Finding Hope in Darkness: Trusting God’s Timing

AMY TURNER

There are moments when darkness feels overwhelming, and hope seems distant. Psalm 130:6 offers a picture of waiting in those difficult times: “My soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning.” In ancient cities, guards stood on the walls through the night, keeping watch for any danger. Their eyes stayed alert, not just for threats, but for the first signs of dawn. Morning meant safety, as the light chased away the fears of night.

In the same way, people of faith wait for God’s presence to bring peace and clarity in troubled seasons. The struggles of this world, along with the confusion within our own hearts, can feel like a long, dark night. But God’s word shines as a guiding light, offering truth and comfort when nothing else does. Just as the watchmen trusted that the sun would rise, believers are reminded to trust that God’s light will break through, no matter how long the night feels.

Your word is a lamp to my feet
And a light to my path.

Psalm 119:105

Sound Street brings a bit of NOLA jazz to a classic gospel song

SPECIAL CROSSROADS RECORDS

Arden, North Carolina (June 20, 2025) — The latest single from last year’s full-length Good Seed is just hitting the Southern Gospel charts, but Sonlite Records’ Sound Street have been busy bringing new music to their growing legion of fans since the beginning of the year — and this time, the family based trio of dad Jarrod Vanderslice, daughter Jaylie, and their colleague Ryan Bilby, has served up a venerable classic with a creative new sound.

“Get ready for a fresh take on an old favorite,” enthuses Jarrod Vanderslice. “Sound Street is thrilled to release our new streaming single, ‘I Want to Know More About My Lord’ â€” but with a twist you’ve never heard before!”

“Ryan has always loved this classic Redback hymn,” he continues, “and he had a vision for it that took it straight to the streets of New Orleans. When he shared that idea with the group and our producer, Roger Talley, the wheels started turning. What if we took this beloved gospel song and gave it a full-on NOLA jazz treatment? That’s exactly what we did!”

Sure enough, from its irresistible opening, “I Want To Know More About My Lord” shines with its cheerful orchestration, lending an extra lift to an arrangement that offers each member of the trio a chance to claim the spotlight amid intricate harmonization that reflects the song’s origins in the legendary Stamps Quartet catalog.

“With a strummin’ banjo, lively trumpet, soulful clarinet, and a brass section that’ll make you feel like you’re strolling through the French Quarter,” Vanderslice concludes, “this energetic arrangement brings a brand-new vibe to a timeless message. It’s fun, it’s uplifting, and most importantly — it reminds us all to keep seeking and knowing more about Jesus. Give it a listen, sing along, and let the joy of the Lord move you!”Listen to “I Want To Know More About My Lord”HERE.

Finding God’s Voice in Daily Restlessness

FLOYD ROGERS

Many people spend too much time worrying about what others think. We chase after approval, opinions, and praise, and in doing so, we often miss the quiet voice of God. One of the simplest ways God reaches out to us is by stirring a sense of restlessness in our hearts.

This feeling can appear in the middle of daily routines — at work, at home, or even in church. It’s a sense of unease you can’t explain. You might not understand where it’s coming from or why it’s there. But when this unsettled feeling arrives, it’s wise to pause and turn to God in prayer.

Instead of ignoring it or brushing it aside, take a quiet moment to ask, “Lord, are you trying to speak to me? Is there something you want me to notice or change?” Often, this restlessness is God’s gentle way of guiding us toward something important we’ve overlooked.

Stop striving and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted on the earth

Psalm 46:10

The Power of Christ in Every Believer’s Life

FLOYD ROGERS

The life that lives inside every believer is Jesus Christ. He existed before time began and will continue forever. No one can defeat or destroy Him, because He holds the power over both life and death. This same Jesus now lives within those who believe in Him, dwelling in their spirits.

When a person accepts salvation, God connects them to His eternal life. It’s like being placed into a flowing river that stretches from eternity past to eternity future. From the moment of salvation, that person becomes part of this never-ending life with Christ.

This eternal connection means believers can always find hope and strength in God’s Word. No matter what happens in life, Christ remains their source of life and peace.

When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory.

Colossians 3:4

Southern Gospel’s Enduring Mission: Dealing Hope Through Music

JEFF TURNER

In an era marked by uncertainty and division, one musical tradition continues to reach beyond generational boundaries. Southern Gospel music, with its roots in American Christian culture, maintains a singular focus: providing hope to those who need it most.

Clint Brown of Southbound says the purpose of Southern Gospel goes far beyond entertainment or even worship—it represents a calling to serve. It encourages the world.

“If there’s anything that I believe is a standard for Southern Gospel, it’s the fact that we are hope dealers. I mean, it just is,” Brown explains. “You know, whether it’s, I’m getting up in age and I’ve got something to look forward to, whether it’s Jason Crabb saying, ‘Through the fire, God will keep you.’ No matter what it is, whether it’s Ronnie Henson 50 years ago saying, ‘You know but when you’re in a place where you’re unsure and don’t know how to get out of, there’s always a lighthouse. I think Southern Gospel has always been hope dealers.”

Rather than accidentally stumbling into themes of encouragement, our artists and songwriters deliberately work to serve those facing life’s inevitable challenges. Brown’s reference to aging listeners finding “something to look forward to” is true. The lyrics address universal human experiences.

Contemporary artist Jason Crabb’s message of God’s protection “through the fire” carry the same idea of Ronnie Henson’s lighthouse offering guidance to the lost and uncertain.

We hope the music you hear on Texas Gospel is an encouragement to listeners. Perhaps not every song speaks to you. But at lest some of the time.