The Garden – Kari Jobe (album review)
As a long-time fan of Kari Jobe, I was excited for the release of this new album of hers this 2017. I have a collection of some of her albums released in my country. Her Kari Jobe self-titled album which contains the song ‘I’m Singing’, is very upbeat one, and it is the song that made me listen to her music when I sampled it wayback along with a few albums of Christian singers in a Christian music kiosk in one of the city mall here. Her second album, ‘Where I Find You’ is really close to my heart. Most songs in this album, I shared and wrote down in my devotional/journal, and I also use it personally during my personal prayer time moment. The heart-moving ‘What Love is This’, and another upbeat song, ‘Steady My Heart’ is included in this album. It also has a Christmas release edition which includes the angelic song, ‘When Hope Came Down’, another favorite song of mine from this album. Her next album is a dvd and cd release, called Majestic. The songs here really got a strong message, and it is one of the praise/worship song album that has a powerful impact on its listeners. The performance was shot in a truly grand theatre, in Majestic theatre in Dallas, Texas. Fans of Kari knows she hails from Texas. In the dvd, her old songs are included, like ‘You Are For Me’, another promising track is ‘Forever’, it also has a spoken word/poetry entitled ‘The Word’. The album was packaged beautifully, in gold-colored. This album is a beautiful praise and worship offering, truly fitting to our only Almighty Father God and King.
Her latest album is entitled ‘The Garden’, like all of her album design the album cover is beautiful. Although I don’t have a physical copy of it I was only able to download it online. It contains original 14 tracks. This is the first time that I did an album reflection for all of her songs. In my previous blog posts I just reviewed in summary a few of her albums. Kari Jobe and also her husband Cody, were hands-on with this album. This is a very personal album for Kari. She and her family were in a difficult time, when she’s working on this album. She lost her niece. This album I can say, is for all of us who have experienced brokenness, heartbreak, dark-times in our lives, and also for those with a loved-one going through a tough time. As Christians we are no strangers to pain, and heartbreak. I pray that as you and I listen to the songs here, may it draw us closer to Him, and that we may never forget that He is our strength and comfort, no matter what we are going through. So without further ado, here is my reflections for each of the songs found in this album. Over-all this is another well-thought of album, and worthy to listen to. All praise and glory, to Him!
1. The Garden – This song speaks of the darkest time in our lives. Then suddenly, it is when our spirit is lifted, and our God works in us our faith is strengthened by God. He is the tireless gardener of our lives, a balm for our soul. When we are at our life’s lowest point, that is when we see a ray of light, of hope. Wherein we realized that there’s a purpose for the grief, and darkness we have experienced. Through those times He is working in us, and we see His faithfulness once again. He never gave up on us, even if we want to give up on everything. This experience is pictured on this song, how we grow, our faith grows through Him.
“Faith is rising up like the ivy, reaching for life.” We are refreshed, revived. Given new faith and hope through His perfect love we are healed.
3. Heal Our Land – This is another beautiful track from this album. Very timely. We can see nowadays, like in the Bible times, most of the nations and countries has forgotten God. But as believers, we know that God is the one in control and the one who holds our life. Through this song we pray that everyone will know Jesus Christ, the Good news. A song and a prayer for revival, and healing of every nation. “That everyone eye will see, that every heart will know, the one who took over sin, the one who died and rose.”
4. Lover of My Soul – This is another song of praise for Him, the lover of our soul, Lord Jesus. We acknowledge and affirm that our lives is for Him. A beautiful love song, as the lyrics say, “You’re my one true love, every breath is Yours. Hear my greatest song, I love You Lord.” It’s a song that speaks of giving and entrusting our life, to the lover of our soul, Jesus.
5. Speak to Me – When we draw closer to Him, when we speak to Him with all our hearts as we pray. We cry out in times of brokenness. This is when we just want to hear His voice. “Speak to me, I’m listening.” Then during this difficult times it is when we hear a small still voice in the deepest part of our hearts. We are again reminded of His faithfulness through His word.
6. Fall Afresh – We pray that we may be made right as we worship Him, as believers. We pray that through our fellowship with one another we may please Him, so we pray that our hearts may be made right as we come to Him, and worship Him. We ask the power of the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts. “It’s the power of Your presence, that changes us. Your glory all around us… fall afresh on us.”
7. I Will Sing – In times of brokenness, we pray and cry out to Him. We remember His faithfulness. “Even in my suffering, I will sing.” That despite of what we are going through we continually trust and praise Him. In times of suffering, and trials it is not a reason not come to Him but even all the more reason that we should seek Him. No matter what we are experiencing the ups and downs in our lives, we should always draw close to Him.
8. Miracles – This song speaks of how marvellous Christ Jesus is. You can see Him working through Your life. He is the God of miracles. “The One who does the impossible, is reaching out to make me whole.” We are the branch and He is the vine. We are growing in faith day by day through His grace. He is never-changing. The God that brings death to life. He is the God of miracles.
9. Close to Your Heart – Everyday is an amazing discovery, we see how great and marvellous, our great God is. “Oh! You never cease to amaze me and its only just the start.” Each day is a chance to draw closer to Him.
10. Oh The Power – Another love song for our King Jesus. This is recalling what He has done for us. His great love and sacrifice us. He won the battle for us. “Redeemer crowned in endless praise. My Savior name above all names, King Jesus take the highest place, oh! The power of the cross.” He came so that we may have life.
11. The Cause of Christ – This is another beautiful track in this album. Every believer should listen to this. This reminds us of our mission. “The only thing that I want in life is to be known for loving Christ, to build His church, to love His bride, to make His known name far and wide.” This song is a great reminder to what our true mission in life is. I remember what our pastor said before, “God saved us not to fulfil our own personal interest, but rather to fulfil His will for us, for His glory.
12. Here as in Heaven - Another powerful praise song in this album. We gather together, in unity because of Him. To worship, praise and honor Him. “So we pray, Your kingdom come, here as in heaven.”
13. Come Alive – “I come alive in Your presence.” This song speaks of surrendering our life to Him, let His will be done in our lives. He sustains us, we have life, we live because of Him. He is the living water.
14. On The Throne – This is the last song from this album. “I will walk through the trial, walk through the valley of fear… won’t be overcome.” This song reminds me of Psalm 23. When we go through nay seasons in our lives we are never afraid because of Him. We are already victors through our Lord Jesus. A beautiful reminder that no matter what happens God is with us. He is always worthy of praise.
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