Photo by Raychel Sanner
“Contemporary Worship is a music group from Contemporary Church of Yeshua in Atlanta, Georgia. In 2020, the band started writing their own songs- songs that are unique both musically and lyrically.”
Source: https://contemporary-worship.com/.
Their debut album Endure is slated for release around April 2023.
Note to new users: This is a different kind of review site! Read About the Berean Test and Evaluation Criteria prior to reading this review.
1. What message does the song communicate?
Contemporary Worship makes several points in quick succession, referencing Jesus by His Hebrew name Yeshua. They:
- Will trust Yeshua regardless of what happens to them
- Praise and worship Him
- Long for Him
- Endure trials knowing that those trained by it will become more Godly
- Know that Yeshua is truth
- Refuse to be ruled by fear
- Seek Him as their refuge through faith
- Surrender to Him
- Prays that His Kingdom will come and His will be done
- Intends to endure until death
- Are clay molded by Him
- Recognize Him as King
- Know that He is their victory
Score: 10/10
2. How much of the lyrics line up with Scripture?
All of it aligns with God’s inspired Word.
Lyrics posted with permission.*
This song does not contain a Verse/Chorus/Bridge structure. Therefore, I assigned stanzas for each paragraph.
[Stanza 1]
War may come
Seas may rise
I’ll still trust You
Contemporary Worship will trust Yeshua no matter what (Romans 14:8, Philippians 1:20, Philippians 2:17, 1 Corinthians 3:22-23, and 1 Thessalonians 5:10).
[Stanza 2]
I lift my voice
I will lift my cry
Contemporary Worship worships Yeshua (Matthew 2:11, Matthew 14:33, Matthew 21:9, Matthew 28:8-9, Matthew 28:16-17, Luke 24:50-53, John 12:13, and John 20:28).
I’m desperate for You
Psalm 42:1 vividly describes this phenomenon to a deer whose thirst is for water. In the same way, Contemporary Worship is thirsty for Yeshua.
[Stanza 3]
Let the storm rage on
I know You’re shaping me
To be more like Yeshua
Contemporary Worship recognizes that trials and tribulations exist to better their character; to make them more like Yeshua (Romans 5:3-5, Hebrews 12:4-11, and James 1:2-4).
[Stanza 4]
So I count it joy
As I go through trials
See Stanza 3.
I will praise You, Lord
With all my life
See Stanza 1.
[Stanza 5]
When the battle is thick
Suffering high
You still stand true
Yeshua is the embodiment of truth (John 14:6), regardless of what happens to Contemporary Worship.
[Stanza 6]
Fear is a tyrant
Fear is a cruel and oppressive ruler. His perfect love will cast out their fear (1 John 4:18) because they trust in Him (see Stanza 1, line 3).
Faith is my refuge
Yeshua is Contemporary Worship’s protection (Ruth 2:12, 2 Samuel 22:3-4, Psalm 3:3, Psalm 5:11, Psalm 18:30, Psalm 27:1, Psalm 32:7, Psalm 34:22, Psalm 41:2, Psalm 46:1, Psalm 57:1, Psalm 59:1, Psalm 61:3, Psalm 91:1-16, Psalm 118:8, Psalm 121:7-8, Psalm 138:7, Proverbs 18:10, Proverbs 30:5, Nahum 1:7, 2 Thessalonians 3:3, and 1 John 5:18).
My heart is set on You
Contemporary Worship yields to Yeshua (Psalm 43:5, Isaiah 64:8, Matthew 10:38, Matthew 11:28-30, Matthew 16:24, Mark 8:34-38, Mark 10:28, Luke 9:23, Luke 14:27, John 15:1-11, Romans 6:13, Romans 12:1-2, Galatians 2:20, Philippians 2:5-8, Hebrews 11:6, James 4:7-10, and 1 Peter 5:6).
[Stanza 7]
Let the storm rage on
I know You’re shaping me
To be more like Yeshua
Repeats Stanza 3.
[Stanza 8]
So I count it joy
As I go through trials
I will praise You, Lord
With all my life
Repeats Stanza 4.
[Stanza 9]
Ooh oh oh ooh
The first of many references to Casper the friendly ghost.
I will praise You
I will praise You, Adonai
I will praise You with all of my life
Yeshua
Essentially repeats Stanza 4, lines 3 and 4, with the added title Adonai (or Adonay), which means Lord.
Oooh
See Stanza 9, line 1.
[Stanza 10]
Let Your Kingdom come
Let Your will be done
This is part of the Lord’s prayer (Matthew 6:10 and Luke 11:2).
Let Your power reign over us
See Stanza 6, line 3.
[Stanza 11]
Let Your Kingdom come
Let Your will be done
Let Your power reign over us
Repeats line 10.
[Stanza 12]
I will trust Your Word
Over troubles of this world
I will endure to the end of my life
Contemporary Worship will persevere to the end (Matthew 24:13, Romans 2:7, 1 John 2:19, and Jude 1:20-25).
[Stanza 13]
I will trust Your Word
Over troubles of this world
I will endure to the end of my life
Repeats Stanza 12.
Ooh oh oh oh
See Stanza 9, line 1.
[Stanza 14]
Shake me ‘n make me
Into who You want me to be
Contemporary Worship is willing clay that allows Yeshua, the potter, to mold them (Isaiah 64:8, Jeremiah 18:6, and Romans 9:21).
My King
Yeshua is a ruler (Isaiah 9:6, Isaiah 11:10, Micah 5:2, Matthew 2:1-6, Luke 1:32-33, John 12:15, John 18:37, 1 Timothy 6:13-16, Revelation 17:14, and Revelation 19:11-16).
I want to see what You want me to see
And hear, despite the pain I feel
See Stanza 6, line 3.
I know, You are the victory oh oh oh
There is victory in Yeshua (Romans 8:37, 1 Corinthians 15:57, 2 Corinthians 2:14, 1 John 5:4-5, and Revelation 12:10-11). Also, see Stanza 9, line 1.
[Stanza 15]
Shake me ‘n make me
Into who You want me to be
My King
I want to see what You want me to see
And hear, despite the pain I feel
I know, You are the victory oh oh oh
Repeats Stanza 14.
[Stanza 16]
Ooh oh ooh
See Stanza 9, line 1.
[Stanza 17]
Let the storm rage on
I know You’re shaping me
To be more like Yeshua
Repeats Stanza 3.
[Stanza 18]
So I count it joy
As I go through trials
I will praise You, Lord
With all my life
Repeats Stanza 4.
[Stanza 19]
Shake me ‘n make me
Into who You want me to be
My King
I want to see what You want me to see
And hear, despite the pain I feel
I know, You are the victory oh oh oh
Repeats Stanza 14.
[Stanza 20]
Shake me ‘n make me
Into who You want me to be
My King
I want to see what You want me to see
And hear, despite the pain I feel
I know, You are the victory oh oh oh
Repeats Stanza 14.
[Stanza 21]
Oh oh oh oh
Oh oh oh oh
Oh
See Stanza 9, line 1.
Score: 10/10
3. How would an outsider interpret the song?
The word “Yeshua” sounds Hebrew to the ears of unbelievers. However, the phrase “Your Kingdom come, Your will be done” will be familiar to many, leading them to interpret this as Christian. They should easily recognize that Contemporary Worship’s overall message is that no matter what happens, Contemporary Worship wants to be with Yeshua and to be like Him. The lyrics are easy to digest, including some of its deeper concepts. This includes fear as an oppressive ruler, and trials that better Contemporary Worship’s character.
Score: 10/10
4. What does this song glorify?
It glorifies Yeshua as the victorious, ruling protector, who trains Contemporary Worship to forsake fear and trust Him forever.
Score: 10/10
Closing Comments
Contemporary Worship’s The Storm is a breath of fresh air. Although praying for trials to end is honest and understandable, Contemporary Worship embraces it, knowing that through its tutelage, they will find joy and newfound strength to continue their faith in Yeshua. They surrender to His ways, becoming the clay that He shapes for His wonderful purposes. He is the embodiment of truth, the object of Contemporary Worship’s victory, their defense, and their ruling King. These glorify God. Unbelievers should have little to no issues interpreting similarly, connecting Yeshua with Christianity via “Your Kingdom come, Your will be done”.
I highly recommend it for corporate worship.
Final Score: 10/10
Artist Info
Track: The Storm (listen to the song)
Artist: Contemporary Worship
Album: N/A
Genre: Contemporary Christian Music (CCM)
Release Year: 2022
Duration: 7:50
Agree? Disagree? Don’t be shy or have a cow! Calmly and politely state your case in a comment, below.
*Copyright © 2022 Contemporary Church Records LLC (BMI). All rights reserved. Used with permission.
Comments
McKinley
The Storm, an already supernatural force that rages through nature, Allowing a supernatural force to spiritually shape someone to be more like Jesus hits home for many. they know its not an easy process and no one knows from where the wind blows. yet to surrender to the forces beyond our control to make us a better person, this song is very uplifting as fellow christians who understand what it means to endure till the end.
royale gaddis
Great review for a great song. It is pleasing to read that music can accurately reflect the word of God and get recognition for it. I encourage everyone to listen and subscribe to Contemporary Worship. I really like the way that the Berean Test breaks down the lyrics and show them how they line up with scripture.
Ana
I had to make a decision; which was to either Shema (hear and obey) what the Spirit of God was telling me to do or deny His voice and do what I wanted to do. Without seeking His approval or counsel; when I found out that I was pregnant I made plans with myself to take the epidural. I wanted a painless and comfortable delivery. He gave me all the warnings and signs against the plans that I have made. Deep within me I knew that if I disobeyed Him I would have spiritually died but the heart is deceitful above all things. Every day leading up to the moment that she came was a battle. Was I going to trust God giving birth naturally or was I going to give birth with the help of pharmakeia. Truly a gift that this song was released a few days before I went into labor. It prepared me for the war. The lyrics ministered to me and kept me in His reality. Immediately when I knew she was coming, my husband and I listened to the song over and over. This was it, it was really happening, my faith was being tested. Fear and doubt along with anxiety tried to take over but because of the anointing on this song is so powerful it breaks atmospheres and I was able to endure “the storm”! Words cannot describe how perfect this song is, everything from the lyrics to the melody, the skill He gave to the musicians and vocalist. I truly believe that this was given to Contemporary Worship from Adonai. Praise God that He alone gets the glory. I hope to hear more from Contemporary Worship!
Susan Martinez
This song is so powerful! These lyrics are not your typical worship lyrics. This song challenges you to see every trial, situation, and pain you go through in a new (heavenly) perspective—to be shaped and formed into Yeahua’s character through it all. This song has been a battle cry for me personally, that no matter what pain I may feel as long as I can hear and obey the Messiah’s voice, remain in His Hashem, I know I have the victory and I can endure the race! And Joy through it all knowing the Messiah’s fruit is being produced in us! When in the Storm, Shema Israel!
Jaymee
I absolutely agree with this review! I love the biblical purity of this scripture based song “The Storm.” It is truly a perspective/reality shift if you’re going through difficult times or situations. This song encourages you to rise up in your faith and truly count it all joy and be able to sing through your trials and troubles knowing that your sufferings are not in vain, but there is a purpose and that purpose is the ultimate goal which is to be transformed into the image of the Messiah. The Storm is such a song of faith and victory!
Johnnie
Some of my favorite points of observation you made about the lyrics were:
-Endure trials knowing that those trained by it will become more Godly.
-Know that Yeshua is truth
-Refuse to be ruled by fear
-Intends to endure until death
-Recognize Him as King
-Know that He is their victory
This song has truly ministered to me in my own spiritual storms. In this age, to find music that is 100% Biblically accurate and experience the power of God’s Word through it is rare. So what a treasure this is! It offers a totally different perspective on how to look at storms & trials- one that can only be seen through the character of Yeshua. I pray this song strengthens and blesses many, many more people the way it has me. I enjoyed reading this review and look forward to hearing more of the album from this band.
Judy Williams
I love that this song is biblical in every way!!! It teaches us that God isn’t always there to just make our life perfect in every way, but to know He is with us THROUGH the storms that WILL come our way to shape us into His image- His Character!! We should desire to be like Yeshua and that means we are willing to go through WHATEVER it takes to be more like Him!!
Tunde
This song STORM is for such a time like this, when life brings unexpected trials and tribulations. The WORD of GOD reminds us that through these seasons HE will be with us , when we cling to HIM by believing HE is GOD over every situation and we ENDURE to the end. The lyrics from STORM emphasizes these promises from GOD. LOVE IT!
Clay
It is a rare thing today to find songs that are 100% biblical. In this world we will have trouble, but He has overcome the world. May God get all the glory out of The Storm and other releases.
Michael Schofield
I can’t find the song guys 😪I really want to listen to it. Not sure why it’s not available anymore. Do any of you’ll have it downloaded by any chance and care to share it with me? Please?
Vince Wright
Michael,
Dang that’s a shame. The artist made it a private video.
-Vince Wright
Brock
I love The Storm by Contemporary Worship. Greater is he that is in me than he that is in the world. We are not overcome but victorious through Yeshua our messiah. Trials are not design to defeat us but to prove His power in us and our love for Him!