In , Richard Smallwood was enduring one of the darkest periods of his life. He was serving as a primary caregiver for two people he loved dearly: his mother, who was battling dementia , and his godbrother, who was terminally ill with cancer .

Smallwood turned to for the foundation of the lyrics. The scripture— "I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help" —became the opening of a modern hymn that acknowledged the "storm" while centering God as the "source of strength". A Global Anthem

Released in on the album Adoration: Live in Atlanta , "Total Praise" quickly transcended the walls of the church.

Genesis of a Gospel Song: 'Total Praise' | Deep Roots Magazine

Smallwood often described this time as overwhelming, stating that the demands of caregiving left him feeling physically exhausted, emotionally drained, and spiritually "inadequate".