Today is release day for Waiting Walking Running. Stream on Spotify, Apple Music, Pandora, YouTube, Amazon Music, and all music services worldwide, or click below to listen as you read some of the story behind this new song…
As I reflected on this idea, I found a gorgeous sequence of chords played by long orchestra strings, and then a melody was revealed which became the “resting theme” performed by the English horn and flute, with gentle piano chords in the background. Next, the “walking theme” picks up the tempo slightly with some rhythmic cello to represent taking steps of faith as we slowly begin obeying what God wants us to do. Sometimes God is running (moving quickly) and I need to keep up. This is the “running theme” with all instruments playing – piano, orchestra, choir, and percussion. The flute is featured throughout the piece, and represents the Holy Spirit being present with us in times of waiting, walking, and running by faith. The order of the song themes or musical motifs became 1) waiting, 2) walking, 3) running, 4) waiting, 5) running. The more we pursue God and experience His faithfulness, the more we find ourselves in the midst of life events and circumstances only He could have orchestrated, as we wait, walk, and run with Him.
Waiting, walking, and running each unfold in God’s time, and are part of the freedom we experience in Christ when we surrender, listen for His voice, and obey. This is important because I don’t want to walk or run ahead of God by presuming I know the answers or by doing what seems right. The waiting is crucial because in God’s time, He reveals his plans and next steps to me, one at a time. Even as He reveals more I need to keep walking unless and until He is moving fast enough that I need to run. Ultimately, all three – waiting, walking, and running – bring me freedom. By faith I trust God is in control, and I can live life fully with a sense of hunger and urgency. This fills my heart with deep joy. Even as I was majoring in chemistry many years ago, God was preparing me and shaping me in the “waiting” and “walking” of six hour laboratory experiments from 12pm to 6pm. When God takes our life story and leads us to a place of surrender and dependence on Him, He begins to reveal how He works all things together for good to those who love Him, and who have been called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28).
How does Waiting, Walking, Running speak to you?
Isaiah 40:31 > “but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” (ESV)
Psalm 130:5 > “I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope.” (NIV)
Psalm 119:45 > “I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out your precepts.” (NIV)
Psalm 119:32 > “I run in the path of your commands, for you have set my heart free!” (NIV)
Brenda Robinson says
I really like this new song. I am definitely in the waiting stage right now. Thank you for this new gift to us all.
Stanton Lanier says
Thank you Brenda, I’m so glad you like this one, and wish you God’s peace, hope, patience, and confidence in your season of waiting. Blessings to you! – Stanton
Jane Thomas says
Beautiful, Calming, Joyful and Uplifting!
Stanton Lanier says
Thank you Jane, I am so glad you are enjoying this new piece. Wishing you God’s grace and peace, Stanton
Bill says
Stanton- love the song! I followed the five expressions. Piano, English horn, and flute are incredible together; and bringing in the choir and percussion definitely gave a sense of running.
Stanton Lanier says
Thanks so much Bill! I love that the waiting, walking, running motifs spoke to you, and that you enjoyed the musical combinations and expressions. God’s blessings to you! – Stanton
Natalie Barnes says
Beautiful song! And thank you for the sharing the thought behind its creation. I am a friend of Chris and Leah Kemple, and you came once and played for our small faith group. Since then, I found you on Pandora and listen to your channel every day! Thanks for letting God use your talents to minister to us. God bless you, Natalie Barnes
Stanton Lanier says
Hello Natalie, thank you for listening and reading, and you’re welcome for the music and its inspirational story. I am grateful this new song and my music are a blessing to you. God’s blessings to you too! – Stanton
Marilyn says
I’ve listened for many years now an each one is beautiful an speaks a different message Great Job! 😇
Stanton Lanier says
Hi Marilyn, Thank you for listening to my music over so many years, and for your comments. Blessings to you! – Stanton