“The Way (New Horizon)” by Pat Barrett || Worship With Me #29

Welcome back to my latest music review series, “Worship with Me.” This series introduces you to new worship music that you might have heard before. I aim to connect with you through worship and build your relationship with God in ways you might not have tried.

Today’s song is “The Way (New Horizon)” by Pat Barrett. I haven’t listened to much of his music, to be honest. I know this song and, I think, one other by him. I know he collaborated on Elevation Worship on one of their songs (which could be the other song). Still, outside of that, my knowledge of his music is shallow. However, his vibe is impeccable. Very lo-fi, acoustic, chill, upbeat grooves. This feels like an excellent reflective song for a long walk.

Abby Carpenter from freeccm.com did an article with Pat Barrett about this song. Here’s what he shared: “It can be challenging at times in a real practical sense where your faith plays out. Singing songs that recognize the humanity of faith which is a lot of unknowns and there’s something about singing that in a true way without giving fear a platform.” This insight comes from Pat and his wife’s experience of welcoming their 3rd child, navigating increased responsibilities, and coping with the pressures of the unknown. (Quoted and paraphrased from this article: https://freeccm.com/2018/05/30/behind-the-song-pat-barrett-shares-the-heart-behind-his-single-the-way-new-horizon/)

The simplicity of stating that the ways to deal with what life throws at you, remembering the truth that God teaches you, and living the life that God created you all come from Jesus. To state this boldly and confidently is what Pat does so well in this song. Let me share some of my favorite verses with you:

I believe

Through every blessing

Through every promise

Through every breath I take

I believe that You are Provider

Oh, You are Protector

You are the One I Love, oh

The simple message is that we can believe in God for who he is through everything. Through everything we have, every promise we read about and make, and every breath we take. God is with us. God provides us with everything that we need. We understand that he will not give it directly to us, but he provides everything we need in reach and within reason for us to sustain the life that he creates for us. God is our refuge. The Book of Psalms continues this mindset repeatedly, but it’s something we find reassuring. It’s to comprehend what it means for someone to be a place of refuge and safety, but then again, maybe it’s not. We’re currently seeing the increased placement of safe spaces for people to feel comforted, protected, and cared for, which is okay. The struggle is when it becomes too complacent and unstructured. Like with everything in the world, there must be a balance. A balance for people to be heard and a balance for people to have healthy conversations. A balance for people to be loved and find guidance and wisdom. All things provide a balance in this world, and it all comes from our heavenly Father and protection, who shows us what that balance looks like.

Listen to this message continuing in the bridge:

And it’s a new horizon and I’m set on You

And You meet me here today with mercies that are new

All my fears and doubts

they can all come too

Because they can’t stay long when I’m here with you

God gives us a new lens to see our lives through. It focuses on God and living according to his teachings, foundations, and principles. God meets us where we are in this new life, forgiving us of all the sins we ever committed. His forgiveness is new every day. He doesn’t hold a grudge about what we’ve done. He doesn’t hang it over our heads. He forgives and forgets. The fears and doubts that have come from the chaos of my life without him are allowed to join us on our Christian journey. We don’t have to “fix” ourselves before getting into a relationship with God. God invites us to come as we are, and he’ll do the life-changing work to make us more Christ-like each day. This process eliminates fears and doubts quicker than you’d expect.

The song’s message is simple: Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. Scripture says it! Pat sang it! That settles it! I’ll be back next week with a brand-new song. Until then, stay blessed!