Rick Lee James' "Up On The Mountain" Reassures Us of God's Peace

By Timothy Yap Jul 15, 2024 07:10 PM EDT

"Up On The Mountain," the latest single from acclaimed singer/songwriter, chaplain and popular podcaster Rick Lee James, is now available on streaming platforms. A folk/rock ballad depicting Elijah's encounter with God on Mount Horeb, the track articulates a universal longing for divine guidance and reassurance in times of crisis.

With its driving, upbeat arrangement set in a minor key, "Up On The Mountain" mirrors the juxtaposition of God's power displayed on Mount Horeb. He sent Elijah a wind, an earthquake and a fire, but God was not found in these formidable forces. Instead, His low whisper caused Elijah to cover his face in reverence.

"It's powerful to recognize that even when the world is in chaos, God often shows up as a gentle whisper, not with fanfare," James explains. "He arrives at the disasters in our lives quietly, in utter silence, bringing peace and stillness. That's the essence of God's sovereignty-a non-anxious whisper speaking, 'Peace, be still,' into the most significant storms we can ever face."

"So often we live life amid metaphorical winds, earthquakes and fires, running from one crisis to the next," he adds. "I hope this song encourages others to slow down, be present, and listen to God. Elijah's encounter shows us a God who never arrives as chaos, but as order in chaos."

The accompanying music video adds further dimension to the song's meaning. Directed by Rick Stull for Media Explosion, the unique clip features James as a "one man band" in a satirical portrayal of his often misguided desires to be in control of every situation.

"It speaks to my over-functioning in life," James says of the video's inspiration. "Too frequently I live at a chaotic pace and don't take the time to follow my own advice just to be still and listen for God in silence. Sometimes the chaos comes from outside of me, and sometimes it is of my own making."

ABOUT RICK LEE JAMES

Rick Lee James is a singer/songwriter, worship leader, chaplain, author, speaker and podcaster. His recordings include the critically lauded albums Thunder (2019) and Hymns, Prayers, and Invitations (2016); as well as the 2013 live release Basement Psalms; and the singles "You Are My Salvation," "As I Walk These Halls," and "Shine A Light In The Darkness," among others. James' book, Out of the Depths: A Songwriter's Journey Through The Psalms, has been used as a textbook for the National Praise & Worship Institute at Trevecca Nazarene University, and he has been a contributing writer to Worship Leader, Holiness Today, The Table and Worshiplife.com.

As a podcaster, James has hosted more than 500 episodes of "Voices In My Head," a show featuring interviews with authors, media personalities and such leading singer/songwriters as Andrew Peterson, Sara Groves, Keith Getty, Michael Card and Paul Baloche. He also hosts "Welcome To The Neighborhood: A Mister Rogers Tribute Podcast," celebrating the life and legacy of Fred Rogers.

For further information, visit rickleejames.com. Follow him on Instagram, X and YouTube. For booking inquiries, email rick@rickleejames.com or call 937-206-1146.