Once an aspiring symphony conductor, Story didn’t even know she could sing - much less write songs - until she was in her early twenties. Today, Story is not only a gifted vocalist and worship leader but also the composer of one of the most beloved worship songs of our generation - “Indescribable.” The song has topped charts and been recorded by multiple artists, but most importantly, it has helped people all over the world experience our magnificent God. Story had no idea her life would be used for such a purpose. Set to release her label debut on INO Records (Sara Groves, MercyMe, Derek Webb) in January 2008, Story is still learning that God’s plan is far deeper and wider than she ever thought possible.
So how did a string bassist from South Carolina end up penning a worship anthem known and loved by millions? It all began with a providential moment in the class registration line her sophomore year at Columbia International University.
“I was a YoungLife leader, and I saw another guy in line wearing a YoungLife t-shirt,” Story recalls. “He said he was in a band and asked me if I wanted to come play with them. I had never played in a band – it had never even crossed my mind.” The band was Silers Bald, who would later become a popular indie pop-rock band in the Southeast. The young man she met was vocalist Shane Williams, and by the time they’d made it through the registration line, Story was their newest female member.
Story started out playing string bass, graduated to electric bass, and then took a stab at vocals when the original female vocalist left. Completely out of her comfort zone but willing to trust God with her newfound vocal ability, she even tried her hand at songwriting, and their fans desired more. “The Lord taught me that it’s not necessarily what I think my strengths are. That’s not how He determines what He’s going to use,” says Story.
Five years and many road miles later, Story found herself being led a different direction musically, just as Silers Bald was on the brink of signing a deal with Essential Records. “I knew the Lord was telling me it was time for something new, and I needed to be in or out,” says Story. They amicably parted ways and Story ended up touring with folk-rock artist Andrew Peterson that spring. When her manager suggested she record an independent album with the songs she had written while in Silers, Story was still unconvinced her vocals could stand on their own: “Why would I do that?” she answered. “That would mean I’d have to sing on it!” Besides, she was out of money and didn’t have enough songs for a full record.
But those challenges were overcome when God provided more money and more songs. In 2002, Story began recording her first independent album with producer Stephen Gause and trusted that the last song she needed to round out the album would be provided. Soon after, she was driving down a mountain road, eyes fixed on the majesty of her Creator, when she started worshiping and singing, “Indescribable…uncontainable…You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name…”. Story added verses on the piano and finished the song while reading God’s own description of His power and might in Job Chapter 38. Her first record was now complete. And considering the road Story had traveled to get to this place, “Indescribable” was the perfect title track.
What brought “Indescribable” into churches all across the U.S. and the world was when Chris Tomlin recorded it for his 2004 release, Arriving, produced by Ed Cash (Caedmon’s Call, Bebo Norman, Bethany Dillon). When Cash, a longtime friend of Story’s from YoungLife circles, suggested that Tomlin use “Indescribable” as his first single, Story was shocked. “I remember saying, ‘That song will never work for corporate worship. There’s no way congregations are going to sing that!’ But it’s humbling and amazing to see what the Lord has done. When I was looking for it, I couldn’t find it. When I just started worshiping, He blew me out of the water.”
“Indescribable” flew up the AC charts where it stayed 1 for 7 weeks and in the top 15 for 50 weeks. The song was also included on the Passion CD/DVD in 2005, Tomlin’s 2006 release, Live From Austin Music Hall, and performed by Avalon for WoW Worship 2006. The list of accolades goes on, but even with millions of people now familiar with her words, Story takes no more credit for writing them than she would for creating the Appalachian Mountains. “I always think the last song I wrote was my last song. Just when my mind is completely blank and I don’t know if I’ll write a song again, God surprises me. The songs are His - I’m just the first person who gets to hear them.”
In 2005, Story released her second independent album, There Is Nothing, produced by Ed Cash and Mitch Dane (Jars of Clay). That same year she married her high school sweetheart, Martin Elvington, and moved to Atlanta to become the worship leader and women’s pastor for the arts and music community at Perimeter Church.
Shortly after inking the deal with INO Records in 2006, a trial entered Story’s life that would not only provide her with a deeper understanding of God’s sovereignty, but also serve as fodder for the songs on her new record. After one year of marriage, Story’s husband was hospitalized with a brain tumor.
“There was a time he was on a breathing machine and we weren’t sure he was going to make it. I spent my whole life singing, ‘’Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus,’ but until Jesus took me through something where my only option was to trust Him, I didn’t really know that sweetness,” reflects Story. While supporting her husband through surgery, radiation, complications, and intense physical therapy, Story has composed new songs with meaty, real substance that have ministered to her as much as they will minister to her listeners.
“It’s hard to understand why God would allow us to go through this, but I know He works all things together for good, and I feel my new album is reflecting that. Though He leads us through valleys, that’s when we get to trust Him and draw closer to Him all the more. Though I’ve doubted, His grasp has never released, never slipped. He’s remained completely faithful to me. He has proven that He really is my foundation and my hope.”
On a regular basis, Story gets to share this hope with the 100+ women she ministers to through her job at Perimeter Church; and it’s not a job she’s giving up anytime soon. After all, the opportunity to pour into others’ lives and treasure each moment reminds Story that she is just a passenger on this remarkable journey.
“Mine is not the perfect voice or the perfect life. My life is as messy as the next person’s, and God is using me to speak to the church. For this season of my life, God has really blessed me with some insight into who He is and what that has to do with me. For some reason He just gives it to me in song form.”
With the way inspiration comes to Laura Story, it’s exciting to wonder what will be around the next mountain bend…
Faithful God
Laura Story Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Be the grace that binds my heart to stay
May the truth that opened up my eyes on that first time
Be the thoughts on my mind that never go away
For You are a lamp to my feet
A light to my path
You're the hand that's holding me
Faithful God, every promise kept
Every need You've met, faithful God
May the love that caught my heart to set it free
Be the love that others see in me
And may this hope that reaches to the depths of human need
Be the song that I sing in joy and suffering
For You are the love that never leaves
The friend that won't deceive
You're the one sure thing
Faithful God, every promise kept
Every need You've met, faithful God
All I am and all I'll ever be
Is all because You love faithfully
Faithful God
How deep, how wide the love
That pierced His side, the love
Redemption's mine, oh love
That will not let me go
How deep Your love
How deep, how wide the love
That pierced His side, the love
Redemption's mine, oh love
That will not let me go
How deep, how wide the love
That pierced His side, the love
Redemption's mine, oh love
That will not let me go
Faithful God, every promise kept
Every need You've met, faithful God
All I am and all I'll ever be
Is all because You love faithfully
Faithful God, faithful God
In "Faithful God," Laura Story sings about the unrelenting love of God that sought her heart on the first day and has continued to bind it ever since. The song's message revolves around the idea that God's grace, truth, love, and hope have been constant companions in the singer's life, guiding her every step of the way. She describes God as a lamp to her feet and a light to her path, which means that He is the one who illuminates her path and protects her from stumbling.
The chorus section of the song emphasizes the theme of faithfulness by declaring that God has kept every promise He made and met every need that has arisen. He has been a steadfast friend who never deceives and always provides. The bridge talks about the depth and width of God's love that was manifested in Christ's sacrifice on the cross. The redemption that came as a result of His love is something that continues to transform and shape the singer's life.
Overall, "Faithful God" is a testimony to God's unending love and mercy. It encourages the listener to trust in God and to find hope and strength in Him even in times of joy and suffering.
Line by Line Meaning
May the grace that sought my heart on that first day
Let the grace that captured my heart at first continue to hold me steadfast.
Be the grace that binds my heart to stay
May that very grace enable me to remain faithful to You.
May the truth that opened up my eyes on that first time
Let the truth that revealed Your love to me always be the foundation of my faith.
Be the thoughts on my mind that never go away
May it continue to influence my thoughts and fill me with hope.
For You are a lamp to my feet
Lord, You guide my steps with Your light upon my path.
A light to my path
Your word illuminates my path, and I trust in You always.
You're the hand that's holding me
You are always with me, holding my hand, and guiding my way.
Faithful God, every promise kept
Lord, You have never failed me, and I know that You will always keep Your promises.
Every need You've met, faithful God
You have met my every need, and I am grateful for Your steadfast love.
May the love that caught my heart to set it free
May Your love, which saved me and set me free from sin, be evident to others through me.
Be the love that others see in me
Help me to be a reflection of Your love, and use me to bring others closer to You.
And may this hope that reaches to the depths of human need
May the hope that You provide in the darkest of moments never fade.
Be the song that I sing in joy and suffering
Let me continually praise You, whether in good times or bad.
For You are the love that never leaves
Your love is unchanging, and I can always trust in it.
The friend that won't deceive
You are a true friend who will never betray me.
You're the one sure thing
In a world of uncertainty, You are the only constant and the only certainty.
How deep, how wide the love
Your love is beyond measure, and I will never fully comprehend it.
That pierced His side, the love
Your love was demonstrated when You willingly gave Your life on the cross for me.
Redemption's mine, oh love
Because of Your love, I have been redeemed and given new life.
That will not let me go
Your love will never let me go, and I am secure in You.
All I am and all I'll ever be
Everything that I am and ever will be is because of Your faithful love.
Is all because You love faithfully
My life is a testimony to Your enduring and faithful love, and I am forever grateful.
Faithful God, faithful God
You are faithful, and I can depend on You always.
Lyrics © CAPITOL CHRISTIAN MUSIC GROUP, Universal Music Publishing Group, Capitol CMG Publishing
Written by: LAURA MIXON STORY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind