For almost 30 years, Michael W. Smith has been taking listeners on a musical journey into the heart of worship while delivering powerful messages about grace, love and redemption through his songs.
Michael W. Smith has been sharing messages of grace, love and redemption through songs for almost 30 years. His latest album, “Glory,” is an instrumental project.As one of the most popular contemporary Christian musicians, Smith has amassed an impressive catalog of achievements. He has garnered multiple honors: an American Music Award, three Grammy Awards and 44 Dove Awards from the Gospel Music Association. In addition, he boasts 33 No. 1 radio hits and holds 16 gold, seven platinum and two double-platinum albums for career sales of 15 million. In 2009, he was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame.
Smith also has scored several film projects and has been featured by a variety of media outlets including “FOX and Friends,” “Hannity & Colmes,” USA Today, Newsweek, NBC’s “Today Show” and “Nightly News,” “Larry King Live,” “Good Morning America” and many others. But he has remained committed to shining the spotlight on God.
In addition to his music, Smith desires to create platforms that would reach out and help those in need. He established Rocketown in his hometown of Nashville, which serves as a safe place for young people to enjoy music and artists to be discovered.
Smith also raises awareness for a variety of missions organizations, including Compassion International and Samaritan’s Purse. Following the devastating earthquake in Haiti, he traveled to the country with Samaritan’s Purse. He also co-wrote “Come Together Now” and gathered a community of artists to record the song to benefit Haiti relief efforts.
His latest album, “Glory,” is an instrumental project and the 23rd album of his career.
“This is a very worshipful album for me,” Smith said. “I think we underestimate the power of instrumental music, but it can be very worshipful where it just washes over someone and enriches their life. Everything we do should be for the glory of God. It should all be an act of worship.”
‘There is hope’
His tours consistently rank among the best attended in the country, and he doesn’t miss a beat sharing the gospel with audiences.
“More than anything, I want people to realize that the gospel really is true – there is hope and a promising future for those who have a relationship with Christ,” Smith said. “No matter what people are struggling with, they will get through it. When people leave the concert, I hope they are encouraged to press on. I pray the music just washes over people.”
While dealing with the demands of a hectic touring schedule, Smith emphasizes the importance of limiting distractions so he can spend time in God’s Word.
“There’s so much going on these days and so many distractions, especially with cell phones, computers and the Internet,” Smith said.
“God continues to teach me the importance of just being still and being in awe of His creation. When I look up at the sky, I can’t help but think, ‘God is so awesome.’
“For me, the key to focusing on Christ and dwelling in His presence is removing all those distractions and finding a place where I can be alone and read His Word. Sometimes that means turning the cell phone off, going to a park or someplace quiet and just spending some time reflecting on His glory.”
As the years pass by, he continues to be amazed and humbled by God leading this musical journey.
“I’m still amazed that I get to be part of building the Kingdom through this gift that God has given me,” Smith said.
“It’s something that I love to do, and it’s changing the world a little bit, which blows my mind. Someone recently came up to me out of the blue and said they accepted Christ at one of my concerts 20 years ago. I thought that was incredible.
‘Lives are being changed’
“Another time, a man shared about a time when he was going to commit suicide and already had the gun loaded. By God’s divine intervention, just as this man was about to pull the trigger, he happened to hear one of my songs, which addressed the issue of suicide, and realized he couldn’t go through with taking his life. That man ended (up) giving his life to the Lord, and now he’s married with a family. That story right there is worth my whole career – knowing that lives are being changed for God’s glory.”
For more information, visit www.michaelwsmith.com.
– Callaway is a correspondent for The Alabama Baptist. Reprinted with permission.