No, this isn’t my thoughts on holiday music, though I say Yes! and Amen! if you are already rockin’ around the Christmas tree.
I find, in my life, that the right music comes along at just the right time. That has happened repeatedly for me this year. Whether I’m writing or making a big decision or hiking at Radnor Lake or just cooking dinner, I’m the girl who likes to have a soundtrack to every move I make, particularly worship music.
You know when you are trying to sell a house and you bake cookies to make the whole place smell warm and delicious and buy-able? 🙂 I feel like that’s what worship does to my house too. It changes the atmosphere. It floats down the hallway, through the kitchen, swirling in the living room and bedrooms. Songs about God’s faithfulness and goodness and kindness, and Jesus’ sacrifice and love change me as I hear them over and over again.
As I’ve thought through my last year, a few albums really stuck out thematically with what God was doing in my life. And while these aren’t just winter, spring, summer, and fall playlists, I do find that He works in seasons of my life just like He works in seasons on this planet. So here are a few of the records that have meant a lot to me recently.
If you are in a season of newness and excitement: We Will Not Be Shaken by Bethel Music. This album constantly reminded me of God’s hand on my every day. Great way to kick off a new week or an early morning.
If you are in a season of perseverance: Empires by Hillsong UNITED. When I wondered if I was alone, these songs kept telling me how God is near. I wrote my new book for weeks and weeks with this as my background music.
If you are in a season where the journey feels too hard: Brave New World by Amanda Cook. I needed to hear again that this is a process, that I’m allowed to learn slow as long as I’m learning, and that it’s okay if I don’t know how this story ends.
If you are in a season of battling for truth: Housefires II. Sometimes someone else just needs to tell you the true thing. I listen to these songs often as I pray.
If you are in a season where you need to rest: Simple Gospel by United Pursuit. It’s fun but calm, the perfect soundtrack for a Saturday when you have an hour to sit on the porch and read.
If you are in a season where you need to just cry it out: Hello by Adele. Can I get an “Amen”? How does that woman keep writing songs that break my heart? Actually, on the other hand, don’t listen to Adele right now, save it for the post-holiday slump — it fits better there. Stick to Christmas music. 🙂
What are you listening to these days? Share your favorite worship album or inspirational music!
by Annie F. Downs
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Bev @ Walking Well With God says
Annie,
I’m with you…washing dishes at the sink goes a whole lot faster and better when I’ve got praise music playing. If it’s just me and the dogs (one is deaf), I will turn the music up loud. If I want to still my heart, I’ll play it softly. Depending on my mood, I may even become “undignified” and dance before the Lord like David. Music is a big part of daily worship for me. Thanks for the music suggestions…one of my go to favorites is Christy Nockels.
Blessings Annie,
Bev
Donna says
My song right now is “Why?” By Nicole Nordeman. It’s a powerful song but even more so because my niece sang it. Even though it was years ago I’ll never forget the passion she sang it with.
Donna says
By the way this was a sweet devotional. You’ve encouraged me to get out my iPod and listen. I pray this season of the year is beautiful for you.
Sarah Travis says
I have the EMPIRES album and listen to it a lot! I also have a few songs on the Bethel Music “We Will Not Be Shaken” album which fits my life in so many ways at the moment so I think I’ll check out the rest of the album 🙂
Thanks Annie!
Tracey says
I laughed so hard. Hello was playing as I pulled up the email from inCourage
Lovelle says
I feel you girl! Except my go to worship time is when I am running. I don’t know how I would get through it without jamming to my Jesus music. I feel like my go-to music is One Girl nation and Love & Outcome right now. They have a lot of encouraging songs that lift me up in this hard season. For sure going to look into your list though. It’s good to have some variety.
Nancy says
Thanks for sharing the titles and the “whys.”
Michele Morin says
I love to remember the words of hymns and worship songs as I walk the dog (but I don’t want to block out the glorious sounds of nature by listening!). So what I do is try to remember one song for each letter of the alphabet as I walk and then meditate on the words. What a sweet time of worship that can be. (“Q” was a challenge – lol)
karen says
Thanks for these! Some of them are new to me and I look forward to listening!
Veronica says
Oh my Annie, right there with you; eagerly anticipating Adele’s new album. 🙂
I highly recommend anything by Andrew Peterson, but especially his new album “The Burning Edge of Dawn.”
Also love Christy Nockels’ live album “Let it be Jesus.” Thanks for the other album suggestions, will have to check them out.
JeanneTakenaka says
I love the you have soundtracks for the seasons of your life. I’ve done that too. As I’ve been writing, I’ve created playlists on Spotify that include music for my characters, and for me.
One song that has really ministered to my heart this fall as I’ve stepped out and attempted something challenging is, “It Is Well,” sung by Kristene DiMarco with Bethel Music. Love. That. Song.
And also, “You Make Me Brave,” also by Bethel Music.
There are others, but these two speak truth and courage to a sometimes fearful heart. 🙂
Beth Williams says
Annie,
Music is on most of the day for me! Life is better when you have praise music going to remind you whose you are!! I have been listening to the soundtrack of War Room. Volume is up high when “Me Without You” or “Impossible” come on. Also love “Feel It” by Toby Mac. I listen to Pandora music on my PC. I love the Praise and Worship or the Bluegrass Worship station.
A lot of the time I’m looking/listening for a song I can do for special music in church–I do sign language to music. My church just loves it when I can do a bluegrass gospel song!!
Blessings 🙂
April says
Thank you for the wonderful suggestions! I love to listen to worship music but I admit I am somewhat ignorant as to what is out there. I basically stick to Pandora worship radio stations or Chris Tomlin. His song ‘All the Way My Savior Leads Me’ is amazing. And the song ‘How He Loves’ by David Crowder Band is simply glorious. Thanks for leading me to more music that can uplift my spirit 🙂