Finding Faith Through Music: Seph Schlueter’s Journey of Gratitude and Trust
In a world filled with challenges and uncertainties, Seph Schlueter’s story reminds us that faith can flourish even in difficult seasons. The breakout Christian artist, known for his viral hit “Counting My Blessings,” has experienced both incredible success and personal heartbreak, yet continues to point people to God through his music.
Who is Seph Schlueter and how did his music career begin?
Seph’s musical journey began at just five years old after watching Star Wars and figuring out how to play the theme on piano. His mother immediately signed him up for lessons, and by high school, he had picked up the guitar as well. Though his family wasn’t particularly encouraging about his singing voice, Seth persisted because of his love for music.
The turning point came when Seph fell in love with the Lord during high school. Music took on a new meaning as he encountered Jesus through worship. After graduation, he joined a ministry in Ohio called Damascus where he led worship and began writing his own songs. As doors opened, he eventually signed with a record label, allowing him to release music and tour while glorifying God.
What makes worship music different from secular music?
Seph explains that while secular music helped him express or feel something, worship music allowed him to encounter someone – God Himself. This distinction became the driving force behind his decision to pursue Christian music rather than following the path of mainstream artists like Shawn Mendes or Justin Bieber.
“When I encountered worship music, it was totally different because instead of just expressing or feeling something, it helped me encounter someone,” Seph shares. His passion for leading worship and writing songs that help people connect with God naturally guided his musical direction.
How did “Counting My Blessings” impact Seph’s career?
“Counting My Blessings” became a global phenomenon, generating over 9 million user-created videos and 1.2 billion views. The song reached number one on Christian radio, and Seph received two Dove Award nominations and was named Breakout Artist of the Year.
The success of this single opened numerous doors for Seph, including opportunities to tour and collaborate with established worship leaders like Phil Wickham and Brandon Lake. When performing the song live, Seph notes that “the crowd’s always louder than I am when I sing it,” demonstrating how deeply it has resonated with audiences.
How does Seph balance faith during personal struggles?
During the height of “Counting My Blessings” success, Seph and his wife experienced a devastating miscarriage. This created a profound tension – singing about God’s blessings while personally feeling abandoned and questioning where God was in his pain.
Seph candidly shares: “You sing about the goodness of the Lord and about blessings, and then you experience something where you feel the opposite of that. You feel a little bit let down and abandoned.”
This struggle forced Seph to examine his beliefs more deeply. He discovered that obedience to God sometimes means proclaiming truth even when you’re still wrestling with it personally. “I don’t have to have it all perfectly figured out or have it all put together,” he explains. “I just have to be obedient because this is what He’s called me to do.”
How does gratitude strengthen faith through different seasons?
Seph emphasizes that gratitude shouldn’t just be practiced when life is easy but consistently throughout all seasons. This practice serves two important purposes:
- In good times, gratitude prevents us from taking God’s blessings for granted
- In difficult times, gratitude reminds us of God’s faithfulness in the past
“That’s the beauty of gratitude and making it not just a thing we do when it’s easy, but doing it consistently,” Seph explains. “In the hard times, you remember, ‘God, you’re still working in this, and I can still see you move here, and I’ve seen you move a thousand times before, so I know that you’re still going to show up and do it again.'”
What can we learn from Seph’s approach to social media and technology?
Seph recognizes the power of both traditional radio and new media platforms. While radio has allowed his music to reach countless listeners, social media provides immediate connection with audiences who might not otherwise hear his message.
His perspective on technology is refreshingly balanced: “Technology is not evil or good in and of itself. It’s how we use it. And it’s cool to be able to claim it for the Lord.”
By sharing snippets of new songs, behind-the-scenes moments, and personal updates on social platforms, Seph creates multiple touchpoints for people to encounter messages of faith and gratitude.
What new music is Seph creating?
Seph’s debut album “Counting My Blessings” released on July 11th features songs that reflect different aspects of his faith journey. While the title track remains special because of how it launched his career, Seth mentions other favorites:
- “Steady Love” – A upbeat summer song that “puts you in a good mood instantly”
- “Turns to Praise” – An anthem that’s “fun to just kind of scream at the top of your lungs”
Each song on the album resonates with Seph at different moments, providing various expressions of worship and gratitude.
Life Application
Seph Schlueter’s journey reminds us that faith isn’t about having everything figured out or feeling spiritually strong all the time. Rather, it’s about continuing to trust God and proclaim His goodness even when we’re struggling.
This week, consider implementing these practices inspired by Seth’s testimony:
- Practice consistent gratitude: Take time each day to count your blessings, especially during difficult seasons. Write down three things you’re thankful for, no matter how small.
- Choose obedience over feelings: When you don’t feel like praying, worshiping, or serving, do it anyway. Remember that faith sometimes means acting on what you know to be true rather than what you currently feel.
- Use technology intentionally: Consider how you might use social media or other platforms to share messages of hope and faith rather than just consuming content.
Ask yourself:
- What blessings have I overlooked or taken for granted recently?In what areas am I waiting to “feel” spiritual before being obedient?How can I use the platforms and influence I have to point others to God?
- Remember Seph’s powerful insight: “The way of the cross means different seasons, and that’s just part of the Christian journey.” By embracing gratitude and obedience in every season, we can experience deeper faith and become more effective witnesses to God’s faithfulness.
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