God knows how much we need music.
He created it (Job 38:4,7)
He commands us to sing (Psalm 96:1-2, Psalm 47:6, Eph. 5:19, Col. 3:16)
God Himself sings! (Zeph. 3:17)
One special feature of music is its ability to cheer, comfort and settle our troubled souls. On that particular note I want to recommend a few songs to add to your playlist in these troubled times that tend to trouble souls.
Lord, From Sorrows Deep I Call (Psalm 42)
This wonderful song from Matt Boswell and Matt Papa reckons with deep grief and sorrow during trials. Without minimizing those trials or the depth of grief in any way the song points us in the right direction with the chorus,
Oh, my soul, put your hope in God
My help, my Rock, I will praise Him
Sing, oh, sing through the raging storm
You’re still my God, my salvation
This album produced by Sovereign Grace Ministries includes truth-filled songs like Hide Away in the Love of Jesus, Oh the Deep Deep Love, and It is Not Death to Die. These songs first released when I lived and worked in China. Far from home, often by myself, these songs comforted me and helped me focus my affection on things above (Col. 3:1).
CityAlight is one of Australia’s best kept Christian music secrets.
CityAlight is a music ministry based in St. Paul’s Church in Sydney Australia. This is what they say of their music:
We really see ourselves as a local church, first of all writing for our people, and also praying that God might take these songs out to any of His churches that might be helped by them.
Top song I’d recommend is Yet Not I but Through Christ in Me
But how could I recommend songs without including Hymns that have sustained us for generations? Here’s a list, by no means conclusive, that you should have handy in these days:
A Mighty Fortress
Be Still My Soul
Be Thou My Vision
Behold Our God
Blessed Assurance
How Firm a Foundation
It Is Well
Rock of Ages
Solid Rock
‘Tis So Sweet to Trust In Jesus
What a Friend We Have In Jesus
My Anchor Holds
He Giveth More Grace – consider these relevant words:
When we have exhausted our store of endurance,
When our strength has failed ere the day is half done;
When we reach the end of our hoarded resources,
Our Father’s full giving is only begun.
Amen and keep singing!
