Award-winning Canadian worship artist Dan Macaulay releases From You, For You, inspired by Romans 11:36 that says, "For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever!" 

 

Each song reminds us that everything we have, do, and are is to bring glory to the One who created all things. Macaulay hopes this album will have a great impact on those who listen. 

 

"I believe God is using the uncertain to heighten our awareness of the One certain thing that we desperately need more than ever—Him," he said. "I'm just helping people see that, make the connection, and turn their focus on Him to carry them through."

 

Starting off the album with title track "From You, For You," strings and piano open the song as Macaulay's voice enters singing, "It's Your voice that called me from darkness, it's Your love that set me free!" With an upbeat feel, the song represents the theme of the entire album in the chorus: "The circle is complete when I use what You give to bring You glory... Everything I have and everything I've got is from You, for You, God."

 

The next few tracks are slower and more contemplative. "Permanent" includes a choir and strong drum beats as the chorus sings, "You're faithful through and through, no one compares to You, in You our heart's content, 'cuz Your love is permanent." This song is a great reminder that no matter what happens, God's love for us never changes.

 

"Breathe In Me," written by Michael W. Smith and Wayne Kirkpatrick is a personal favorite of Macaulay's. In fact, Smith produced and played piano on the track himself. The chorus sings, "So breathe in me, I need You now, I've never felt so dead within, so breathe in me, and maybe somehow You can breathe new life in me again." It's easy to understand why this track means so much to Macaulay and is such a powerful reminder of how much we need God.

 

My favorite track on the album may be "Saving Grace (Come Thou Fount)," which is a remake of the hymn we all know. Unlike some remakes, Macaulay doesn't change a lot and stays true to the original hymn for the most part. He does add a bridge that sings "You've brought me this far, I know You'll lead me all the way home and Your faithfulness won't let me go," which is very reassuring to those struggling with circumstances beyond their control.

 

Throughout From You, For You, it's clear Dan Macaulay has a passion for God's people to draw nearer to Him when their lives are filled with darkness. Fans of Mark Schultz might enjoy this album's musical style and the truth it speaks is very uplifting. We regularly need reminded that our lives aren't about us, they're about the One who made us.