Christian music artist Brandon Lake has recently released a series of country collaborations, with his latest offering being the song “The Jesus I Know Now,” featuring two-time CMA Entertainer of the Year winner Lainey Wilson. Lake shared on Instagram that he hopes the song serves as a reminder that, as his mother used to tell him, “Jesus doesn’t just love you – He likes you.” Wilson expressed her excitement about the release, commenting on Lake’s post.

“The Jesus I Know Now” was co-written by Lainey Wilson, Brandon Lake, Luke Laird, and Emily Weisband. The lyrical content of the song explores the theme of a deepening and evolving faith over time, presenting a Jesus who is a compassionate friend, forgiving and accepting of those on the fringes. Lines like “I found a friend who hangs with the misfits/ Listens, forgives and then forgives again” encapsulate this message.

This collaboration with Lainey Wilson is part of a larger initiative by Brandon Lake to blend country and Christian music. Earlier in January, Lake had hinted at extensive new music writing sessions with various country artists, including Wilson, Bailey Zimmerman, Thomas Rhett, HARDY, and Dan+Shay. He revealed that he had brought together approximately 25 country music artists and/or songwriters, alongside many of his friends from faith-based music, for a series of writing sessions that ultimately produced nearly 50 songs.

Lake’s recent collaborations extend beyond Wilson. He previously partnered with Cody Johnson for “When a Cowboy Prays” and worked with Bailey Zimmerman on “Just Believe.” Notably, his collaboration with Jelly Roll on “Hard Fought Hallelujah” achieved significant recognition, earning a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song, GMA Dove Awards for Song of the Year and Bluegrass/Country/Roots Recorded Song of the Year, and a CMA Award nomination for Musical Event of the Year.