As promised, Matthew Smith’s Hiding Place released yesterday, and, as expected, it’s a fine collection of new compositions, retuned older hymns and a few favourites from past years. Skillful musicianship and vocals serve to bring the lyrics and melodies to the listener in way that invites singing along.
Though the music tempos vary (and strains of Mumford seem to echo on a track or two) the abiding theme is an important one for weary and stressed souls: that Jesus alone is our refuge and peace.
We all need to hear that.
Matthew explains:
WE ALL NEED A HIDING PLACE. Ever since that terrible day in the garden, when Adam and Eve frantically gathered fig leaves before finally diving behind trees as the Lord came near, we’ve needed a place to hide. But the places we try to hide – where we find our worth and security – are just as flimsy as fig leaves. When the storm comes, they will be blown away (Prov. 1:27-29). Our foolishness will be exposed, like Adam and Eve’s, and there will be no place to hide our shame.
Unless. Unless God Himself provides a place for us to hide. A second (or last) Adam, who instead of hiding his nakedness, chooses to be stripped bare, take on our shame, and be crucified for our sins.
This is an album of hymns about Jesus, that last Adam. They speak of Him as a place I can hide, even if storms come that shake the whole world. As the rock of ages, cleft for me, who I can hide myself in. As the solid rock on which I can stand– that His oath, His covenant, His blood will support me even when I am overwhelmed. As my dear refuge and safe retreat. As the Savior who I can come to and be given shelter, out of the depths of ruin untold. As the One whose loving heart can feel my deepest woe, who bears a part of my sorrow in a way that no one else can. Seek Him as your hiding place while He may be found.
Matthew Smith Nashville, TN
Have a listen.
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