Top 12 Michael W. Smith Songs of All Time

Michael W. Smith has made huge contributions to believers, but not just in his musical talent—rather the spirit of worship that permeates his lyrics. I find it difficult to hold back the tears from flowing at almost every video link of his concerts. I’m not so much drawn to Michael (as wonderful as he is), but my heart unleashes praise and glory to our Father in heaven and His Son, Jesus Christ. There’s something about these 12 songs I’ve listed that bring me to heaven’s doorstep every time.

#1) Above All (2000)

“The one who comes from above is above all” (John 3:31).

John the Baptist spoke these words about Jesus before He went to the cross. Michael’s song about the rose being trampled reminds me of the sweet fragrance of God’s grace upon our broken lives and all those He leads from the darkness of defeat to the light of salvation.

#2) This is Your Time (1999)

“For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered” (Romans 8:36).

Cassie Bernall was killed at the Columbine High School shootings after professing her faith in Jesus. This song reminds us that even we aren’t tested right now in a life or death situation over our faith—thousands of believers suffer for their faith in Jesus around the world.

#3) Friends (1983)

“A friend loves at all times” (Proverbs 17:17).

Friendships in the Lord are most tested during the days of adversity. This song reminds us of how our friendships have an eternal value in Christ Jesus. As believers we also have the responsibility to share Christ with our unbelieving friends and acquaintances.

#4) Breathe (2000)

“Who can stand in the presence of the Lord, this holy God?” (1 Samuel 6:20).

This song underlies the desperation in our hearts for God’s hand and presence over our lives. Only the Holy Spirit can fill this vacuum within each one of us. We are lost without the Lord’s guidance and wisdom for our daily lives.

#5) There She Stands (2002)

“For dominion belongs to the Lord and he rules over the nations” (Psalm 22:28).

9/11 reminds us that even as great as America is—it can easily be thrown out of sorts due to the evil intentions of people. Yet even a remnant of believers in any nation can pray for God’s intervention through the coming days of difficulty.

#6) All in the Serve (2005)

“And as for you, brothers and sisters, never tire of doing what is good” (2 Thessalonians 3:13).

This song brings to light the value of serving one another and not just talking about it. As a member of the body of Christ each one of us are called to step up and get busy serving in the name of Christ.

#7) I’m Waiting Here for You (2004)

“Here I am! I stand at the door and knock” (Revelation 3:20).

Sometimes when we’re going through tremendous pressure in making the hard decisions, it’s tempting to think we are alone. Yet the Lord is at the door and knocking on our hearts to let us know that He is with us always.

#8) I will Carry You (1999)

“Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you” (Isaiah 46:4).

It is the Lord who carries us through the storms of life and He uses many people to help us along the way. We take the hands of our brothers and sisters in Christ as well as the lost so they can make it in this lifetime.

#9) Heart of Worship (2000)

“Then the Lord called Samuel. Samuel answered, ‘Here I am’” (1 Samuel 3:4).

The beauty of worshipping God as the body of Christ is most evident when we decide as a collective group to “show up”. The heart of true worshippers is revealed in our surrender and humble adoration of our mighty Lord.

#10) Healing Rain (2004)

“…having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water” (Hebrews 10:22).

Just as the rain from heaven brings a fragrance of freshness and newness, there’s a sweet scent cleansed away leaving a new creature in Christ Jesus. Heaven pours out the grace for each person to become new.

#11) Grace (2008)

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8).

This song speaks volumes to every believer who walked away from God, but returned to Him broken, confused, and weary. Grace reminds us that we have done nothing to deserve Christ—He did it all.

#12) Agnus Dei (1990)

“Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!” (Revelation 5:12).

This song ought to bring every believer to their knees with uplifted arms. We are reminded of the holiness and majesty of our God—so we respond in our human futility. Yet one day we shall sing with the angels in a thunderous praise to Jesus Christ.

The worship continues…

Michael W. Smith’s latest album, Sovereign, is due out in May 2014. Once again his music reminds us of God’s control over our lives. Unlike the secular musicians—we are drawn to worship our Lord and King, Jesus Christ and not this world. Amen.

Article By Crystal McDowell

Crystal McDowell is a writer, speaker, and teacher with a passion to encourage believers to know and grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ through practical application of God’s word.  

Crystal and her husband, Marshall, raise their five children in the Bloomington, IL. As a freelance writer and editor for over 13 years, Crystal has published numerous Christian curriculums for Sunday School and VBS as well as many articles dealing with marriage, motherhood, and relationships. She’s a weekly staff writer for What Christians Want To Know as well as writing her own blog at Crystal McDowell Speaks