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When I look at these two songs together, I see a tough journey with a beautiful ending, and I'm thankful to God for His kindness and care. I know it doesn't always end that way for everyone. There are some painful things that people carry all through their lives and never get closure on. But in every situation, we take heart that the suffering we encounter here on earth is nothing compared with the glory that will be revealed in us in heaven. And that truly is beautiful news!

It's wonderful that you can find spiritual significance out of a difficult circumstance like that, but are there times when you as a worship leader feel spiritually drained from pouring so much out in a regular basis?

Redman: Yes, there are. Worship is about revelation and response, so sometimes when we're finding it hard to respond, it's because we haven't been plugging into the revelation of God. In other words, we must not let our "output" exceed our "input," or we'll end up running dry. Getting into the word of God more is always a great way to fuel the fire.

It sometimes seems like worship leaders are expected to create "hits" like rock stars. Do you ever feel industry pressure to deliver another standard like "Blessed Be Your Name" or "The Heart of Worship?"

Redman: I don't really feel that pressure. I'm not quite sure how any of my songs ever flew around like that anyway—I can't even read music! It's a great reminder that it must have been God and not me.

What was it like working with established songwriters like Martin Smith (Delirious) and Paul Baloche this time around?

Redman: Co-writing is great because it's part of how we're meant to work in the God's kingdom. There are times to write a song alone, but there's no place for lone rangers in God's church. I've been learning that inviting other folk into my songwriting process can be really powerful.

I'm really encouraged by the songs I wrote with Paul and Martin—certainly both people I look up to as songwriters and worshippers. I've written five songs now with Martin, all of them up-tempo with an outward looking focus. I feel like it's been a great partnership.

For more about Matt Redman and his music, visit our site's artist page. You can read our review of Beautiful News by clicking here. And be sure to visit Christianbook.com to find his albums and listen to sound clips.

© Christa Banister, subject to licensing agreement with Christianity Today International. All rights reserved. Click for reprint information.

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