With September 12, 2017 being the worldwide release day of this new song, I encourage you to first watch the new Walking on Air Music Video. Then read the words below as you listen using the Spotify link above. When you finish reading, take time to watch the video or listen once more for a time of reflection. If someone comes to mind who could use some hope, please share this with them.
What is your anchor of hope when things seem hopeless? Are you noticing beauty around you?
I discovered in February 2017 there are only three references to “Walking on Air” in The Message Bible (included at the bottom of this post). This inspired a fifteen hour studio day in early March writing and recording a new song. During a July concert trip to British Columbia, a new music video was filmed to combine a musical and visual expression of hope and beauty in a world that so often can seem hopeless and unappealing.
Isaiah 55:8-9 is a powerful passage I rely on by faith whenever things don’t make sense, or whenever events are impossible to fully understand… “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts” (ESV).
Just as we all would love for a moment to be able to “walk on air” or fly like a bird, we also experience events in life that are the opposite of hopeful or beautiful. When my faith is tested, I can either put my faith in God’s promises or in my circumstances. In an Isaiah 55:8-9 kind of way, I have found God is always bigger than my situation and worthy of my trust. From tragic events happening around the world today, to remembering 9/11, to recovering from Hurricane Harvey or Irma, to whatever “storm” you may be facing in life, my prayer for you is to receive God’s grace, hope, and beauty through Walking on Air.
How does “Walking on Air” speak to your story today?
Interestingly, the three passages below use the phrase “Walking on Air” in contexts of celebrating life’s beautiful moments, worshiping God with vibrant beauty, and looking to the future with eternal hope.
1 Samuel 2:1 (MSG)
“Hannah prayed: I’m bursting with God-news! I’m walking on air…I’m dancing my salvation.”
Psalm 89:5-9 and 15-18 (MSG)
“God! Let the cosmos praise your wonderful ways, the choir of holy angels sing anthems to your faithful ways! Search high and low, scan skies and land, you’ll find nothing and no one quite like God. The holy angels are in awe before him; he looms immense and august over everyone around him. God-of-the-Angel-Armies, who is like you, powerful and faithful from every angle? You put the arrogant ocean in its place and calm its waves when they turn unruly…Blessed are the people who know the passwords of praise, who shout on parade in the bright presence of God. Delighted, they dance all day long; they know who you are, what you do—they can’t keep it quiet! Your vibrant beauty has gotten inside us— you’ve been so good to us! We’re walking on air! All we are and have we owe to God, Holy God of Israel, our King!”
1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 (MSG)
“He’ll come down from heaven and the dead in Christ will rise—they’ll go first. Then the rest of us who are still alive at the time will be caught up with them into the clouds to meet the Master. Oh, we’ll be walking on air! And then there will be one huge family reunion with the Master. So reassure one another with these words.”
Rachael Craig says
Thank you for this moment for reflection. This is almost the end of my two weeks, then retirement from 30 years of working with the senior population. A new beginning, a new journey…I always am able to focus inward when listening to your musical message. Thank you for a great start to a wonderful day!
Stanton Lanier says
Dear Rachael, You are so welcome! I’m glad I could be a part of such an amazing season in your life. Blessings, Stanton.
Manuela Cebrian says
Desde el primer día que la escuché en una clase de body balance como final de mi relajación, conecte contigo, y te busque. Lloré de felicidad, y afloraron en mi sentimientos. Gracias, gracias porque tu música me lleva a la Paz..
Stanton Lanier says
Querida Manuela, gracias por tus comentarios y me alegro de que mi música haya sido una bendición para ti a través de Body Balance. Mi corazón es compartir la paz de Dios a través de instrumentos inspirados en las Escrituras, y estoy muy feliz de que sientas esto cuando escuchas. Bendiciones para ti, Stanton
Mary Harris says
Stanton,
This piece makes me want to dance!
It is a beautiful inspiration of God’s amazing love for us!!
Would love to see you in Vermont again……
Mary Harris
Stanton Lanier says
Dance your heart out! You never know what the Lord has planned! Blessings, Stanton.