presenting Jordan merritt and the band table,
read the story and listen to the song, “Proud”
the story
I’ve never been a part of a song that feels as special to me as this song.
When I looked at making this record I looked for a song that fully communicated my heart. Deep calls to deep. I honestly didn’t even know what was there at the time. I just knew that the song of my heart didn’t fully exist yet. There were many songs that have felt incredibly special to me and many that I felt close to. But there wasn’t one that felt like my letter to the Lord. I wanted that I bled into existence.
I sat down at my basement piano in Sioux Falls, SD and began to sing “I want to please your heart. I want to make you smile.” I’ll never forget that moment. It was culmination of years of joys. Years of pain. Years of questions. Years of seeing Gods faithfulness. All in 2 lines. My entire life desire summed up in those words.
There are so many things I could write about my own life and how this song came to be… but it would books. This song was written in my heart over years and years before it ever formed into song. So many memories. Dreams me and my wife died too. Things we did that made no sense to anyone but we were sure God’s peace was leading us. Seasons of pruning. Seasons of being humbled. Seasons of fumbling around trying to follow Him. But one thread that weaved all those seasons together. To the core of my being… I wanted God to be honored by my life. Jennie Lee Riddle one time prayed for me and said, “every time I pray for you, I think of Peter and his deep desires to do right and please God.” Yep. That’s it.
So. Instead of unpacking my life right here… I believe a better use of your attention is to encourage and urge you.
The encouragement. If you are in Jesus… God is pleased with YOU! It’s amazing! Not because of your strength, or wisdom, or skill, or determination. But because of the blood of His Son that was shed for US! We are now sons and daughters, children of God. And he’s PROUD of his children. Because of who He is.
The urging. It’s so easy for us to buy into the lie that’s being sold to us (literally) daily. To live life OUR way. To live OUR truth. To live for OUR dreams. If we aren’t careful we can quickly become so consumed with US and forget about what God wants. But I urge you, just as Paul did, to present yourself as a living sacrifice HOLY (set apart for Him and His purposes) and PLEASING to Him. To think that our small lives could bring a smile to the face of Almighty God is still something that I don’t fully understand. But I sense His delight over my life when I walk in His will and His ways. And there is nothing better in life than the delight of God. I urge you (and myself) to live our lives to please HIM. Nobody else.
This is life to the full.
Proud lyrics
Verse 1
Who am I that you would want me?
How could I be your desire?
All I have's a humble offering,
But that’s all that you require
Verse 2
All my wealth and all my fortune
Every treasure labored for
I’d give it up in just a moment
’Cause your delight is my reward
Chorus
I want to please your heart
I want to make you smile
I’d give up a thousand dreams
More than a thousand times
I’d go anywhere you ask
No matter how much it costs
I would do anything
Just for a chance to make you proud
Verse 3
In my wins or in my suffering
In every season of this life
Oh, let me hear “Oh, good and faithful”
’Cause in your joy I’m satisfied!
Bridge
Like a child with his father
I just want to hear "Well done!"
I don’t need a celebration
You’re delight in me's enough
I don’t want to be a taker
And abuser of your grace
I just long to live a life
That puts a smile upon your face!
Tag
I would do anything
Just for a chance to make you proud
jordan merritt Bio
Jordan Merritt is a talented Christian songwriter and musician who has made a significant impact on the contemporary Christian music scene.
With a passion for creating music that inspires and uplifts listeners, Jordan has written a number of powerful worship songs that have become beloved favorites of Christians around the world.
Among Jordan's most notable works are "You Hold It All," a popular worship song recorded by the Newsboys; "People of the Cross," moving anthem performed by Selah; and "Yet I Want More," a powerful ballad featured on Vol. 3 of The Emerging Sound project.
Jordan's music is characterized by its heartfelt lyrics, soaring melodies, and powerful vocals, which combine to create an unforgettable listening experience. Whether he is writing for himself or collaborating with other artists, Jordan's dedication to his craft and his faith shine through in every song he creates.
You might also be able to find him singing in the band that he is a part of called "The Band Table".
CREDITS:
writer: Jordan merritt
Producers: Jordan Merritt, Kaleb Frazier, Zach Saltmarsh
Mastered by Joe Causey at Voyager Mastering
mixed by david riddle
© 2022 Tent Peg Music (BMI). All rights reserved. For licensing requests, please visit Music Services. CCLI# 7227437
