’s Holy Spirit, there is no need for words. For me, I am humbled and always brought to tears and driven to my knees when God reveals His love and compassion for me. This song reminds me that no matter how far I might stray, God will always reveal Himself to me and come near when I call on Him. Lyrics: “…It’s hard to talk when I feel that you are near, When all is quiet its the beauty that I hear, This hidden place where I know that you calm my fears, I know that you‘ve washed my tears…”.
We Give You Glory, from the CD Beyond Measure
This song is upbeat and is all about giving glory and honor to God … to worship God simply because He is worthy and for no other reason than to please Him! The lyrics bring joy to my heart because I consider it a privilege to worship God. Lyrics: “…We give You glory, Lifting up our hands and singing holy, We just want to touch your heart Lord …”.
If you’ve never listened to Jeremy Camp’s music, give it a try and open yourself up to the message being presented in the lyrics. You might just be surprised “who” shows up to visit!
Sources:
http://jeremycamp.com
