How Hillsong United Changed My Life | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

How Hillsong United Changed My Life

Every Hillsong United show I've been to, has left me renewed and transformed with a heart set for God.

365
How Hillsong United Changed My Life
Matt LeMattle
“My heart beating, my soul breathing
I found my life when I laid it down
Upward falling, spirit soaring
I touch the sky when my knees hit the ground”

These are lyrics from Hillsong United's song 'Touch the Sky,' one of the many songs which have changed my life. Growing up, Hillsong United was THE Christian band everyone loved. Their songs were played every Sunday and I had memorized the lyrics to almost all of their songs. Back when I was in middle school, Hillsong United was playing a free concert at my church. My friend and I had gotten there hours before the concert and the line wrapped all around the church. This showed the magnitude of how big this band was in Christian culture. Unfortunately, we never got to see them that day, but little did I know, I would see them again years later.

May 13, 2015, Hillsong United were presenting their new album "Empires" for the first time at Club Nokia in Los Angeles. Before this concert, I hadn’t listened much to Hillsong United and left it behind with my middle school years. However, I had a friend who was passionate about worship music and got me interested in them again. We bought our tickets the night before of the show and it was one of the best decisions of my life.

We sat in the balcony seats, excited to hear what new songs the band had as well as their old ones. The worship lasted for about an hour and half and it reintroduced the love I had for this genre of music that I had left behind. The lyrics in the songs held such great meaning and I felt alive knowing I was praising God with such a powerful love. After the show had ended, I walked away with tears in my eyes and a fire in my heart burning for God. I fell back in love with Hillsong United and their music.

Once the "Empires" album came out, it was the only album I would listen to for days. The next time I saw them perform again was on February 23, 2016 at the Citizens Bank Arena in Ontario. I was blessed enough to have gotten general admission tickets where I stood so close to the band and stage. Although, they played the same songs as before, the show was different as they added graphics and new moments of prayer and Scripture reading. Joel Houston would stop and talk to the crowd about the true meaning of worship and why we do it. I look up to Joel because he is so knowledgeable about the Bible and his words always push me in my relationship with God.

Hillsong United has the unique ability to create songs with lyrics which make you stop and think about how wonderful God is. The lyrics reflect Scripture and express how we should be worshipping God. Listening to Hillsong United, led me into discovering Hillsong Young and Free (who I have seen live as well) and Hillsong Worship. I was able to redeem myself when Hillsong Worship came to church again to perform. Joel Houston and Taya Smith led worship as they performed songs from their new album "Let There Be Light."

Last time I saw Hillsong United perform was at the Forum in Los Angeles on May 18, 2016. Although the show was about the same as to when I saw them in Ontario, the show was still just as powerful. I am grateful for Hillsong United because when I am feeling in a rut, or discouraged their music uplifts me. I listen to Hillsong United almost everyday because their music has helped me get through so much in life. Whether the moments in my life are low or high, I will always praise God with their music.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

2273
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

448840
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

21274
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Moana's Top 10 Life Tips

"Moana" is filled with life lessons that involve far more than finding true love as many other Disney movies do.

44332
Animated image of a woman with long dark hair and tattoos
StableDiffusion

1. It's easy to be fooled by shiny things.

Digital image of shiny gemstones in cased in gold. shiny things StableDiffusion

Tamatoa created a liar filled with shiny things simply for the purpose of tricking fish to enter and become his food. He too experiences a lesson in how easy it is to be tricked by shiny things when Moana distracts him by covering herself in glowing algae so Maui can grab his hook.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments