
Andrew Kurtz
Believe - Story Behind The Song

It started with the first verse. Several years ago I wrote verse 1 of this song while sitting at a piano in the Green Room at my church, but the creative juices stopped flowing after that. "Believe" is one of those songs that took a REALLY long time to write. And by REALLY long time, I mean 2 years.
During those 2 years I lived through a lot. I made great friends then lost them, bought a house and lost it, bought my first dog and had to give him up, had to deal with deep offenses, started seeing a counselor and went through a breakup or two. Just to name a few things. I'm not complaining, just trying to give you a picture that a lot of life happened during the time I wrote this song. And all of that went into the lyrics.
I think this song took me so long because these lyrics were ones I had to earn. I had to live them before I could write them.
To me, this song is less of a song and more of a prayer. It's my heart crying out for God from a place of brokenness. Me sharing this song with you is like handing you my journal and letting you to read every word. If you listen to the lyrics they speak of my doubts, my hopes amidst challenges, my heart's desires, and the things I'm grateful for. It's all about my personal journey of faith.
I pray this song encourages you to live your life for Jesus. I would never have made it through that time of life without Him. I'm just not that strong a person. It's not always easy and it doesn't come with a bunch of flowers and butterflies, but it's SO worth it to be able to experience His perfect peace no matter what life brings.
BELIEVE
Where once was death now there's life
Where once was dry bones, they've come alive
Where once stood fear, guilt and shame
Now stands a life washed in Jesus name
Where once was bondage and every curse
Now there is freedom from every hurt
I once was blinded, but now I see
My eyes are opened, now I believe
And once I chose that narrow way, that road to Jesus
My life was changed
And still I choose it every day
Through storms and trouble, through joy and pain
There is a fire that tests my faith
But You are with me, I'm not afraid
And though I'm tossed by a thousand seas
Through every trial, I still believe
In every valley, on every hill
Through every shadow You're with me still
Not for a moment am I alone
You go before me and You lead me home
And then one day I'll reach the end
My final breath and my last amen
I'll see behind me, the race I've run
And I'll hear my Father say "well done"
When I remember my proudest times
It won't be riches or spotlights
But let these words be my legacy
Those times I whispered "Lord, I believe"
Again I whisper "Lord, I believe"
Scripture references: Hebrews 11:1&7, John 3:16, Matthew 7:13-14, Isaiah 48:10, Psalm 23:4, Psalm 139:5, Matthew 25:21
