Lyrically the album is teeming with the substantive lyrics that have made Chapman the most awarded artist in Christian music with 57 Gospel Music Association Dove Awards, five GRAMMYs, 47 No. 1 singles and approaching 11 million albums sold. Musically there’s a sense of adventure that reflects Chapman’s ongoing willingness to experiment and leap out of his comfort zone. He’s never taken the gift of music for granted and approaches each new project both excited and humbled by the possibilities.
“I’m very, very grateful to be given the opportunity to make music and share the things that I feel like God has entrusted to me,” Chapman says. “I don’t take it lightly. I pray: ‘God, I want to know You and I want to make You known.’ God has continued faithfully to reveal Himself through dark places and reveal His mysteriousness. I get the sense that He’s telling an amazing story. He’s not confused. He’s not biting his nails worrying if the plan is going to turn out okay the way I do. He’s fully confident of His plans and He’s in control. That’s been something that I’ve held onto.”
The Glorious Unfolding is Chapman’s 18th album and his first studio album of all-original material in seven years. However, now, more than ever he felt it was time to express these steadfast messages of faithfulness, while successfully blending his trademark sound with musical creativity. “Musically, I really wanted to find those ways to make something that felt very honest and true, and yet very fresh and relevant,” Chapman says. “I felt like this had to be a little bit more exciting and energetic and I was ready to crank it up. It felt like this is the time to do that and celebrate. With this music, you will hopefully hear that and get a sense of the excitement and joy in this record.”
The album’s lead single, “Love Take Me Over,” is an exuberant anthem with an infectious melody that inspires listeners and gives the instant urge to hit repeat. “Even though it’s in the guise of a very fun, up-tempo sing-along-at-the-top-of-your-lungs song, it’s a message and a lesson that I have continued to be in the process of learning,” Chapman says of the song. “I need to be filled with love so that I can be loving in the way I respond. I’m still learning that the only way I want to love others well in my life is when I come to terms daily, sometimes hourly, sometimes in 15 minute increments, with the fact that I am loved fully and completely, not as I should be, but as I am. That drives me, then, to a place of living a life of love for others when I realize that I am loved first. We love because He first loved us.”
One of the many highlights from the album is “Together,” a beautiful song that Chapman wrote for his wife Mary Beth. “In October, we celebrate our 29th anniversary,” he says, acknowledging that the past five years, since their youngest daughter (Maria Sue) was killed in a tragic accident, have been especially trying. “Statistics show that 90% of marriages don’t survive the loss of a child. The fact that we are together celebrating 29 years of marriage is a testimony to God’s faithfulness and God’s grace.”
Chapman delayed playing this song for Mary Beth until it was completely finished, recorded and mixed. “I sat her down and played this for her as we held hands and wept together through this celebration of God’s faithfulness,” he adds, “I’m really hopeful that this song will encourage and minister to people in a deep way.”
The Glorious Unfolding also includes a special song, “Only One and Only You,” written to encourage his daughter Shaohannah. “She’s 13, which tells you a lot of what you need to know about her,” he says with a grin. “It’s that wonderful, incredibly awful time to try to be a young lady in this world and culture. I’m just very, very proud of her and I wanted to just write a song to tell her how amazing she is.”
Other standout tracks include “Something Beautiful,” an up-tempo, forward-thinking song about the unfolding and promises of God, and watching Him turn broken things in life into something good as He’s promised. “Take Another Step,” is another high-energy declaration that talks of taking those steps of faith in times of uncertainty, when the road ahead is completely dark, whether it be good or bad, and fully trusting what God has in store.
Whether encouraging those he’s closest to in this world to see themselves as God sees them or inviting an arena full of fans to sing along in celebration of God’s faithfulness, Chapman has spent his life creating music that makes a difference. The Glorious Unfolding continues that impressive legacy. In listening to the project, it feels like a landmark album, being musically inventive, yet bursting with truth, integrity and emotional gravitas in much the same way as The Great Adventure did when that ground-breaking album released in 1992.
The latest album installment is his second record since signing with Provident Music Group in 2012. His label debut, JOY, served up holiday classics alongside his engaging original tunes. It became the latest entry in the Paducah, Kentucky native’s beloved Christmas catalog and provided Chapman and co-producer Brent Milligan a chance to explore different sounds in the studio. On The Glorious Unfolding, Chapman and Milligan reveled in the chance to experiment further to provide a fresh framework for these new songs, utilizing different textures and techniques to expand on Chapman’s signature sound.
Recorded at Chapman’s home studio, he enlisted son Will Franklin to play drums on six tracks on the album and also engaged other musical pals such as Delirious? alum Stu G on guitar and acclaimed fiddler Andy Leftwich, a member of Ricky Skaggs’ band, Kentucky Thunder, and a key creative force in the making of Chapman's Cracker Barrel release, Deep Roots. On “Sound of Your Voice,” Chapman recruited surprise guests, wife Mary Beth, daughters Emily and Stevey Joy and daughters-in-law Julia Chapman and Jillian Edwards Chapman to sing background vocals.
Recording The Glorious Unfolding was a labor of love for Chapman, helping him give voice to his own joys and challenges and he’s hopeful it will do the same for others. “The theme was this idea that God will complete the story and in fact, He already has completed it and knows the ending,” Chapman says. “Yet a part of the mystery is that He is revealing it in our lives and it’s this unfolding, incredible tale of His love for us. This album gave me a chance to tell that, to celebrate loss and hope and new life. For all of that, I’m really grateful. It really is my hope that people will hear the sound of God’s voice whispering to them: ‘I know the plans I have for you. Will you trust me? Will you trust me through the hard seasons and through the good seasons? The story is good. Will you trust me and watch it unfold?’”
Beginning in September 2014 until April 2015, Chapman revitalized the well-known concert series "Sam's Place: Music for the Spirit" concert series. The series was once a month and was held at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville with featured performances by the likes of MercyMe, Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith and Third Day.
Be Still and Know
Steven Curtis Chapman Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Be still and know that he is holy
Be still oh restless soul of mine
Bow before the prince of peace
Let the noise and clamor cease
Be still and know that he is god
Be still and know that he is faithful
Stand in awe and be amazed
And know that he will never change
Be still
Be still and know that he is god
Be still and know that he is god
Be still and know that he is god
Be still
Be speechless
Be still and know that he is god
Be still and know he is our father
Come rest your head upon his breast
Listen to the rhythm of
His unfailing heart of love
Beating for his little ones
Calling each of us to come
Be still
Be still
The song "Be Still and Know" by Steven Curtis Chapman provides a call to those who are restless and overwhelmed to find peace in God. The lyrics express the importance of quieting oneself and recognizing the power and faithfulness of God. In the first verse, Chapman calls on listeners to acknowledge God's holiness and the need to surrender their restless souls to the Prince of Peace. The second verse asks listeners to reflect on all that God has done and to stand in awe of His unchanging nature.
The repetition of "Be still and know that he is God" throughout the song serves as a reminder to listeners to trust in God's sovereignty and faithfulness. Chapman emphasizes that even in the moments of chaos and noise, it is possible to find stillness and peace in God. The final verse emphasizes the intimate relationship between God and His children, encouraging the listener to rest in His love and to listen to the rhythm of His heart beating for each one of us.
Overall, "Be Still and Know" is a powerful reminder to listeners to quiet their hearts and find refuge in God's presence. The song encourages trust and surrender, emphasizing the importance of recognizing God's goodness and faithfulness in all circumstances.
Line by Line Meaning
Be still and know that he is god
Pause and recognize that he is the all-powerful creator of the universe.
Be still and know that he is holy
Calm your mind and recognize that he is pure and separate from sin.
Be still oh restless soul of mine
Quiet your anxious heart and find peace in his presence.
Bow before the prince of peace
Humble yourself before the one who has brought eternal peace through his sacrifice.
Let the noise and clamor cease
Allow the distractions of the world to fade away as you focus on him.
Be still and know that he is faithful
Reflect on his faithfulness through all of your triumphs and trials.
Consider all that he has done
Think deeply about his works and blessings in your life.
Stand in awe and be amazed
Marvel at his sovereignty and marvels.
And know that he will never change
Gain confidence from knowing his divine nature and everlasting love.
Be still
Rest in his presence and unyielding love, without distraction.
Be speechless
Be left in a state of lost words and amazement by his greatness.
Be still and know he is our father
Embrace his paternal love and guidance as your heavenly father.
Come rest your head upon his breast
Find comfort and safety in his arms, where you can rest your head like a child.
Listen to the rhythm of
Tune in to the cadence of his heartbeat of love.
His unfailing heart of love
Understand that his heart is constant in love, without faltering or ceasing.
Beating for his little ones
Feel the depth of his love for his children, and know that you are included.
Calling each of us to come
Hear his invitation to embrace his love and mercy.
Lyrics © CAPITOL CHRISTIAN MUSIC GROUP, BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Capitol CMG Publishing, Integrity Music, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Steven Chapman
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Jabinson Purba
Be Still And Know
Steven Curtis Chapman
Be still and know that He is God
Be still and know that He is holy
Be still oh restless soul of mine
Bow before the Prince of Peace
Let the noise and clamor cease
Be still and know that He is God
Be still and know that He is faithful
Consider all that He has done
Stand in awe and be amazed
And know that He will never change
Be still
Be still and know that He is God
Be still and know that He is God
Be still and know that He is God
Be still
Be speechless
Be still and know that He is God
Be still and know He is our Father
Come rest your head upon His breast
Listen to the rhythm of
His unfailing heart of love
Beating for his little ones
Calling each of us to come
Be still
Be still
John Arford
This song got me through a period of time when my world was very very dark and I wasn't sure how I was going to walk through it. But prayer and this song did.
Scott Batson
Thank you Lord Jesus. I will be still and know that you are God! I love, worship, praise, thank, and adore you. Thank you for saving and rescuing me from death and hell. To God be all the glory, all the time..... Amen! 🙌♥️😌
Michael Stelzriede
This is one of the best songs ever written. It is such a simple thing to do and yet our complicated, hurry-up and wait lives cause us to forget how important it is. God designed us to need to rest. And he wants us to rest in HIM. I have to listen to this often to remind myself to Be Still
Susan Neumann
I played this song for my mom while she was in nursing home and preparing to see our Lord, she loved it. Steven, your music touches people in so many beautiful ways and you are truly gifted by our Redeemer, never stop. ✨💫
Meagan Danielski
Love you...the same over here with here too God bless...😇🥰 -Meagan waiting for someone to reach out
Jaxee Jess
❤🙏🏼
Pam Miller
I cry each and every time I hear this song - it instills such hope in my heart to know He is in control, He with me always, and He was, is and always will be good and faithful. So I wait...am expectant...and ever so grateful. Thank You SCC for all the amazingly beautiful, heartfelt, creatively woven love filled songs you have mastered to remind us of how very much we are loved by Our Creator, Father, Redeemer, Provider, Protector.....and I could go on, and on....
Roy Ballard
I’ve listened to this song as soon as the Speechless album was released. It’s so Peaceful, during these uncertain times of global chaos. I just shared this song with my Team at our church. Regardless of the swirling, chaotic world around us we need to “Be still!”
Marjorie A. Young
Right in the middle of the struggle, heartache, and disappointment, God is the constant source of my strength. I know he will deliver my son from every stronghold and will get the glory out of his life! You are the living word!!!!!!!
Heaven on the Horizon
I agree with Marjorie regarding her son, Father. In the name of Jesus. Continue to protect, deliver and have mercy on us all...AMEN