A few weeks ago, I wrote about the time I've spent with Campus Ambassadors and how it helped me get through a rough semester and eventually get me back to the life I wanted to live and the one I feel comforted in. Anyone who has ever been to a Bible study with me knows that I will reference songs that apply to me that week or I will just directly quote them. I think that's definitely the music major in me coming out, but I really do have a spiritual connection to Christian music. I have a Spotify playlist dedicated to the songs I've heard at church or worship groups. I listen the Message on Sirius XM whenever I'm driving anywhere. I was driving to a concert the other night and I was incredibly anxious and I was actually able to calm down by listening to the message in the music.
I've put together a playlist of worship songs that I listen to either in the morning to get going or when I need some extra comfort or motivation. And believe it or not, they don't all sound the same!
1. "For the Sake of the World" by Brian Johnson/Bethel Music
We sang this song at the first CA-sponsored event I went to and it helped me put a lot of things into perspective and left feeling rejuvenated and ready to take on the world. Whenever I hear this song come back into my life, I flash back to that moment and see how far I've come.
2. "No Longer Slaves" by Jonathan David, Melissa Helser/Bethel Music
I love this song so much. When I first heard it, it was during a time where I felt some of my anxieties fading away and a sense of calm taking its place. "I'm no longer a slave to fear, I am a child of God."
3. "Indescribable" by Chris Tomlin
Because who doesn't love a good throwback? AND who also doesn't like a little reminder that God knows you and is fighting for you? I like that reminder.
4. "Awake Our Souls" by Tim Timmons
This is a jammin' song. If you see me bopping around in my car before class, this song just may be on (among a few other upbeat songs). Christian music is more than just holding hands or throwing them in the air, sometimes the music gets us moving.
5. "Because He Lives" by Matt Maher
I've recently become a huge fan of Matt Maher and his music. In fact, all of his songs on my playlist are ones that I rarely skip. His songs are so motivational and ones that you can make a connection to.
6. "Shake" by MercyMe
I've always been a fan of MercyMe, even when I was younger (anyone remember "I Can Only Imagine"?). "Shake" is a song that you can really start moving to. "Brand new looks so good on you."
7. "Lion and the Lamb" by Leeland Mooring/Bethel Music
There's a few versions and I'm not sure if this is the one I originally heard, but this is the one I prefer to listen to at home. The first time I heard this song, it was Anchor and not only is it an amazing song, the worship team blew me away (shout out!).
8. "Day One" by Matthew West
I can hardly sing this one still, but that doesn't stop me from loving this upbeat song. Beware of the tongue twister.
9. "Eye of the Storm" by Ryan Stevenson/Gabe Real
This is just such a hearty song. I have casually driven through a thunderstorm while this was playing it was so surreal. "Your love surrounds me in the eye of the storm."
10. "Here Now (Madness)" by Hillsong United
"Faith makes a fool of what makes sense
But grace found my heart where logic ends."
This is a very small sampling of the playlist I have, but I am constantly adding new songs.
