When musician Shawn McDonald performs concerts around the country he cannot help but tell about the influence of God’s unfailing love in his own life.
During his teen years, McDonald felt his life spinning out of control.
A pivotal turning point came when McDonald decided to stop running away from God and started running toward Him — asking for help and forgiveness. In Christ he discovered a Savior willing and waiting to rescue, redeem and restore.
“I’ve gone through some dark seasons and have been in some difficult places,” he shared. “Recently a friend reminded me that the only way out of the darkness is to draw near the light. During those dark times, there is really a need to draw near God and be close to Him.”
As McDonald began to refocus, he found a way to connect others to the life-changing love of Christ through music.
Desire to help
“For me writing music is the way that I express my thoughts and my heart. I hope that my songs will encourage people and help bring healing by leading them to a relationship with Christ.”
Through his music and message, McDonald desires to help people respond to God’s love with songs of adoration, praise and thanksgiving.
“I’ve always tried to be transparent when I’m writing songs because I believe that our own struggles and stories will have the greatest impact on others,” he said. “They need to know that in the midst of their struggles, there is hope. That’s how I approach songwriting. It’s a glimpse into my life and what God is teaching me.
“There is nothing you can do that will make God love you less — just look at the story of the prodigal son. I really want for people to understand that no matter where they are at in their journey, they are deeply loved by the Creator of the universe and that He has the power to make all things new. So we need to stop trying to run away from God and start a new journey by resting in His unfailing love, forgiveness and grace.”
McDonald’s latest album, “Brave,” is designed to inspire people to go further on this journey as they pursue a daily walk with Christ.
“In the past I’ve always been a very timid soul and have often been afraid of being judged, which has probably caused me to miss out of a lot of things in life,” McDonald acknowledged. “As I look back on that phase of my life and remember feeling like I didn’t fit in, I realize there are probably a lot of people out there who feel the exact same way.
“We all feel inadequate at times. The album focuses on putting down our insecurities and fears and simply trusting in God. Our courage and strength comes from Him.”
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