New Music Single: "Peirasmos"
Now streaming on all platforms
As of right now, I am a completely independent writer and musician. I don’t have a producer or an editor. My articles are written in 20 minute chunks at 6:30 in the morning before my kids wake up; and my music is often produced in my master closet at 11:30 at night after everyone has gone to bed. I named my website “Huntress At Home” for the former reason and my label “Inner Room Records” for the latter (if you can call an iPhone and an acoustic guitar a “label”).
From that setting I was excited to share with you my first homemade/self-produced EP album—Moxie—only 5 months ago. And from that same setting I’m excited to announce my new single “Peirasmos” is out today! (9am your timezone)
Peirasmos
Peirasmos is a Greek word which essentially means “a trial.” In scripture, trials are often associated with fire, because trials and temptations are the means by which our faith and good works are refined:
“In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” - 1 Peter 1: 6-7
“Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.” - 1 Peter 4:12
“each one’s work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done.”
- 1 Corinthians 3:13
The word used in both of the 1 Peter verses for “trial(s)” is a grammatical variant of peirasmos.
We are often resistant to the trials and temptations God allows us to experience. The spirit may be willing, but the flesh is weak. “Peirasmos” is a prayer asking God to continue the work of purifying our faith and our works by fiery trials despite the pain, our failure, and our hesitation.
In scripture, hands are symbolic of a person’s spiritual works. The lyrics “hold my hands to the fire until they’re clean” and “but you promise through the fire to purify my hands” are the climactic expressions of this in the song. God not only continues to purify us by fire, and we should find joy in that…
“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials (peirasmos) of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.” - James 1:2-3
…but God transforms our works to reflect more and more the person of Christ. He makes even our feeblest attempts fruitful in and through him. And, ultimately, as the song concludes, everything in us that is corrupt or unnecessary is burnt away.
Support by Streaming
If my writing here on Substack is something you have enjoyed or found value in, but a paid subscription is not possible for you, consider streaming, sharing, and adding “Peirasmos” (and the Moxie EP) to your playlist. It’s an easy and free way you can support my work! All of my music is also available for purchase on iTunes, Amazon, etc. You’ll find links below.
Thank you to all of you who continue to support my writing in both its journalistic and musical forms!