Songs Of Faith Collection

My Songs Of Faith Collection is 24 songs with the theme of faith; songs about seeking God's guidance and direction through the storms of life, surrendering to his will, and trusting in his mercy and grace. They have been compiled in a song book called, "I've Been To The Mountain," and recorded on two CDs.

This CD contains the first 12 of these songs. They date back to 1996, and are presented in the order they were written. You will find all of these songs, and links to the lyrics and the story behind each song on the sidebar. Just click on the title, to read the lyrics, then click on the playbar to listen. These songs are not professionally recorded; they are played and sung by friends from my church, who graciously agreed to help me with this project.

The sheet music is not yet available online, but I hope to do that soon.

To purchase "Where The River Leads" or "Sail On," go here.

I hope you enjoy listening. ~~~Deb

Songs Of Faith Collection part 2

This CD contains the last 12 songs from my Songs Of Faith Collection.

The songs are all uploaded on the sidebar, along with links to the lyrics.

Only God Is Able CD

This cd was recorded as a fundraiser to send a young lady in our church to Thailand. We support a missionary there, and Emerald went to help out in their school and orphanage. These 10 songs speak of God's love and forgiveness, and our need of salvation.

Please click on the song links in the sidebar to listen as you read the lyrics.

Tears In A Bottle; Psalm 56:8

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  ©Deborah Bolack 2000
Pianist B. Isaac
Soloist E. Stanley
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I have a friend who walks with me through every storm and trial.
He’s closer than a brother; he’s with me every mile.
He carries me through valleys, and gently soothes my fears.
He guides my every foot step, as he wipes away my tears.

He puts my tears in a bottle, and gives me songs in the night.
In the times of trouble, clouds give way to light.
He gives me beauty for ashes, and oil of joy for mourning.
Forever I’ll make my refuge in the shadow of his wings.
I have a friend who walks with me and guides me with his word.
He’s closer now than ever; his still small voice I’ve heard.
He answers when I cry out; on him I cast my cares.
He gives me words of comfort, as he wipes away my tears.
He puts my tears in a bottle, and gives me songs in the night.
In the times of trouble, clouds give way to light.
He gives me beauty for ashes, and oil of joy for mourning.
Forever I’ll make my refuge in the shadow of his wings.
In the shadow of his wings.

~~~~~~~~~

Often when I write a song, there is no real story or incident that inspires the lyrics. Sometimes I just come across a scripture or I’ll hear a phrase that is particularly poetic or meaningful to me, so it stands out in my mind. It may take years before I ever use those words in a song, but they are always there in the back of my mind when I get that urge to write. “Tears In A Bottle” is one of those songs.
Shortly after I was saved, I attended a ladies conference called ‘Beauty For Ashes.’ I don’t remember much about what the speaker had to say, but the title stuck in my mind. Some time later I read in Psalm 56, “put thou my tears into thy bottle.” Again the phrase stayed with me. Eventually they both made their way into this song, along with a few other favorites.
But as is often the case, this song has taken on a deeper meaning as I've gone through some storms and trials in my life. The Lord has a way of using the words of my own songs to remind me that he is always there to guide me through whatever storm is brewing, and he will even carry me through, when I don't have the strength to stand...all the while, collecting my tears and replacing them with a song.


Proverbs 18:24b and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.
Psalm 56:8 Thou tellest my wanderings: put thou my tears into thy bottle: are they not in thy book?
Psalm 42:8 Yet the Lord will command his lovingkindness in the daytime, and in the night his song shall be with me, and my prayer unto the God of my life.
Isaiah 61:3 To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, and oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified.
Psalm 17:8 Keep me as the apple of the eye; hide me under the shadow of thy wings,

Every Good And Perfect Gift, James 1:17

©Deborah Bolack 2000

Pianist Apryl (Penner) Jennings

Soloist Chantelle Penner

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

When I seek out the will of God, and knock upon a door,
I know that I can trust my Lord, whose throne I bow before.

Every good and perfect gift is from my Father;
giver of life, mercy and grace.
He is unchanging, the same forever;
worthy of glory, honour, and praise.
When I make known my heart’s desires, and lift them to the Lord,
I put my faith in him alone; he’ll answer by his word.

Every good and perfect gift is from my Father;
giver of life, mercy and grace.
He is unchanging, the same forever;
worthy of glory, honour, and praise.
When I cry out to God above, and weep for souls still lost,
I trust in his convicting power to lead them to the cross.
Every good and perfect gift is from my Father;
giver of life, mercy and grace.
He is unchanging, the same forever;
worthy of glory, honour, and praise.

Give God the glory, honor and praise.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This is another song that is not based on a message or any particular experience, but rather a combination of many thoughts and experiences. James 1:17 also happens to be one of those verses that asks to be made into a song!
I may not always see how the circumstances of my life can be ‘good gifts,’ but I can go to my Lord, knowing that I can trust his will for my life and for those I love. The Lord who saved me has not changed. He is still merciful and gracious, and he sees the beginning and the end. I can trust him to work out all the details of molding my life to conform to his plan. Whether I’m asking him to open a particular door, or to give me something I desire, or even to save a lost loved one, I have to go to him knowing that no matter how much I may think I know how he should answer or when he should answer, he alone knows what is good and perfect. He alone is worthy of glory, honour, and praise.
I’ve seen God do amazing things in my family and in my own life. He has blessed us even though we don’t deserve anything, and he guides us even when we take wrong turns and long detours. He keeps showing me that he has a purpose in everything he brings me through, and if I allow him to be Lord of my life, he can take any circumstance and use it for his glory. Sometimes it takes years before God’s purpose becomes clear, and I’m able to look back and thank him for something that I really didn’t understand at the time that I was going through it. When God closed the door to us having more children through birth, I had no idea that it was to open the door to fostering and adoption. Since then, he has blessed us with many children, and over the years he has given many opportunities to share the gospel with them and with their families, as well as social workers and other foster moms.
I just have to look at my three youngest boys to be thankful that God doesn’t always allow us to do things the way we would have planned. Each of them came to us in God’s way, and in God’s time, and I can’t imagine our lives without them. Every good and perfect gift comes from the Lord!


James 1:17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.
Revelation 4:11 Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.

Where The River Leads

©Deborah Bolack 2001

Pianist Bethany Isaac
Soloist Emerald Stanley

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Each of us is beckoned by God’s awesome drawing power
That pulls us like the current of swiftly flowing water.
We may safely follow where the river leads,
if we will wade out deep, and rest in the surging stream.
~
But those who fight the current get pulled in the undertow,
and they are lost forever in the murky depth below.
Some firmly cling to branches, resisting the river’s sway,
drifting to an inlet, entrapped in the miry clay.
Many others struggle so entangled with the weeds,
they never know the peace of following where the river leads.
~
Those who find the rhythm of the mighty river’s flow
must then fully surrender the direction they will go.
Sometimes the flow is gentle, just guiding the weary on,
leading them through the water with a hand that’s sure and strong.
Though many ride the rapids until still waters they will seek,
they’ll one day know the peace of following where the river leads.
~
Each of us is beckoned by God’s awesome drawing power
That pulls us like the current of swiftly flowing water.
We may safely follow where the river leads,
if we will wade out deep, and rest in the surging stream.
~
While some will go their own way and refuse the one who saves,
still others seek a Saviour who will calm the raging waves.
Oh, heed the rushing waters, and give to the Lord control.
Reach out for the lifeline; he will anchor your soul.
There you will find a haven to supply your every need.
Forever know the peace of following where the river leads.
~

Each of us is beckoned by God's awesome drawing power.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Most of this song was written over a three day period, but over the years I’ve made a few changes to both the words and the music. It’s not the best song I’ve ever written, but it probably has the most interesting story behind it.
I had been writing songs for about six years, and had come to a point where I was wondering why I kept writing. I was feeling that maybe it was a waste of time. After all, no one seemed to be interested in singing my songs. Then one afternoon I was lying on the couch in our family room, not quite asleep, but not fully awake either. I saw a picture in my mind of my family at different points along a river. Some were struggling against the current, grabbing branches along the river bank, and some were caught up in the weeds. Suddenly I was wide awake, looking for a pen and paper. The scene was so clear that I had to put it into words.
I knew that day that I would keep on writing even if no one besides God ever heard my songs. The truth is, I can’t NOT write! When I come across a scripture that jumps out at me, or I hear a message preached that touches my heart, I know that it’s only a matter of time before it comes out in a song.
About a year after I had written, “Where The River Leads,” I realized that this song wasn’t just about my family, it was for me. I was the one who had been struggling against the current. It wasn’t until I followed where the river leads that I understood why God had put that song on my heart.


John 6:44 No man can come to me, except the Father which has sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.

Psalm 37:7a Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him

No More Wandering In The Wilderness Psalm 107:4-7

When I wrote this song, my pastor had just preached the last message of a series on the wilderness wanderings. It struck a chord with me because I felt like I had spent a long time wandering in the wilderness myself and had finally crossed the barren desert and entered the promised land.

Not that I wasn’t saved all those years, but I seemed to have lost my way. I had stopped trusting my own ability to hear the voice of God and had spent far too much time listening to other voices and following other sheep, rather than heeding the Shepherd’s still small voice. Too often I’d buried my doubts and stuffed my questions, and just went along with the herd. When I finally got my eyes off of men and back on the Lord, he was there to lead me out of the wilderness onto higher ground where I was finally discovering the abundant life that he had for me all along.

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©Deborah Bolack 2002
Pianist S. Carlson
Performed by The Muckles
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I was wandering in the wilderness, just outside the promised land.
I was following a winding path, carved out by the steps of a man.
In despair I cried to Jesus, and he stretched out his hand.
He guided me across the barren plain, onto higher ground to stand.
~
No more wandering in the wilderness; that never was God’s plan.
No more trips down to Egypt; won’t put my trust in man.
I’m discovering abundant life, holding tight to Jesus hand.
No more wandering in the wilderness; I’ve left that sinking sand.
~
No more wandering in the wilderness, I have seen the promised land.
I am following an upward path, carved out by the steps of the Lamb.
With such joy I sing to Jesus, and praise the great I Am,
for guiding me across the barren plain.
He’s the rock on which I stand.
~
No more wandering in the wilderness; that never was God’s plan.
No more trips down to Egypt; won’t put my trust in man.
I’m discovering abundant life, holding tight to Jesus hand.
No more wandering in the wilderness; I’ve left that sinking sand.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Psalm 107:4-7 They wandered in the wilderness in a solitary way; they found no city to dwell in. Hungry and thirsty, their soul fainted in them. Then they cried unto the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them out of their distresses. And he led them forth by the right way, that they might go to a city of habitation.

Psalm 40:2,3 He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. And hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God; many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the Lord.

John 10:10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

Take All

©Deborah Bolack 2002
Pianist Susan Carlson
Performed by The Muckles
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Take all of the trials and turmoil that you have brought me through,
and use them in some way that brings glory to you.
Lord, may I glorify you.
~

All that I am, and all that I’ve been; all that you’ve given,
and all that I’ve gleaned.
All of my life I lay at your feet.
Take all of it, Lord, and somehow use me.
~
Take all of the pain and heartache that I’ve surrendered to you,
and then lead me to hearts that I might reach out to.
Lord, may I reach out for you.
~
Take all of the gifts and talents that I’ve received from you,
and direct all my paths that I serve only you.
Lord, may I serve only you.
~
All that I am, and all that I’ve been; all that you’ve given,
and all that I’ve gleaned.
All of my life I lay at your feet.
Take all of it, Lord, and somehow use me.
~
Take all my desires and burdens, I have on my heart to give,
and transform them all into your perfect will.
Lord, may I be in your will.
~
All that I am, and all that I’ve been; all that you’ve given,
and all that I’ve gleaned.
All of my life I lay at your feet.
Take all of it, Lord, and somehow use me.
~
Lord, take all.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

At the time that I wrote this song I was simply seeking the Lord’s guidance. I wanted to serve him in some way, but I just didn’t know exactly how or where. I knew that I had learned and grown as a Christian through the trials and difficult situations that God had brought me through, but I also knew that if I was so focused on my own trials and triumphs, that I never looked beyond myself, I was of no use to him. The Bible says, “Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.” I am to learn from my experiences in order to help others who may be facing similar circumstances in their life. God can even use the experiences of my life before salvation to give me an understanding heart and a burden for the lost. But all of my life’s experiences, good or bad, and the wisdom gleaned from them, as well as all my gifts and talents, have to be surrendered to him before he can use me. I had spent some time writing down what I thought my gifts were, what areas I had experience in, and what or who I had a burden for, then I gave all of it to the Lord. As so often happens, the desires and burdens of my heart soon came out in the form of a song.

Romans 12:1,2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God.
2 Corinthians 1:4 Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.

Along This Journey

©Deborah Bolack 2003

Pianist Susan Carlson

Soloist Brian Jane

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Lord, teach me to die daily, to myself and my desires,

that I may rest in you when I am tempted and I’m tried.

You’re my strength along this journey.
You’re my strong and mighty tower.
You’re my shelter from the storm.
Lord, I need thee every hour.
Lord, teach me to live daily by your word, my staff and guide,
that I may be transformed by the renewing of my mind.

You’re my strength along this journey.
You’re my strong and mighty tower.
You’re my shelter from the storm.
Lord, I need thee every hour.
Lord, teach me to see daily, all the blessings you provide,
that I may give you thanks, and glorify you in my life.

You’re my strength along this journey.
You’re my strong and mighty tower.
You’re my shelter from the storm.
Lord, I need thee every hour.
Lord, teach me to speak daily, of my Saviour, Jesus Christ,
That I may show the world a small reflection of your light.
You’re my strength along this journey.
You’re my strong and mighty tower.
You’re my shelter from the storm.
Lord, I need thee every hour.

Lord, you're my strength along this journey,

and I need thee every hour.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 I had begun meeting with a group of ladies from my church. The purpose was to hopefully lose a little weight, but the emphasis of our meetings was on seeing what the Bible had to say about different subjects related to food, water, and our health. Lib Parks led our little group, and she began by saying we were on a journey together. Each week she would give us words to look up, and during our daily Bible reading we were to pick out a verse that blessed us, and one to praise the Lord. I’m not sure that I lost much weight, but I did enjoy the group, and it helped to have a particular topic to get me studying my Bible. The very first morning my Bible study turned into, “Along This Journey,” which became the theme song for the few months that our group met. Because the original song was quite short, I eventually added two more verses.
 I’m sure ‘life is a journey’, is a metaphor that has been used many times by many writers, but there is a reason for that; quite simply, it’s true! Life really is a journey, and for the believer, it’s a daily walk with the Lord, learning to trust him in whatever circumstances we find ourselves. I’ve traveled many miles along this journey, and I’d like to say that I’ve finally arrived; that I rise bright and early every morning, committing my day to the Lord, seeking guidance through his word before I do anything else. I’d like to say that, but I can’t. What I can tell you is that even though I’m saved by grace, and spiritually I’m seated in heavenly places in Christ Jesus, my flesh is still alive and well. Too often I allow that lazy flesh to take control, even though I know it grieves my Father’s heart. Following the Lord is a decision to die daily to self, and I have no excuse to offer for not doing so. All I can do is confess my sin, admit my lack of resolve, and go on, knowing that my Lord is faithful even when I am not. He’s always right there, waiting to teach me, to transform me, to shelter me, and to bless me. He is my strength along this journey, and I realize more every day just how much I need him to make it through.

Psalm 119:105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
Romans 12:1,2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God.
2 Corinthians 4:16 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.
Galatians 2:5,6 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:

I Wait Upon You Lord; Isaiah 40:31

©Deborah Bolack 2003
Pianist Mrs. Susan Carlson
Performed by Honour and Glory
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

When I see the storm approaching, I take a heavenward flight.
You bear me up on eagles wings, high above the cloudy night.
And from your lofty view, I can see bright rays of light.
As you lift me soaring higher, you give strength to win this fight.
~
In the trials of my life, you call me to a quiet place.
I draw near to hear your voice, and find strength in your embrace.
I wait upon you Lord, in silence I come to you.
I wait upon you Lord, my heart draws near to you.
I wait upon you Lord, I whisper a prayer to you.
I wait upon you Lord, my strength is renewed in you.
~
When the way ahead has darkened, I run to seek your face.
You reach out and take my hand; holding tight, I run my race.
And with you leading on, I can follow in your ways,
for you give my life direction, and strength to sing your praise.
~
In the trials of my life, you call me to a quiet place.
I draw near to hear your voice, and find strength in your embrace.
I wait upon you Lord, in silence I come to you.
I wait upon you Lord, my heart draws near to you.
I wait upon you Lord, I whisper a prayer to you.
I wait upon you Lord, my strength is renewed in you.
~
When my path is long and winding, I walk the way you have shown.
You pull me closer to your side, and you say, “You’re not alone.”
And held up by your arms, I can make it down this road.
As you lighten every foot step, you give strength to bear my load.
~
In the trials of my life, you call me to a quiet place.
I draw near to hear your voice, and find strength in your embrace.
I wait upon you Lord, in silence I come to you.
I wait upon you Lord, my heart draws near to you.
I wait upon you Lord, I whisper a prayer to you.
I wait upon you Lord, my strength is renewed in you.
~
My strength is renewed in you.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Mr. Randy Penner preached a message from Isaiah 40:31 & 41:1 I had heard many messages based on the first portion of scripture, but Mr. Penner included Isaiah 41:1. He talked about being silent before the Lord and how we need to come near to him in order to have a close, intimate relationship with him. He even brought his wife up on the platform to demonstrate how close we need to be in order to embrace. He had one of the young men draw a beautiful eagle on the whiteboard, where he also wrote an outline for his message. It was so clear and so simple that I was able to use each point as a verse. I went home after that Wednesday evening service and had written most of the words to this song by midnight. The next morning, I made a few changes and added a few more lines. The music came almost immediately, which seldom happens for me! It was so amazing that I even recorded the time: the song was complete by 10:20 A.M.

The picture that Mr. Penner portrayed in that message is the surrendered life that I long to live, not just in the storms of life, but each and every day of my life. In any circumstance, I can go to that quiet place of prayer, and draw near to my Lord, and wait upon him for the strength and guidance to meet any challenge. Sometimes I just need to stop and be silent before my Lord…...and wait.

Isaiah 40:31 But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary; and they shall walk and not faint.

Isaiah 41:1 Keep silence before me, O islands; and let the people renew their strength: let them come near; then let them speak: let us come near to judgment.

Gonna Pray

©Deborah Bolack 2004
Pianist Apryl (Penner) Jennings
Performed by Grafted In
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Pray, pray, pray when the road ahead is steep.
Gotta pray, pray, pray when the valley plunges deep.
Pray, pray, pray when I feel I can’t go on.
Gonna pray, pray, pray ‘till God gives my heart a song.
~

Gonna pray through every passing mile.
Gonna pray through my tears; pray with a smile.
Gonna pray for God’s strength to meet each day.
Gonna pray, gonna pray, gonna pray!
~
Pray, Pray, pray when the water’s rising high.
Gotta pray, pray, pray when I’d really rather cry.
Pray, pray, pray when a friend just can’t be found.
Gonna pray, pray, pray, Jesus never lets me down.
~

Gonna pray through every passing mile.
Gonna pray through my tears; pray with a smile.
Gonna pray for God’s strength to meet each day.
Gonna pray, gonna pray, gonna pray!
~
Pray, pray, pray when I’m tossing in the night.
Gotta pray, pray, pray when I’m longing for the light.
Pray, pray, pray when my hope is fading fast.
Gonna pray, pray, pray ‘till the morning dawns at last.
~

Gonna pray through every passing mile.
Gonna pray through my tears; pray with a smile.
Gonna pray for God's strength to meet each day.
Gonna pray, gonna pray, gonna pray!
~
Pray, pray, pray when the winds are blowing strong.
Gotta pray, pray, pray when the storm is raging on.
Pray, pray, pray when I find no place of peace.
Gonna pray, pray, pray 'till God's rainbow shines for me.
~
Gonna pray through every passing mile.

Gonna pray through my tears; pray with a smile.
Gonna pray for God's strength to meet each day.
Gonna pray, gonna pray, gonna pray!
Gonna pray, gonna pray, pray, pray!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

In the fall of 2003 we built a house on my parents farm. Our first year in the new house, spring arrived early, and soon our entire yard was flooded. I told people I felt like I was living on the ark! But once the initial spring flood subsided we were able to get out and cultivate the ground and seed grass. Things were going well, until we got a May snow fall, and soon after that the rains came. One morning I went down to the basement to wake the kids, and to my shock and dismay, I found water streaming into the one bedroom that we had managed to get carpeted. Soon water was coming from other parts of the basement as well, and all we could do was vacuum it up and dump it back outside. During the long days of fighting the never ending flood waters pouring into our basement, I sometimes wondered how we would ever get through. Brian would stay up all night, sucking up the water every half hour, and then have to go to work the next morning, when I would take over vacuuming. After three days of this, we decided to just move all of our furniture to higher ground and wait out the flood.
Most of the words to this song came to me as we fought the flood in our basement. It was devastating to see all of our hard work being ruined, and at the time I felt so alone, that we might as well have been living on Noah’s ark. But when we can’t find a friend, and the storm isn’t letting up, Jesus is always there; he never let’s us down.

Matthew 7:24,25 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon the house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.
Isaiah 59:19 When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him.
Psalm 138:7a Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me:
1 Peter 5:7 Casting all your care on him; for he careth for you.
Philippians 4:6 Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let you requests be made known unto God.