Anna Golden ‘Church’

Written by: Laura Chambers (July 29, 2023)

Anna Golden is no stranger to the talent industry. The youngest of four children, all of whom have pursued careers in show business, Golden chose to follow God’s calling on her life. Her desire is to place Him in the spotlight, rather than her own talents. It’s a wise decision, one that she encourages us to make for ourselves in her debut album, Church. The album is saturated with Scriptural truths about God’s character; holiness, love, strength, and glory, to name a few.

“At The Altar” assures us that it’s no mere coincidence when we find ourselves in the presence of God. Whatever we are in need of, Golden invites us to gather at the altar and petition Him for a miracle. Something will change, whether it’s our situation or our perspective.

“Glory To Glory” directs our attention to the promise that lays beyond the struggle we’re about to face. We can’t even imagine what shape our victories will take, and what wonders God will show us. Rather than expecting the worst, we are called to live in anticipation of great things to come. (The line “There’s new levels that we haven’t seen yet” reminds me of video games. Was that intentional?)

“The Word” takes inspiration from the Gospel of John, describing Jesus as the eternal Word of God. The song moves from creation’s beginning – the Word speaking light into being, to Christ’s incarnation – humbling Himself to become human for love of His people, to His return – where everything else has faded, but His Word remains. I like the way she dips her voice low at the end of some of the lines, like she’s bending low to scoop the sweet honey of God’s truth from a jar.

In “Psalm 91 (I Will Say)”, Golden takes refuge in the shelter of God’s loving arms, confident that He is coming to her rescue. She reminds herself that He can be trusted, declaring it for all to hear. She briefly addresses the threat that she’s up against, saying it can’t have her house or family. (In this way, it’s an unintentional lesson in not taking things out of context, song lyrics or Bible verses; if you don’t understand the rest of the song, you might think she’s telling God He can’t have them.)

Anna briefly speaks to the heart of people who have been wounded by the church and still carry scars from their ordeals. She shares her own testimony of heartbreak and healing. She then moves toward a song birthed by this story, “Manasseh”, named after Joseph’s son, whose name signified Joseph’s intention to forget his pain and move on. She celebrates God’s redemption and restoration, declaring that He has given her a Manasseh – something good that came out of all the suffering, waiting, longing, and brokenness. We can lay it down now, and let Him transform it into something beautiful.

Rita Springer joins Anna for the tender tribute, “I Love It Here”, a song extolling the beauty of God’s house. No place compares to His presence, where His glory surrounds us, where we are free to pour out our hearts in worship. Golden’s love for God shines brightly throughout the song.

“Whole Thing” invites an all-knowing God to receive the sacrifice of our lives surrendered in their entirety. He has chosen to love and bless us, in spite of our imperfections and brokenness. When we give everything to Him, He redeems our mistakes and pain.

“Because Of You” proclaims that God is our source of hope, the silencer of doubts, and the keeper of our lives. He is the one that makes everything we experience worth the struggle. He can be found in every beautiful thing He has made, drowning out everything else.

In “Get Your Glory”, Golden cries out for God to glorify Himself through her suffering in as full a way as possible. The song is a moving prayer for the redemption of our sorrows, to the One whose beauty makes every story beautiful.

“Be Magnified” paints a final portrait of Jesus that captures His beauty and power, lifting His name up as only He deserves. We are waiting for His return, even as we marvel at His continued presence from beginning to end.

Church overflows with praise to the God who can bring blessing through brokenness, peace from chaos, and beauty from ugliness. Anna Golden joyfully and reverently praises God by reflecting His own Word back to Him, drawing listeners to become worshippers.

4.8/5