I love listening to music, especially worship music. Songs have always played an important role in my journey. See Songs for Leaders.
More recently, as I’ve been trying to manage stress better, some songs have been ministering to me.
The first song is “Steady My Heart” by Kari Jobe. Of course, the song has a practical application for me because I’ve had trouble over the last several weeks with an increased heart rate. But it’s certainly a great song, spiritually.
“Steady My Heart” begins …
Wish it could be easy. Why is life so messy. Why is pain a part of us? There are days I feel like nothing ever goes right. Sometimes it just hurts so much. But you’re here, you’re real. I know I can trust you, even when it hurts, even when it’s hard, even when it all just falls apart. I will run to you, cause I know that you are lover of my soul, healer of my scars. You steady my heart. You steady my heart.
The song ends …
I’m not gonna worry. I know that you got me right inside the palm of your hand.
It’s a great reminder!
Another song that’s been on my heart and mind lately is “This Is the Day” by Phil Wickham. The song speaks of a new beginning …
This is the day when the lost are found. This is the day for a new beginning. Amazing grace, how sweet the sound. Oh, can you hear? All the angels are singing, this is the day, the day when life begins.
I’ve long said every follower of Jesus needs to know “Blessed Be Your Name” by Matt Redman. All of the words are good, but this part has been on my mind most of late …
Every blessing you pour out, I’ll turn back to praise. When the darkness closes in, Lord, still I will say, Blessed be the name of the Lord. Blessed be your name. Blessed be the name of the Lord. Blessed be your glorious name.
The song also asserts …
You give and take away. You give and take away. My heart will choose to say, Lord, blessed be your name.
One other song I’ve been listening to a lot lately is “All I Am” by Phil Wickham. It’s a song of surrender, and surrender in especially important in dark valleys. Again, all of the words are good, but I especially love the opening lines …
Take these hands, I know they’re empty, but with you they can be used for beauty in your perfect plan. All I am is yours. Take these feet, I know they stumble, but you use the weak. You use the humble, so please use me. All I am is Yours.
The chorus adds …
I give you all my life, I’m letting it go. A living sacrifice, no longer my own. All I am is yours. All I am is yours.
Thank God for music that inspires and encourages!
What songs encourage and challenge you in your walk with God?