Why? Because the truth of God’s Word reaches my heart through each and every song. They get stuck in my head and I sing them from sun up to sun down. I wake up with a song on my heart and it sticks with me throughout the day. I’ve used lyrics from songs I have memorized to encourage people at times.
I challenge you to a 30-Day Music Challenge. Find a local, or online, Christian radio station and lock it in to your radio pre-sets. Listen for 30 days. Don’t just listen to the music – focus on the words. What is God saying to you through those words? What nugget of truth or encouragement came out of it? When you are at home, write down the names of the songs and listen to them over and over while you are going about your daily tasks. Let God’s Word seep into every fiber of your being as you listen to His music.
Pick a song below or find one on my YouTube channel and listen to it several times over the next few days. Meditate on the lyrics and what they mean to you. How does God want to use them to encourage you today?
Sadness to Joy
Eye of the Storm by Ray Stevenson
This song reminds me God is rock solid when my world is crumbling around me. I’m a control freak and my emotions tend to overwhelm me when I feel like things are out of control. These lyrics help remind me God is in control no matter what. He’s the anchor that holds me in place as the winds and wave of the storm try to knock me off course. God is in control even when things seem out of control.
Visit http://ryanstevensonmusic.com for more.
The Words I Would Say by Sidewalk Prophets
This song played a huge role in my decision to start telling my story. Oddly enough, the words which stuck with me are the ones which appear on the cover of the video, “I know cause I’ve already been there; So please hear these simple truths.” It got me to thinking what words would I want to say to someone struggling with depression like I was. This website, and my coming book are the words I would say ’cause I’ve already been there. I hope they touch your heart and lead you to the one who saved me – Jesus!
Visit http://sidewalkprophets.com for more.
Hope In Front Of Me by Danny Gokey
I usually like to stick with lyrics videos because being able to focus on the words better suits my purposes. However, this official video was so compelling for the message in the story it portrays. It shows person after person with a label, one they may have given themselves, or one they have heard from others. Although the label may be true, it is not who they are. Failure, Addict, Victim… these are just labels. This song, and video, reminds us we can leave those labels behind and pick up a new label – Hope. Because you are a child of the one true God! The words that stood out for me were, “I’ve seen the dark and the broken places, but I know in my soul no matter how bad it gets – I’ll be alright!”
Visit http://dannygokey.com for more
Tell Your Heart to Beat Again by Danny Gokey
Has your heart been shattered? Your life laying broken in a thousand pieces on the floor? Danny Gokey reminds us whatever has happened in the past, whether yesterday or 4 decades ago, is over. It’s done. It doesn’t control you anymore. Whatever damage has been done, the healing hands of God can restore. You can start over. If it feels like your heart has stopped, it feels like you’re dead, you’re NOT! Have a new beginning. Yesterday is gone. Live in today. Because today, with God’s help, your heart CAN beat again!
Visit http://dannygokey.com for more
It’s Not Over Yet by For KING & COUNTRY
How many times have you declared – I’m done! I don’t want to do this anymore! Or, questioned if there is even a reason to go on? For King & Country very clearly points out that whatever has happened in your past, or whatever is happening in this very moment, it’s not the end. As long as you have breath in your lungs, there is a chance. This breath could be the one that turns the corner. It could be the first breath of your new life. A better life. It’s up to you. As long as you don’t give up – it’s not over yet!
Visit http://forkingandcountry.com/ for more
This is the Stuff by Francesca Battistelli
What’s getting on your nerves right now? Is it the kids, the job, the laundry, or the fact you have hit every single stop light on your way to wherever? Depending on your current stress level, any one of these things can seem overwhelming. If you’re late for one more meeting, the world is certainly going to end. Guess what? It’s not! Even if the kids eat peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for the 3rd time this week, life will go on and everyone will be okay. After all it hits several food groups – grains, fruit, protein. When we focus on what’s going on around us, it’s easy to get depressed. However, when we stop and focus on all that’s right, instead of all that’s wrong, we realize these things really don’t matter. Francesca Battistelli got it right when she said, “In the middle of my little mess, I forget how big I’m blessed.” Stop now and think. How big are you blessed?
Visit http://francescamusic.com/ for more
Want more?
I’ve collected some of my favorites on YouTube.
How does inspirational music help you? Which song impacts you the most?
