Watchman at the Gate with Josh Garrels

John Eldredge invites singer and songwriter Josh Garrels into the podcast studio this week to discuss his new song, "Watchman." It's a fascinating conversation about Josh's walk with Jesus, the power of music, and why John believes "Watchman" is the anthem for this moment in time.
Show Notes: "Watchman" is used with permission and is available wherever you get music.
The lyrics can be found here: www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/a6jies...
The other song John referenced-"Faith, Hope & Love"-is from Josh's album Chrysaline. Listen here: • Faith, Hope, & Love
More pauses available in the One Minute Pause app for Apple iOS and Android.
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[@Tararrtma777]

I grew up Catholic, does that count as a "cult"? 😂 In all seriousness, I was in to punk, death metal, etc. starting at 12 yrs. old. Heavy, heavy drugs and alcohol. Almost died.... should have died. I ALWAYS knew the Lord, but I was angry and I wasn't taught about the relational God of the Bible. I was told to sit, stand, repeat and do it again next week. My grandma always had something different, a love for Christ she never put in to words. She walked the walk. Thank God, because after many, many years I realized I knew the answer the whole time.The Lord pursued me relentlessly, and I finally started pursuing Him. It took awhile, but He delivered me! Now I work helping others with addictions and I love the Lord with all my heart!

[@janethagen3385]

Your testimony encourages me as I stand in faith for my son to come back to King Jesus

[@joannvandiver869]

Please pray in agreement with me for my loved ones in bondage to drugs, and alcohol abuse to be delivered. Family curses 😢

[@keithquinton]

Amen he saced me from alcohol, cancer, and more. He is the father

[@grannie7471]

Keep speaking your testimony brother. ❤

[@shilohauraable]

​@@janethagen3385I also am in constant prayer for our son to have the spirit of disbelief lifted from him! He was raised in the Bible but after the military & college he's decided God is a "fairytale". 😢I pray for his return in my lifetime.

[@donnamartinez777]

I have wept many days at the tragedy of not completing my purpose and/or not fulfilling my destiny. For I had rather never been born than spend a moment without the breathe of the Most High that gives me life. I am 64 and my only hope is that "with God all things are possible" and God will redeem the years the locusts have eaten even as He is willing and able to redeem our lives from destruction. He IS GOD and there is no other. Amen..

[@jennygrim2057]

God bless and comfort you. He is at work and He is molding you into what He wants you to be and what you are already in Him. Hugs xxx❤

[@jimlindsey1288]

I got saved in 1984, broke all my rock n roll records with a hammer. Poured our 23 bottles of liquor, flushed the weed, broke the bong with a hammer. Jesus worked a miracle in my life. He has been a faithful guide and Savior all these years. I too pray to finish strong. Now six kids later, five grandkids, well into the process of passing the baton. I have each of Josh’s albums on my phone, Josh keep up the good work. You guys are making a difference. Be salt and light. God bless !

[@gretchenwhiting9151]

We did the same thing in1982. Looking forward to what God has for us

[@armyofone8537]

Chills. Something similar happened to me. Fueled by depression, GOD opened my eyes, and all around me I saw the idols and temple of depression I had built brick by brick. Book by book. Record by record. Movie by movie. Everything was wicked and I wondered why my life was shrouded in darkness. I am thankful for JESUS’ mercy and what HE has done in my life. I have a long way to go but I am thankful for the distance HE has carried me. Amazing, how GOD has taken these hands of ours, which built those shrines to smash them before HIM and us. Thank YOU, LORD, for THY freedom. 🙌🏼✝️🙏🏼

[@rhodamumo7937]

Must keep our lamps burning. My neighbor needs to see where to step on their faith journey in this dark and shaky world. Holy Spirit be our guide and help

[@sigrunurdalsvingen1969]

It so very encouraging with your witness 🥰🥰♥️Praise to the Lord 🇧🇻🌿

[@rhondamarsh4165]

Thanks for the song!

[@glorisyoung9696]

"Despite the sickness, despite betrayals, His promises will stand " 😭 Amen amen amen

[@abnormalynn7885]

God will take all the bad and turn it for your good and His glory ❤

[@genevieve-gh3lp]

Awh this was perfect for me, timing of reading it. Amen

[@TeresaSteeleLydon]

“Keep your lamp burning all the way through …” Help me Lord, to keep my lamp 🪔 filled UP! 🙏❤️‍🩹❤️❤️‍🔥🕊

[@avrilsingh16]

Amen!!

[@davidprater5210]

I'm 81 saved in1974. Proud of you! Go all the way with God! LIGHT MY LAMP was the desire we had in our hearts, for others for their LAMPS to be lit also! That Jesus would light our hearts from the inner Spirit center of our hearts. We need the Holy Spirit to guide us for our long journey to the Father! The new birth into the Kingdom is forever IN JESUS! Eternal life begins at the new birth and it is forever! IM NOT WRITING A BOOK BUT I'M SO IMPRESSED WITH YOU SO DONT GIVE UP ON YOUR LAMP BURNING SO BLOW WITH H.S. AND CAUSE YOUR FLAME TO INTENSITY.

[@lisacendtimesdoula5861]

Love this song! The cry of the heart of the watchman longing desperately for home!!

[@itschrislamm]

I played this song at least a dozen times today. It resonated with the deepest part of me, convicted me to the core, and has inspired me that I’m not alone with what I’m seeing with my heart and that ignoring it is going to cost me. Thank you so much men!

[@1love8680]

If I could tell Josh, manage to put into words. His massive impact Josh's music has had in my looong road to recovery. He would lift his holy hands up. Praising Him for the joy, comfort, peace, and appreciation I was gifted with through his music. Through praise and worship. The amount of glory given to our Father through Josh's God given gift is immeasurable. If you read this please pray for Josh's family and ministry. From a Simple Stone to a brother in Christ. Thank you Josh... ... ...

[@ChrisNiels]

Can't put into words the overwhelming presence of the Spirit of the Lord active and living in this song. Brought me to tears. I too had a parent in a "Jesus" cult in the 70s and was swept up in a culture of punk rock and drugs at a young age before the Lord pursued me. Epic episode that brought me so much comfort.

[@lorijeleti7798]

Every time I hear Josh speak it makes me like him more. I'm careful about which artist I endorse because the world leads so many of them away. I am so happy that there are some talented people out there that are awake to what is going on. Thank you, Yah!

[@shane_the_yeti]

Josh has been one of my favorites for a long while now. It is so amazing to see how his sabbatical brought this new incredible worship song in the midst of everything he and us as believers have been and will continue to face. Praise the Lord for Josh and for John for bringing him on. May we keep our lamps burning!

[@jamestremaine8651]

Words can't explain what a blessing Josh's testimony and music have been on my life! May God continue to bless Josh and his family and continue to use his gifts to glorify Jesus and bring hope to the lost.

[@ronniedavis4766]

Thank you for these words Encouraging us we are so safe with you Jesus❤❤

[@janpenix8879]

This seeing of music sounds like a gift.

[@sherryclark3388]

Oh, my… it calls the Holy Spirit, your hands just automatically go up and your heart just receives this song’s lyrics… wow. People NEED to hear this!

[@peteflute2817]

Blessings Tara I was the same growing up in Ireland I was 14 when doing drugs and listening to all kinds of heavy music death metal from America and Europe my mother passed away when I was 13half years old at 1990,I lived a life of drugs party's 24,7 up into my late 20s I was living in Holland going crazy party's and came back to Ireland in a bad state I was big into the rave scene at the time XTC speed coke weed and alcohol and acid trips and even did chasing the Dragon heroin,but it all went rong something had to give but gods grace and mercy kept me alive, I've always said my night prayers from childhood but never knew I was in big sin and commit abominations to the lord but in 2020 I felt jesus pulling me so my brother who is a Christian contact me and gave me a Bible I repent and cried on my knees and it was the best thing that ever happened in my life, All Glory honour praise to yesuha Christ jesus and ABBA FATHER YAHWEH hallelujah 🙏

[@hm6956]

As an intersessor this is an amazing encouraging song to help me keep on praying thank u josh for letting holy spirit lead u

[@prestonhall4130]

Josh is one of my favorite musician/prophetic voices in the world of song. Thanks!

[@candesamples468]

So thankful for your heart in your generation to all generations…a pure heart hearing the heart of God to His children and to the lost! ❤

[@patriceheyer5678]

If I’m fully honest I’m waiting on Your promise Even through the trauma that swept my friends away The darkness is upon us The death of saints and psalmists But I will sing my song for You anyway Because You’re all I have Lord, You are the way And I’ll always love You, and I will wait Like a watchman, at the gate Waiting for morning, to break I can feel the winds are changing Getting further down the range and Truth is looking stranger than the lies Because it’s simple and it’s holy It’s better than they told me Jesus You’re my only guiding light And You’re all I have Lord, you are the way And I’ll alway love You, and I will wait Like a watchman, at the gate Waiting for morning to break Waiting to hear You say Come on, enter in to my rest And lay your head upon my chest For I have called you friend Because you kept your lamp burning through the night And you made your garments pure and white By my good sacrifice Yeah, singing now my kingdom is with man So come up to my table and Raise up this glass with Me Oh, singing no more tears and no more pain I’m making all things new again Just like I promised you Sing alleluia all the way And I’ll always love You And I will wait Like a watchman at the gate Lord, I’m a watchman at the gate I’m waiting for morning to break I’m waiting for morning to break Keep my lamp burning Stay awake

[@katrinakopaczewski1696]

This song has just spoke to my soul and I am so thankful for this timely music in my life. Hod Bless you Josh

[@katrinakopaczewski1696]

God bless you…I do not like those spelling errors 😒

[@trishanoren2437]

Thank you for sharing!!! Just found your podcast!!!! What a beautiful way to start… Calling on our FatherGod, Lord Jesus, Holy Spirit…brought tears of JOY!!!! May it be an encouragement for others to open in prayer!!!! ⚓️⚓️⚓️

[@kendel8695]

I just came across it today also 😊 have a blessed day ❤️🙏😇

[@ElChristew]

"Glory in His holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice!" - 1 Chronicles 16:10

[@Stall-FedCalves]

Holy Spirit keeps saying lately: "It's gonna cost us everything to follow one Lord and King." ~ Josh Garrels

[@davidprater5210]

Great reply! Our journey has many twist and turns and bumps with pot holes, and narrow is the way! But we rise above the world's problems and go through them! This is the way of the cross and it's the high road😊. Bless our runaway friend's and continue to pray for them!

[@michaelbaker9558]

Yeah I love his lyrics! This line has stuck with me too!!

[@trinitychasara7422]

Thank you John and Josh for sharing this beautiful song. God has always had a way of catching my attention through songs and humorously so in times when I am feeling like the Psalmist when he said "I am worn out waiting for you to save me, I place my trust in your word" (Psalm 119:81). May we always love the Lord even as we wait like a watchman.

[@elainelorimer818]

WOW! WOW! WOW! I had to pause and back up to listen 3 times and then I didnt want to stop listening but wanted to comment - which I rarely EVER do, anywhere! I am absolutely overwhelmed! So much so that I cant even identify all of the emotions I'm feeling! So VERY powerful! I LOVE THIS SONG! I am going to send it to our worship leader in our church immediately after this podcast. I dont even know if our worship team could pull this off but he'll LOVE the song! I'm BLOWN AWAY! There are no words to say how great this song is! What a fabulous gift!!! You jave my deepest, most sincere gratitude! Thank you Josh! I believe Holy Spirit led me to this because I've never heard of either of you! Now I'll be both your biggest fan!!! Blessings upon blessings upon blessings!!!

[@cathyclear9097]

Even the title of the song is perfect. I follow (as they follow Christ) many watchmen. I see the increase in watchman as a gift from God in these perilous times. He knew we would need them. In a Q&A with one of these watchman I asked if he believed if the obvious increase in watchman is a sign of the season we are in and Christ's return being very soon. He answered, "Absolutely!" This new song is indeed the perfect anthem for this season we find ourselves in. Love it! Glory To God❣

[@Proverbs--tx6yr]

I was so struck hearing Josh for the first time a couple years ago. I recently went to see him in concert with Lauren Daigle coming in after him..😘 so Blessed to witness him live. He's anointed in so many ways ✝️

[@terrigreen100]

I am so happy this song is a blessing for such a time as this ❤️

[@caseypitman6433]

Loved this! I can still remember the first time I heard Josh sing....Beyond the Blue. It was at a pivotal phase of my journey back to Christ. That was also about the time I found the Pause app. Thank you both so much, and God bless! Prayers and hugs from Alabama🙏♥️🙏♥️🙏

[@keithquinton]

❤

[@juleswallace3483]

Josh's music hits my spirit in a very distinct way. I love it for sure. I love more what Jesus speaks through your life because you've yielded yourself to Him.

[@brucepike8315]

These comments r so refreshing. Love Josh Garrels songs, music and incredible lyrics ❤️

[@candacecaldwell6719]

100% CORRECT JOSH ~ RE: YOUR ..... "HEAVENLY ❤ UNDERSTANDING" OF YOUR MUSICAL "SOUNDS" ! ! !

[@sherrymount9908]

I love his songs. Thank you.

[@dennissprague2572]

Josh makes such good art. I can’t get enough of his work. Cool pod

[@cmax2650]

What a unique voice and sound!!! A song filled with the love and Spirit of God!! Thank you. This song drew me to a place of wanting Jesus more and more

[@margohenderson2877]

Love this-so soulful. Waiting like a watchman at the gate and only wanting Jesus during the hard times. Thank you for this.

[@DavidRota]

I like Josh, I feel he has ears to hear. An a voice to sing.

[@CarolAnglin-yi3lc]

The Holy Spirit led me here. He is speechless. Beautiful.

[@CarolAnglin-yi3lc]

He sang through you.

[@donnavalis8359]

May my faith endure and remain till the end. So resonates TRUTH. He is able to keep us. He is a covenant keeping God.

[@eaglea657]

The church has been decieved we are about to come into the most difficult days ahead. Your song is so in tune for the days ahead. Endure to the end for the next 4 yrs. Yes we are in the time of the following away. All the promises of God are yes and Amen❤❤❤

[@shellyalbany]

Truly an Answer To Prayer. Do Not Give Up. Faith Hope And Love ~ Jesus. Now Is The Time “ To Be Born Again! Joshua 1:9

[@gavincarter2586]

ALL my oil for you Lord.

[@tokkierossouw3828]

What a beautiful song! It is Holy Spirit filled!

[@karenbenson7813]

I’ve read John Eldridge and listened to Josh Garrels for many years and I stumbled upon this podcast! Very enlightening and interesting for our current times. Just shared with my 3 most loved and important people! ❤️💖🩷 This blessed me greatly! Thank you Father and please continue to bless these two faithful servants! Unto the ages of ages Amen!

[@faithhopelove7777777]

I always feel the Holy Spirit when I hear your music. I love how unique it is. Glad you are staying true to God & not the industry! God bless you both in the name of Christ Jesus!

[@danielwaldron1053]

Beautiful song, he is very easy to listen to, Jesus makes always a great difference in every one He enters into in Spirit and Truth. Thank you for sharing love the artist and his music in Jesus' Name.

[@tammynewville716]

Jesus is the key to being whole and intact in every area! So many idols have to be laid down.We are broken and rebuilt in the spirit!❤

[@user-tu6xp4gd1b]

Though none go with me still I will follow A minister once told me that if Noone else showed up for the service he would still Meer Jesus to love honor Him ITS not worldly thinking but holy thinking My thoughts and ways are higher than yours BE greatly encouraged brother we love you❤❤❤Josh

[@InnovativEngineering]

Thank you Josh & John! Thank you both for your fortified faithfulness!

[@shalayne9054]

Keep our lamps burning and oil in that lamp. Praise God!

[@Remnant1up]

The song and his singing style pulls you in!! We are a needy people - BUT - saved by grace!! May God bless your music and ministry that it may reach many!! 🔥✨🙌💖

[@hesavedawretchlikeme6902]

"For the Word of the Lord is right, and all His Works are done in Truth." Psalm 33:4

[@Kali08012]

Josh Garrels is one of my favorite musicians 🎶 I’m so happy to hear he has new stuff coming out. I do not listen to secular music unless I’m with others, but it was a difficult transition for me bc I’ve always thought Christian music was so cheesy. I gave up all music so around 6 years and listened to podcasts instead, it wasn’t until I got depressed two years ago that I started listening to music again. When I found Josh Garrels I was so excited to finally find real music. Someone who didn’t sale themselves to a label and give that label their musical talents. He is so extremely intelligent and gifted. I recently found Josiah Queen, I’m testing his music and so far he’s pretty good. Music is so powerful, what Josh said is exactly what I’ve tried telling others. Music can invoke emotions in us and influence our thoughts and then behaviors. Such as pride, lust, depression, etc.

[@joningram4187]

What an amazing song! Thank you so much for sharing!

[@TinyLuvsBostons]

Josh is wonderfully talented and gifted

[@JoshuaAdamBowlby]

Amen to that!

[@annikafeatures4668]

So much love from New Zealand! 🇳🇿 New subscriber here , my husband introduced me to Josh Garrels music when we met, before I came to be baptized. I walked down the aisle at our wedding to "processional" ❤

[@dandjmcfetridge3687]

How good to know God is personal. Trust His Word n happy travelling.

[@micheledowney3884]

Ok ... why am I tearing up at the end of this video? Thank you for piercing my heart with this truth. Just added this beautiful song to my March playlist. Thank you Lord for the 'random' youtube recommendation to watch this clip :) Thank you John and Josh xx

[@janisannhopley1549]

Josh you have the most unique singing voice. It speaks to my spirit

[@marcuswheeler8972]

Amen and Amen!! God bless you guys and thank you for sharing this important message!! 🙏❤️

[@sharonspencer2312]

1st time hearing your show! That song is so beautiful! Congratulations. You're right; most of the people who fell away from God in Old Covenant fell away when they got careless when they were older!!! Complacent.

[@maemeecoen7449]

Thank you Josh, putting words to what lives in heart mind and soul in this hour ❤.

[@askmisspatience]

Today was discussing this topic with God earlier last evening. What a wonderful timely podcast. Very encouraging. Supportive. Fellowship of faith. ‘Hold on.’ ‘Throwing out life vests.’ ‘Keep the lamp burning.’ I needed this today ❤️ Thank you gentlemen 😊

[@edwinamorgan2950]

So wonderful! Praise God He sought you and you realized He had bought you with His very blood!I am no Catholic but I still was not clear until at 16 Ifinslly knew for sure my sins were forgiven! HALLELUJAH!!!

[@NancyLarsen-ny4yc]

JUST FOUND THIS !!! This is so uplifting and encouraging. Love the 🎵 songs

[@lancecleaver227]

I resonated with this so deeply. Standing watch and keeping your light burning like the parable of the 10 virgins is such a repetitive theme in Orthodox liturgies and the Bridegroom Services of Holy Week. I am also part of an online community that spends a lot time dealing with people who are going through the meaning crisis and "deoncstruction" that Josh has tapped into. This song will be a blessing to many.

[@erich6446]

One of my favorites from Josh

[@terrieormonde2340]

Walking, striving for the prize, losing every weight, not looking behind, Jesus is coming, run finish the race.

[@johnweigand30]

Faith is in it, an act of the will and an act of understanding.

[@phlegmbuoyant]

I fell in Love with Josh Garrels worship music almost immediately -starting with "Pilot Me" & "Farther Along" -even before I was more fully being transformed as a New Creature in Christ in early 2019. Both of y'all's are clearly kindred spirits, a bit beyond the way that all of our brothers and sisters in Christ are supposed to be. Thank you for this incredible heart to heart Interview. And just like Josh gained one more fan in 2019-- Your Channel, John Eldredge, dear brother, has gained a new Subscriber today, from amongst the thousands you already have. -Much Love in Christ Jesus, > GrandPappy pHLeGm {AKA brother dave}

[@Grateful092]

This is exactly the song I need right now. Thank you!

[@neilmay6278]

I received one of those lifejackets that Josh mentioned when the W@❤ lifeboat went sailing by. I just put up a flare, and they dragged me aboard. That was about 4 years ago. I'd fallen away around 2008. I've not looked back since my rescue. Thank you, Lord. There is hope for your fallen loved ones. Keep lifting them up. Be ready with that lifejacket. They'll be so glad that someone was their Watchman. Like a prodigal father watching the road for his son, or daughter. ❤

[@marybrewer2203]

Wow. God is at work this morning. I have found a new podcast because of liking Josh Garrels. Not only that, but it’s giving me a new connection to some folks in my life. Thanks, Wild at Heart. Thanks, Holy Spirit!

[@pieterharmse3657]

I love it. And I'm more than sure God loves it. For God gave it to him.b

[@karenmashak9917]

Wow! We need to keep watch on the wall doing my part in the Kingdom of God. Thank you both, what a good word for us all

[@gloriauselton9897]

Yes, stand steadfast at your post, in unwavering love for Jesus our savior!

[@thekingchrissyg]

Josh is the man. Lot of great tunes. Train song, the arrow, pilot me to name a few

[@christinaversanes5950]

Thank You Father. Just...thank You. Needed this this morning. I love this song and brother Josh in general. His music is definitely annointed for sure. I love you too brother John. Just discovered you but I love your spirit and I'll be back for sure. Praying for you both and your families. Stay filled and stay throwing🙂✌🏼🙏To God be the glory.

[@cherylmorrow561]

I Was saved from that cult! The meeting greet provided me with a one-way ticket to fly out to where the cult met! Praise God, my science teacher, Miss Hunter, was a real Christian at my high school! She came and picked me up and did not let me go to the airport! I think God for her often! That was 44 years ago! Praise God, he saved me from what you went through! I’m so sorry you went through with your family being completely absorbed by them! Praise God, you found Him , the real Jesus, the real way, the real truth and life! Stay in the word of God and your songs will always bring glory to Him him! God bless you🦋🙌👑🙌

[@jacqui7140]

Liked it before I listened lol.. My favourite musician.... Praise God!

[@sisterbecky411]

“But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer…. For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God.. And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?” ( 1Peter 4:7,17a-18) Take heed Saints of the Most High.

[@susanwiser564]

Wow wow wow!! Hallelujah to the King

[@paulinecoombs356]

I am never too crazy about this type of musuc, But this was great. The lyrics super. God bless you. I was blessed

[@kathyhollenbach7413]

Josh, haven't heard anything from you for quite a long time. This is EXCELLENT!!!! Thank you!❤👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@jencoale9519]

Really enjoyed this song, great voice, thank you for sharing it here, may you both be blessed .

[@markonikolic4371]

So important message, thank you John and Josh for this. :)

[@drjimmy2112]

Great song and great production. Thank you John and team for bringing this to attention. Gives voice to the cry of souls now, at least this one

[@Farmhouselivingroom]

Keep your lamp burning stay awake! Love it!

[@sarapatterson8973]

Praise God I'm in tears! This is a holy spirit inspired song!! Thank you Jesus for the cup your provide! As we are watchman and live to serve you! We know your coming back soon!

[@Krezworth]

Thank You!

[@giddy2968]

I love the music of Josh Garrels ❤😊

[@lizfreeman5204]

Beautiful song! ❤️

[@whobeyou5342]

You're all i have LORD. - yes.

[@anitaestes5639]

Wonderful! May you continue to tell your testimony to others.

[@samradtke7513]

All this is SO spot on and perfect timing. Amen and amen. So cool to see such inspirational men in my life personally come together on all this. Thank you both! 🙏❤️‍🔥

[@carolvanrooyen2488]

“His promises will STAND through the carnage”... wow ! What statement! What a truth🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@Hjki473]

❤❤❤❤❤ Love the song 😊😊❤❤❤❤❤ Amazing

[@stellaharris4826]

Finish strong. Timely reminder.

[@pnamie3712]

I enjoyed this video, loved hearing Josh. Thanks John, I've grown closer to the Lord through your ministry over the years.