As a young girl singing into her hairbrush I wonder if Meredith Andrews had any idea of the capacity in which God was planning to use her in ministry years later. Today she often speaks and ministers in song at conferences and has toured with many well known Christian artists through her career.
As her parents desired to open their doors to foster other children she soon became the sister of three very thankful adopted brothers. Following her parents heart to reach out, she started at Liberty University majoring in family and childhood development. A few years into her college journey she had an epiphany.
Meredith released her first album Mesmerized in 2005 on Chrematizo Label. A few years after that in 2008 big changes came for this exuberant young lady on a mission to share the never changing love of God. She married her husband/producer Jacob Scooter and released her first album The Invitation on Word Records.
Meredith has released three albums to date on Word Records. Worth It All was her latest in 2013 which has left fans highly anticipating her latest creation Deeper, releasing February 19, 2016. For those who have been long time followers of Mrs. Andrews they are aware of her vulnerable approach to worship and the desire to reach the heart of Christ. For many this is the very reason they have come to love her music ministry.While being a full time Mother, wife, singer & songwriter this amazing young woman continued to lead worship at Harvest Bible Chapel, before moving to Nashville. She was also featured on the Live Worship Album released last year by their team, The Vertical Church Band.
Deeper is certain to lighten your load and create a passionate desire to draw closer to the freedom only found in Christ. Soar is the first single released off of the 14 track deluxe edition. It is currently being played on many Christian outlets including Klove. Below you can view the acoustic version, which I actually enjoy more than the recorded, because it hones in more on her authentic vocal ability.
While Meredith and her husband Jacob were expecting their third child, a difficult moving transition from Chicago to Nashville paved some bumpy roads. While facing marital road blocks and personal construction underway signs in their lives, the birthing of Deeper began to manifest in their spirits. Setting out on this physical and spiritual journey together, in uncertain circumstances God began to unfold the mysteries in song.
“I’m praying that God will use this album to bring freedom," she shares. "I envision people hearing these songs for the first time and being overwhelmed by the presence of God and by the healing and hope found there. I don’t want to worry about the numbers. I want to be focused on ‘Am I being faithful? Am I speaking truth and offering hope to people who are listening? I want to be a mouthpiece. I want God to use my story and use my songs to meet them in the hard place they’re at right now. God has told me ‘Take care of the depth and I’ll take care of the breadth.’ So that’s what I’m focused on.”
From the beginning you hear the promise of tomorrow rising up in Sunrise. "I've walked through the lowest valley's. I've stood before the lions. You were with me in the trenches, you are greater than the giants."
Reminding us that joy comes in the morning, (Psalms 30:5) and He will bring us out of the midnight hour.
The title track, Deeper is a celebratory proclamation of 11 Corinthians 12:9 poetically transformed into an upbeat Psalm. "For every battle that's sure to come, I will be brave. I've got my heart set on every word you say; and no matter what lies ahead, you will make a way."
He is made strong in our weakness and every valley and flame we have to walk through takes us into a new level of intimacy with Him. As you listen to the entirety of the album, you hear this same sentiment resounding.
I Look To The King, delivers a tenderhearted praise to the one who paves the path before us as we travel through each battle. The strength we find as we look to the hills where our help comes from during treacherous times.
One of my personal favorites is Spirit Of The Living God. Though the version on the album is a bit different from the live recording (below) with Vertical Church Band, this is truly an intimate plea for God to speak and move in our lives. A desire for Him to be present in the atmosphere to change everything in our lives, sensitizing our spirit to Him and the power of His holiness.
Extravagant, paints the unrelenting gracious love that God poured out on the cross that He continues to cover us in. "Your mercy, deeper than the seas. Your grace God, washes over me. Your faithfulness like the rising sun, oh the wonder of your love, so extravagant." Her hope is for those who may have had a misconstrued portrait of who God is because of a harmful parental relationship or childhood would be able to truly see Him. That they would understand His love for them as the wonderful Father He is and truly see how extravagant it is.
Often times in suffering we find our strength in the anticipation that comes in His magnificent Glory. This song encourages those who may be facing uncertain roads ahead. Those who may be weighed down with heavy burdens that seem to be praying unanswered prayers while battling within themselves."The light and dark are wrestling in my heart. A war for my affections. A hundred voices ringing in my head. A war for my attention, but I believe You will overcome all the fear and the fight in me, and my suffering cannot compare to the weight of Your Glory."
Trusted brings the revelation of the unfailing promises that God presents to us when we place our life in His hands. Followed by Impossible, which reminisces throughout the miracles that Christ performed for the saints. It's a reminder to oneself that it's impossible for Him to fail. That no matter how things presently appear, His love is full of mercy and He goes before us to prepare a way.
When fears seem to come against us and the enemy tries to whisper in our ear, it's imperative that we seek the one we know holds our future in His hands. Hands That Are Holding Me takes us on an unwavering walk through the restorative garden of truth. "In the sorrow. In the struggle. When my heart is torn and troubled, I will cling to what I know is true."
The beauty of the humility of Christ was displayed providing the pathway of our salvation through His sacrifice. By doing so, He allowed us new life which is exemplified in The Lamb Of God. Available on the deluxe edition only, it's a beautiful tapestry of His unfathomable love for us.
One thing we know for certain is that Jesus sees us in our shame, our fear, our doubts and our unbelief. He knows us better than we know ourselves and when we feel lost and alone without a single escape from grief and heartache, Jesus Sees. This song, also only on the deluxe edition awakens your spirit that He is near to the brokenhearted. So many people of faith hide thinking others won't understand what they may be facing, but this reminds us He is faithful in every season and we are never too far for Him to reach.
The third bonus track on the deluxe edition is a Hillsong cover titled Christ Is Enough, which has been a vast corporate worship addition to set lists. She explains her reason behind adding this selection.
Take Me Back is truly a redemptive story that is written and performed so passionately that it causes me to tear up every time I listen to it. It's a personal side that Meredith shares through different walks of her life. She reflectively sings of the time she held her first son and how she couldn't believe how much she loved that little person without even trying. She felt God whisper while writing this song, "That is how I love you. I don't love you because of what you do. I love you because you are mine. No matter what you do, I still love you."
The last verse in the unfolding of this story is the Eternal ending we all long for in our hearts. "Take me home to, a place I'll know soon. Where sin and sorrow cannot go. And all your family forever standing in the Glory of the God who takes us back. I'll sing of the grace that's still amazing. I'll dance like a child before the King. And I'll shout like I heard it for the first time. You have come to save the lost and last, and you're the God who always takes me back."
In my opinion I saved the best to mention last on this review. Maybe it's because it encompasses a journey we can all relate to and glean from. The hope that awaits those who have accepted His invitation through His sacrifice is one we often long for. Not because life is hard, but because one day we will finally be in His presence forever more.
In my opinion I saved the best to mention last on this review. Maybe it's because it encompasses a journey we can all relate to and glean from. The hope that awaits those who have accepted His invitation through His sacrifice is one we often long for. Not because life is hard, but because one day we will finally be in His presence forever more.
As Meredith poured her heart into the lyrics and creation of this album, it's clear to see that she persevered through the hope that is only found in a Deeper relationship with our Lord and Savior. Christ Is Enough and the Spirit Of The Living God is full of Glory. The Hands That Are Holding Me can be Trusted and when I Look To The King I can see the Sunrise through The Lamb Of God. Jesus Sees all and can do the Impossible. He will always Take Me Back and by and through his Extravagant love we can Soar on wings like eagles.
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