Michael Sarver drops surprise summer single 'Count It All Joy'

Press release

Delivering a compelling new pop anthem just in time for summer, singer/songwriter and worship leader Michael Sarver takes fans by surprise with “Count It All Joy.” Now available on streaming platforms from S&G Music Enterprises (distributed by WieRise Music), the unexpected track offers a timely message of perseverance for anyone struggling.

Penned by Sarver, Dan Macal and Chris Molitor, “Count It All Joy” was inspired by James 1:2-3: “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.”

Balancing the pain, suffering and hardships of life alongside the unwavering truth of God’s faithfulness, the song parallels Sarver’s own journey. His rapid rise to fame as a top 10 finalist on “American Idol” and subsequent stint in country music also held seasons of uncertainty and disappointment, but making the decision to choose joy and trust God in the valleys is a testimony Sarver is eager to share today.

“The heart behind ‘Count It All Joy’ is to uplift and encourage,” he explained. “This song carries such an important message: Joy isn’t circumstantial; it’s a choice and a decision to walk in joy through everything. It’s not pretending everything is OK – it’s choosing to trust God's character while you're still waiting to understand his plan.”

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More about Michael Sarver: A lauded singer/songwriter and worship leader whose story is rooted in faith, resilience and real-life grit, Sarver was catapulted from the oil fields of rural Texas into the national eye as a top 10 finalist on season 8 of “American Idol.” Turning heads with his powerhouse voice and commanding stage presence, Sarver released multiple country singles and performed across the nation in the years following his “Idol” appearance.

Unable to shake an innate beckoning to write and record music with a greater purpose, he left the country spotlight to serve as a church worship leader in Texas. Fully embracing the call to Christian music last year, Sarver’s growing repertoire includes the 2026 singles “More Like You” and “Limitless,” as well as 2025’s “Warrior,” “Victory Song” and “All I Need.”