When God Took Centre Stage
A Night of Worship I’ll Never Forget
Last night was fantastic. I had the privilege of taking a small group of teens and young adults to see The City Harmonic live. I’ve listened to their music for a few years, but it’s always hard to get a sense of what an artist is really like until you see them live.
Truth be told, some Christian bands seem more focused on the show than the Saviour. Not these guys. The City Harmonic made it clear they were there to point people to Jesus. From the first song to the final prayer, God took centre stage.
Eric’s Story Moved Us All
He picked up an acoustic guitar and said, “You’re probably gonna regret letting the bass player take centre stage.” Everyone laughed. Then he got serious. Two years earlier, just as the band was gaining popularity, Eric was diagnosed with cancer.
He talked honestly about the pain of treatment and the emotional toll of recovery. He described the day he came home from the hospital, weak, worn out, but drawn to his guitar. Though he could barely strum, old church songs started flowing out of him.
In that moment, broken and exhausted, he experienced God’s presence in a way he’d never felt before.
God Took the Spotlight in the Struggle
Out of that experience came the song “Strong,” from their album Heart. Eric wrote it with Elias, the lead singer, over Skype while recovering at home. The story behind the song made every lyric hit differently. Knowing the pain that birthed the song added weight to the worship.
That’s the beauty of testimony. It gives songs meaning, and it gives God glory. Eric didn’t point to himself; he pointed to the God who met him in the lowest place.
Worship Through Highs and Lows
The rest of the concert was just as powerful. The City Harmonic didn’t just perform; they led us in worship. Their music came from a place of lived faith; of highs and lows, pain and joy, healing and hope. They made it clear that no matter what season you’re in, God is still good, and He’s still at work.
Join the Conversation; Share Your Thoughts
- How has God met you in your weakness and pain?
- When was the last time you went to a concert that pointed you to Christ?
- Have you ever heard a testimony that changed how you experienced worship?
