Like the twists and turns of a mountain road, Laura Storyโs life has held i… Read Full Bio ↴Like the twists and turns of a mountain road, Laura Storyโs life has held its share of unexpected moments - some exhilarating, some terrifying, and some simply beautiful to behold. Leaning solely on her faith in the sovereignty of God, Story has learned that no matter what comes around the next bend, itโs going to be an incredible view.
Once an aspiring symphony conductor, Story didnโt 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 - โIndescribable.โ 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 Godโs 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.
โI was a YoungLife leader, and I saw another guy in line wearing a YoungLife t-shirt,โ Story recalls. โHe said he was in a band and asked me if I wanted to come play with them. I had never played in a band โ it had never even crossed my mind.โ 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 theyโd 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. โThe Lord taught me that itโs not necessarily what I think my strengths are. Thatโs not how He determines what Heโs going to use,โ 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. โI knew the Lord was telling me it was time for something new, and I needed to be in or out,โ 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: โWhy would I do that?โ she answered. โThat would mean Iโd have to sing on it!โ Besides, she was out of money and didnโt 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, โIndescribableโฆuncontainableโฆYou placed the stars in the sky and You know them by nameโฆโ. Story added verses on the piano and finished the song while reading Godโs 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, โIndescribableโ was the perfect title track.
What brought โIndescribableโ 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 (Caedmonโs Call, Bebo Norman, Bethany Dillon). When Cash, a longtime friend of Storyโs from YoungLife circles, suggested that Tomlin use โIndescribableโ as his first single, Story was shocked. โI remember saying, โThat song will never work for corporate worship. Thereโs no way congregations are going to sing that!โ But itโs humbling and amazing to see what the Lord has done. When I was looking for it, I couldnโt find it. When I just started worshiping, He blew me out of the water.โ
โIndescribableโ 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, Tomlinโs 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. โI always think the last song I wrote was my last song. Just when my mind is completely blank and I donโt know if Iโll write a song again, God surprises me. The songs are His - Iโm just the first person who gets to hear them.โ
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 womenโs pastor for the arts and music community at Perimeter Church.
Shortly after inking the deal with INO Records in 2006, a trial entered Storyโs life that would not only provide her with a deeper understanding of Godโs sovereignty, but also serve as fodder for the songs on her new record. After one year of marriage, Storyโs husband was hospitalized with a brain tumor.
โThere was a time he was on a breathing machine and we werenโt sure he was going to make it. I spent my whole life singing, โโTis so sweet to trust in Jesus,โ but until Jesus took me through something where my only option was to trust Him, I didnโt really know that sweetness,โ 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.
โItโs 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, thatโs when we get to trust Him and draw closer to Him all the more. Though Iโve doubted, His grasp has never released, never slipped. Heโs remained completely faithful to me. He has proven that He really is my foundation and my hope.โ
On a regular basis, Story gets to share this hope with the 100+ women she ministers to through her job at Perimeter Church; and itโs not a job sheโs giving up anytime soon. After all, the opportunity to pour into othersโ lives and treasure each moment reminds Story that she is just a passenger on this remarkable journey.
โMine is not the perfect voice or the perfect life. My life is as messy as the next personโs, 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.โ
With the way inspiration comes to Laura Story, itโs exciting to wonder what will be around the next mountain bendโฆ
Once an aspiring symphony conductor, Story didnโt 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 - โIndescribable.โ 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 Godโs 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.
โI was a YoungLife leader, and I saw another guy in line wearing a YoungLife t-shirt,โ Story recalls. โHe said he was in a band and asked me if I wanted to come play with them. I had never played in a band โ it had never even crossed my mind.โ 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 theyโd 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. โThe Lord taught me that itโs not necessarily what I think my strengths are. Thatโs not how He determines what Heโs going to use,โ 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. โI knew the Lord was telling me it was time for something new, and I needed to be in or out,โ 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: โWhy would I do that?โ she answered. โThat would mean Iโd have to sing on it!โ Besides, she was out of money and didnโt 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, โIndescribableโฆuncontainableโฆYou placed the stars in the sky and You know them by nameโฆโ. Story added verses on the piano and finished the song while reading Godโs 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, โIndescribableโ was the perfect title track.
What brought โIndescribableโ 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 (Caedmonโs Call, Bebo Norman, Bethany Dillon). When Cash, a longtime friend of Storyโs from YoungLife circles, suggested that Tomlin use โIndescribableโ as his first single, Story was shocked. โI remember saying, โThat song will never work for corporate worship. Thereโs no way congregations are going to sing that!โ But itโs humbling and amazing to see what the Lord has done. When I was looking for it, I couldnโt find it. When I just started worshiping, He blew me out of the water.โ
โIndescribableโ 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, Tomlinโs 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. โI always think the last song I wrote was my last song. Just when my mind is completely blank and I donโt know if Iโll write a song again, God surprises me. The songs are His - Iโm just the first person who gets to hear them.โ
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 womenโs pastor for the arts and music community at Perimeter Church.
Shortly after inking the deal with INO Records in 2006, a trial entered Storyโs life that would not only provide her with a deeper understanding of Godโs sovereignty, but also serve as fodder for the songs on her new record. After one year of marriage, Storyโs husband was hospitalized with a brain tumor.
โThere was a time he was on a breathing machine and we werenโt sure he was going to make it. I spent my whole life singing, โโTis so sweet to trust in Jesus,โ but until Jesus took me through something where my only option was to trust Him, I didnโt really know that sweetness,โ 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.
โItโs 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, thatโs when we get to trust Him and draw closer to Him all the more. Though Iโve doubted, His grasp has never released, never slipped. Heโs remained completely faithful to me. He has proven that He really is my foundation and my hope.โ
On a regular basis, Story gets to share this hope with the 100+ women she ministers to through her job at Perimeter Church; and itโs not a job sheโs giving up anytime soon. After all, the opportunity to pour into othersโ lives and treasure each moment reminds Story that she is just a passenger on this remarkable journey.
โMine is not the perfect voice or the perfect life. My life is as messy as the next personโs, 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.โ
With the way inspiration comes to Laura Story, itโs exciting to wonder what will be around the next mountain bendโฆ
There Is Nothing
Laura Story Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Verse 1:
Lord I come before You
To honor and adore You
For who You are and all that You have done
Lord I am not worthy
My heart is dark and dirty
Still somehow You bid for me to come
Pre-Chorus:
So clothe me in humility
Remind me, that I come before a King
Chorus:
And there is nothing
There is nothing
More precious, more worthy
May I gaze deeper
May I stand longer
May I press onward to know You Lord
Verse 2:
May our time be sweeter
May I be a keeper
Of the promises I make to You in song
Lord may I remember these moments of surrender
And live my life this way from this day on
Pre-Chorus:
So clothe me in humility
Remind me, that I come before a King
Chorus:
And there is nothing
There is nothing
More precious, more worthy
May I gaze deeper
May I stand longer
May I press onward to know You Lord
Pre-Chorus:
So clothe me in humility
Remind me, (pause)...that I come before a King
Chorus:
And there is nothing
There is nothing
More precious, more worthy
May I gaze deeper
May I stand longer
May I press onward to know You Lord
May I press onward to know You Lord
Lord I come before You
To honor and adore You
For who You are and all that You have done
Lord I am not worthy
My heart is dark and dirty
Still somehow You bid for me to come
So clothe me in humility
Remind me, that I come before a King
Chorus:
And there is nothing
There is nothing
More precious, more worthy
May I gaze deeper
May I stand longer
May I press onward to know You Lord
Verse 2:
May our time be sweeter
May I be a keeper
Of the promises I make to You in song
Lord may I remember these moments of surrender
And live my life this way from this day on
Pre-Chorus:
So clothe me in humility
Remind me, that I come before a King
Chorus:
And there is nothing
There is nothing
More precious, more worthy
May I gaze deeper
May I stand longer
May I press onward to know You Lord
Pre-Chorus:
So clothe me in humility
Remind me, (pause)...that I come before a King
Chorus:
And there is nothing
There is nothing
More precious, more worthy
May I gaze deeper
May I stand longer
May I press onward to know You Lord
May I press onward to know You Lord
The lyrics of Laura Story's song, There Is Nothing, speak of the humble position of the singer before the Lord. In the first verse, the singer acknowledges the greatness and works of God, while admitting her own unworthiness. It is a call for God's grace and love to be extended to her, despite her imperfections. The pre-chorus reminds the singer of the importance of humility when coming before God, recognizing his holiness and majesty.
The chorus is a declaration of the singer's desire to know God more deeply, to understand his worthiness and preciousness. It's a plea to God to reveal himself more fully as the singer seeks to stand longer, gaze deeper, and press onward in pursuit of knowledge of him. The second verse is a reminder to the singer to hold tight to the promises she has made to God and live her life in surrender to him.
Overall, the song is a beautiful expression of surrender and devotion to God. It speaks to the desire for a deeper knowledge and understanding of him, for God to be the focus of our lives and the center of our worship.
Line by Line Meaning
Lord I come before You
I approach You, God, to show my respect and admiration
To honor and adore You
My motive is to pay tribute and worship to You
For who You are and all that You have done
I acknowledge Your greatness and recognize Your deeds
Lord I am not worthy
I recognize my unworthiness before You
My heart is dark and dirty
I am aware of my sins and my need for Your mercy and forgiveness
Still somehow You bid for me to come
Despite my flaws, You invite me to come to You
So clothe me in humility
Help me to be humble and not boastful
Remind me, that I come before a King
Remind me that I am in the presence of a powerful and majestic King
And there is nothing
There is nothing else
There is nothing
Absolutely nothing at all
More precious, more worthy
More valuable or deserving of honor
May I gaze deeper
May I look more intently
May I stand longer
May I remain steadfast
May I press onward to know You Lord
May I continue to pursue a deeper relationship with You
Contributed by Charlie T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it
More Genres
No Artists Found
More Artists
Load All
No Albums Found
More Albums
Load All
No Tracks Found
Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Search results not found
Song not found
Jim Musa
Lord I come before You
To honor and adore You
For who You are and all that You have done
Lord I am not worthy
My heart is dark and dirty
Still somehow You bid for me to come
So clothe me in humility
Remind me, that I come before a King
And there is nothing
There is nothing
More precious, more worthy
May I gaze deeper
May I stand longer
May I press onward to know You Lord
May our time be sweeter
May I be a keeper
Of the promises I make to You in song
Lord may I remember these moments of surrender
And live my life this way from this day on
So clothe me in humility
Remind me, that I come before a King
And there is nothing
There is nothing
More precious, more worthy
May I gaze deeper
May I stand longer
May I press onward to know You Lord
So clothe me in humility
Remind me, [pause]... that I come before a King
And there is nothing
There is nothing
More precious, more worthy
May I gaze deeper
May I stand longer
May I press onward to know You Lord
May I press onward to know You Lord
KUVEZO RINGA
Beautiful song.....really love it...๐
Deanitha Rizky
Getting to know Him better through the difficult situations I have faced. Those will remind me of how God handles everything properly for me.
XxXxSummerXxX x
I sang this at my grandmas birthday and I cried when I left the room, I miss my grandpa so much heโs gone ๐ฅบ
Cornelius Fernandes
you made my day Laura!amen!
Lisa Melody
MAY GOD GIVE YOU MORE INSPIRING SONG LAURA. LOVE IT SO MUCH AND WILL DO IT AT OUR CHURCH
Sweety Baghwar
Nice song Laura.. God bless you more
JoHansGreg Channel
Best song one of my favorite... Can you make karaoke of this song there is nothing ... Thank you I'd like to sing it in the church ๐๐๐
Jim Musa
Lord I come before You
To honor and adore You
For who You are and all that You have done
Lord I am not worthy
My heart is dark and dirty
Still somehow You bid for me to come
So clothe me in humility
Remind me, that I come before a King
And there is nothing
There is nothing
More precious, more worthy
May I gaze deeper
May I stand longer
May I press onward to know You Lord
May our time be sweeter
May I be a keeper
Of the promises I make to You in song
Lord may I remember these moments of surrender
And live my life this way from this day on
So clothe me in humility
Remind me, that I come before a King
And there is nothing
There is nothing
More precious, more worthy
May I gaze deeper
May I stand longer
May I press onward to know You Lord
So clothe me in humility
Remind me, [pause]... that I come before a King
And there is nothing
There is nothing
More precious, more worthy
May I gaze deeper
May I stand longer
May I press onward to know You Lord
May I press onward to know You Lord
Hanssen Mae Laygan
It nourished me spiritually every time I heard Christian songs.
mirajello
I really love this song...how I wish I can find an accompaniment of this song.