Sunday, June 12, 2016

My Playlist

Music moves most of us in ways nothing else can. It affects our moods, our brains, our stress levels.

Growing up, my parents only let us listen to Christian music. While I may not have appreciated it at the time, and while I may still catch some flack for not knowing classics or boy band hits, I cannot tell you the number of times a Christian song has come to mind in a stressful or dangerous situation (note: I am still not a huge fan of most Christian music, simply from a musical perspective, because I think much of it lacks originality and meaningful content, but I digress). I am so thankful for the gift that Christian music has been to me over the years.

 When I drove home in the blizzard of 2009, the lyrics "They're all above me, beneath me, before me. They're all around me. My Father's angels are protecting everywhere" cycled through my head.

When I sat in the doctor's office waiting for a heartbeat that never appeared to flicker across the screen during an ultrasound, the lyrics "It is well, it is well with my soul" cut through my foggy brain like a laser.

So today, I give you the playlist of my past year. There is so much pain, so much heartache, so much senseless violence in the world. Perhaps something here will be used by the Lord to speak to you:

1) Not For a Moment by Meredith Andrews

"In the middle of it all, when I thought you were a thousand miles away, not for a moment did You forsake me."

2) Oceans (Where Feet May Fail) by Hillsong

"I will call upon Your name, and keep my eyes above the waves.
When oceans rise, my soul will rest in your embrace, for I am Yours, and You are mine."

 
3) Everlasting God by Lincoln Brewster

"You're the defender of the weak. You comfort those in need. You lift us up on wings like eagles."

 
 
4) Jesus Will Still Be There by Point of Grace
 
"When it looks like you've lost it all and you haven't got a prayer, Jesus will still be there."
 
5) Be My Escape by Relient K (my favorite band of all time)
 
"I've been housing all this doubt and insecurity...I'm begging You to be my escape."
 
6) There Will Be a Day by Jeremy Camp
 
"There will be a day with no more tears, no more pain, and no more fears
There will be a day when the burdens of this place,
Will be no more, we'll see Jesus face to face.
But until that day, we'll hold on to you always"

 
7) Healer by Kari Jobe
"I believe You're my portion.
Lord, I believe You're more than enough for me
Jesus, You're all I need."



















8) Last but not least, my current anthem and the song that induces tears every time:
"I Will Trust in You" by Lauren Daigle

"When You don't move the mountains I'm needing you to move
When You don't part the waters I wish I could walk through
When you don't give the answers as I cry out to you
I will trust, I will trust, I will trust in You."