Touching Heaven

Influence Music's “Touching Heaven,” with Melody Noel and William Matthews, is about the nearness of God's presence. The first verse says there is a place “here and now” where we see all of his glory, with miracles and healing power, and that the Spirit is for the singer. The pre-chorus adds that shame goes away when she reaches up a little higher, and she stays in God's space with love that makes her feel lighter.

The vamp comes in as a single image, “Like I'm touching heaven.” The second verse is about response. She raises her hands, he fills her up, and the weight of grace lifts her to freedom. She comes close without fear, saying that God is the reason her fear disappears and that he draws near. The bridge is the most honest moment in the song: even if she cannot see the light of day, even if she stumbles and hits the ground, she knows his hand will guide her. The repeated line that she can feel it now gives the ending a joyful, free feel. The track is built for a worship set with a live band and a call to lift hands, and it serves as a reminder that the presence of God is available in the middle of an ordinary day as well as on a Sunday.

Being seated with Christ in heavenly places is Ephesians 2:6. Receiving the Spirit of adoption is Romans 8:15, and fullness of joy in his presence is Psalm 16:11.