LUBBOCK—With his new album That Was Then, This is Now, singer/songwriter Josh Wilson marvels at the intricate details God orchestrated throughout his musical journey.
The theme of this project serves as a powerful reminder people should not be defined, limited or held back by their past circumstances or struggles, he noted. Through these songs, Wilson emphasizes personal messages of forgiveness and freedom in Christ.
“The theme of the album is who we are in Christ,” Wilson said. “The title track is a declaration of the freedom we have because of what Jesus has done. The bridge of the song references 1 John 1:9, ‘If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us from our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.’ I hope people have a renewed sense of forgiveness and freedom that is offered through Christ.”
The album placed in the Top Five on the Billboard Top Christian Albums chart and garnered Wilson’s first debut on the Billboard Top 200 chart. Adding to his recent success, the debut single and title track from the project continues to gain momentum on the radio charts.
Before Wilson received his first guitar, he promised his father, David, senior pastor of Southcrest Baptist Church in Lubbock, he would use the instrument for God. He honored that commitment and began leading worship for his youth group. After high school, he attended Belmont University in Nashville, where he won the Christian Music Showcase his junior year.
Following graduation from Belmont in 2006, Wilson signed with Sparrow Records and released his major label debut, Trying to Fit the Ocean in a Cup, in 2008.
Rapid success
In 2012, Wilson won the ASCAP Christian Songwriter of the Year award.
With his rapid success, Wilson notes the importance of being a good steward of his musical talents.
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“I think there is confidence in knowing this is my calling, but there’s also humility in knowing that my talents are on loan,” he said. “I am stewarding this gift of music, and I feel a renewed sense of purpose.
“My wife always reminds me that life is too short to be too cool. I love that quote, because sometimes I tend to take myself too seriously and need to remember there’s no reason to be too cool. I love Job 37:14, which says, ‘Stop and consider the wondrous works of God.’
“I wrote the song ‘Blown Away’ about slowing down to consider what God is doing in our everyday life. The song talks about being blown away by God’s extraordinary grace every day and stopping to be amazed.”
During his concerts, Wilson showcases his musical talents, playing more than 20 instruments, including banjo, mandolin, ukulele, glockenspiel, guitar and piano.
Lyrics from life experiences
Recognized by critics for his unique ability to take ordinary life experiences and turn them into soul-stirring lyrics, his songs often take listeners on a musical journey of reflection and God’s redemption.
“I’ve heard from many people who felt that certain songs were written specifically for them,” Wilson said. “I do believe that God uses the right song at the right time to reach people. I received a message from someone who was planning to drive off a bridge and take their life. When my song ‘Before the Morning’ came on the radio, they realized that there was still hope, and they weren’t too-far-gone to give their life to Jesus. They turned their car around and surrendered completely to Christ.
“That’s an encouragement to me, because I’m not doing anything new with my songwriting. I’m just expressing timeless truths that are all found in Scripture.”
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