Songs for Healing

I used to hate driving. So after I finally got my license, I found that it helped to turn on music. The music helped give me focus. I just turned on the first Christian radio station I came across and left it there (unless I'm in for a long drive, then I'll tend to switch to bluetooth after a bit and just let my music play on shuffle). Recently I've switched stations because I found out that the other Christian radio station plays many of the same songs but also tends to have more worship songs and less pop songs.

I mean, there's a time for pop songs. And some people like pop songs. But often that time in the car is my time starting my day or ending my day or beginning something new--and it's nice to use that time to center myself in the right direction. So as I started hearing more of the worship songs instead of the pop songs, I also noticed something else.

So many of the top Christian pop songs right now are songs about brokenness. And that's fine. We're all broken and we need to be able to express that and know that other people are going through the same thing. We need to acknowledge the struggle.

But there also comes a moment when after the brokenness, it's time to realign your focus. What now? Now it's time to take your attention off of yourself and onto the One who made you--because he wants us to be whole. The way to overcome whatever struggles, small or large, are getting to you is to look upward. Sometimes too many songs in a row that are all about me don't end up helping me; they just help me to still feel bad about myself. But when the songs are about Him, then I find my spirit lifting.

So here are, not necessarily my favorite Christian songs (well, maybe partly), but my top songs for healing.

Let's start with the brokenness--because there is a place for being broken.

"Tell Your Heart to Beat Again" by Danny Gokey - I had one of those moments a couple months or so ago where it felt like I was hearing this song for the first time because it was speaking directly to me in that moment. Danny Gokey has a way with his music of acknowledging true pain while simultaneously pointing out that God has better things for us.

"Defender" by Francesca Battistelli - If you want to both acknowledge your brokenness and God's goodness and steadfastness, here is the song for you. 

"Burn the Ships" by For King & Country - Start a new day with this song.

"Symphony" by Switch - This is possibly my favorite song of all right now. It's calming and powerful at the same time.

Feeling better now? Okay, let's take it up a notch.

"Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)" by Hillsong United - What is the most important thing in your life? If it's God, this song will remind you to keep him most important.

"Raise a Hallelujah" by Bethel Music - Whatever is troubling you doesn't just disappear like magic; something else replaces it. Or rather, Someone. Just reach out.

"Warrior" by Hannah Kerr - This one's kind of a power anthem, basically the expression of "through God all things are possible." 

"You Gave Me a Promise" by Fireflight - Fireflight was one of my favorite bands and I've been rediscovering their music again after letting it sit for a while. They have an immensely powerful way of transforming struggle into strength.

"Live With Abandon" by the Newsboys - Here is another reminder of what matters most--a reminder that makes you feel excited, not obligated or guilty.

Now for the worship.

"How Great Is Our God" and "Resurrection Power" by Chris Tomlin - Okay, I snuck two songs in on one. Together, they're a reminder of God's greatness and the greatness of the fact that God chooses us and empowers us. Isn't that amazing? 

"My Lighthouse" and "Every Giant Will Fall" by Rend Collective - Well, while I'm on track with double songs. Rend Collective brings the aspect of celebration to worship. We're not tired or stiff; we're excited and passionate.

"God of Wonders" by Third Day - What does "God" mean? All powerful and all mighty and all loving.

"What a Beautiful Name" by Hillsong Worship - Give your adoration. 

Lastly, here's the declaration.

"No Longer Slaves" by Bethel Music - When you are healed by the blood of the Lamb, nothing can take that freedom away.

Here's the link to the Spotify playlist, with a few extras in there, too.

I've also been enjoying a bit of reading. Called Magazine has some good articles.

This year I want to move into Thanksgiving with a truly grateful, freed, and loving heart. And I've found that allowing God to heal the hurt deep inside of me that I've tried to keep away from even him is the only way to do that.

What songs have helped you find healing?