These songs came from one of the hardest periods of my life: I was betrayed, cheated, lied to, threatened, and gossiped about repeatedly. I faced daily racism and judgment from people who thought and expected the worst of me without even giving me a chance. And while I understand that those actions were a result of their insecurities, sin, and past traumas, it's not much comfort. I live daily with the reminders and psychological effects that that time had on me. I wish I could say that I rose above it, triumphant and faithful til the end. I didn't. My faith was prepared for opposition and trials, but not for people thinking the worst of me when I was trying to be my best.

I've always wanted to write songs that are prayers for people who are in the hardest places. I wish I wouldn't have had to go through those places to write them; I'm sure David felt the same way. And until you've been betrayed, afraid for your life, surrounded by enemies, you probably won't understand the songs he wrote and how they fit into "proper theology" or "Godly attitudes." I think the most important thing about so-called "angry" psalms is just expressing the way you really feel to God. There are also a lot of aspects of God (and the psalms) that don't make sense until you've looked real evil into the eye, until you've felt that your walls are broken through and you've got nowhere to turn and the gossips have surrounded you.

I don't want you to take a view of an angry God away from this album. God might be an Avenger, but He's not the Hulk. I don't think God is hateful or spiteful. But I do believe he will repay the corrupt and evil for the things they have done. I also realize that I am corrupt and undeserving of mercy.