As the years pass, Michael W. Smith continues to be awed and humbled that the Lord has allowed him to take listeners on a musical journey for more than 40 years.
“I’m still amazed that I get to be part of building the Kingdom through this gift that God has given me,” Smith told The Alabama Baptist. “It’s something that I love to do, and I hope that my songs help people to realize that they can get through whatever situation they are dealing with, if they trust God.”
With the release of his latest project, “Worthy is the Lamb” — a five-song EP featuring classic worship songs along with a new song “Crimson Dust” — Smith hopes to remind listeners to focus on Christ’s sacrifice on the cross and great love for His children.
“Even in the midst of adversities, just anchor down,” Smith encouraged. “Don’t cover it up with an addiction, but instead, trust God’s promises and know that He will never forsake you.
‘For the glory of God’
“The ultimate goal of my music is to lead people to believe in Jesus and accept God’s promises. If that happens, praise God, because I think it would allow a lot of people to be victorious and be able to finish well in this journey called life.”
Through the years Smith has amassed an impressive catalog of achievements and awards — but the honors aren’t what motivate him to keep pressing on. It is the desire to see lives changed for the glory of God.
“One man shared with me about a time when he was going to commit suicide and already had the gun loaded,” Smith recalled. “By God’s divine intervention, just as the man was about to pull the trigger, he happened to hear one of my songs which addressed the issue of suicide, and realized he couldn’t go through with taking his life. That man ended up giving his life to the Lord, and later he got married and had a family. That story right there is worth my whole career.”
While performing concerts around the world, Smith desires to shine the spotlight on Christ as he shares powerful messages of grace, love and redemption through music.
‘There is hope’
“More than anything, I want people to realize that the gospel really is true — there is hope and a promising future for those who have a relationship with Christ,” Smith said. “No matter what people are struggling with, they will get through it. When people leave the concert, I hope they are encouraged to press on. I pray the music just washes over people.”
One of the most important lessons Smith said he has learned through his career is to limit distractions so he can spend time in God’s Word.
“God continues to teach me the importance of just being still and being in awe of His creation,” Smith said. “When I look up at the sky I can’t help but think, ‘God is so awesome.’
“For me, the key to focusing on Christ and dwelling in His presence is removing all those distractions and finding a place where I can be alone and read His Word. Sometimes that means turning the cell phone off, going to a park or someplace quiet and just spend some time reflecting on His glory. Everything we do should be for the glory of God. It should all be an act of worship.”
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