Gary Mathena - Old Story, New Songs (CD)

I waited patiently for the Lord to help me, and he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along. He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God.
Many will see what he has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in the Lord.
Psalm 40:1-3 NLT

As we journey through life, we often find ourselves in the “pit of despair,” where the challenges of our situation can seem overwhelming and difficult to overcome. Yet, the beauty of our faith lies in the glorious truth of the OLD STORY—the gospel of Jesus Christ: His virgin birth, His virtuous life, His vicarious death, and His victorious resurrection. It is the story of His relentless love and grace that lifts us from the “mud and the mire” of sin.

In Psalm 40, we see the psalmist’s cry, a cry that echoes through the ages. He waited patiently, trusting that the Lord hears and responds. When God stepped in, He didn’t just lift him from despair; He gave him a NEW SONG. This song isn’t just a melody but a deep expression of gratitude and transformation—a testament of God’s faithfulness.

The OLD STORY is a tale of grace and redemption that has been sung for centuries. But each day, as we experience God’s mercy anew, He invites us to add our own verses to this timeless song. The trials we encounter become the inspiration for our personal hymns of praise.

As you listen to these NEW SONGS, I invite you to reflect on how God has lifted you from your own pit of despair and how He continues to work in your life. In every moment of waiting and every season of struggle, remember: the OLD STORY remains alive and well, and today it’s your turn to sing a NEW SONG. Let the world hear your “hymn of praise” and “see what He has done and be amazed.”

Track list:

DISC ONE
1. Come on In with Leaning on the Everlasting Arms
2. We’re Here to Worship with We are Here and Holy, Holy, Holy
3. I Wait with Patience for the Lord
4. The Mighty God with All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name
5. Remember Me
6. It’s Gettin’ Better
7. Even for One with Rescue the Perishing
8. My Grace Is Enough
9. Lord, Send Revival with Sweet, Sweet Spirit
10. We Can’t Stop Now

DISC TWO
1. Clap Your Hands and Shout to God
2. Lean on Me with I Need Thee Ev’ry Hour
3. Seek First the Kingdom
4. I’m in Your Care (Jehoshaphat’s Prayer) with O Lord, You’re Beautiful
5. You Stood Tall
6. It’ll Soon Be Over for Me
7. Lives Under Construction

8. Go for the Gold
9. Soldiers of the Light
10. Forty Brave Warriors with I Have Decided to Follow Jesus
11. Go with God