As Christians, we were never promised to live an easy life. We all face our own seasons of trials and brokenness whether that be in our finances, the ending of a relationship, school, deaths, whatever it may be- we've all been there and some of us are there right now.

Last semester was super tough for me for many different reasons. In time, I found that listening to Christian music helped me through that time more than I could explain. These are the songs that I found the most comfort in and hope you do too.

1. Worn - Tenth Avenue North

This song is relatable on so many levels for me. It's a prayer from someone who is, like the song says, "wearing thin" and just is ready to see Jesus work in their lives and in the ones around them.

2. Tell Your Heart to Beat Again - Danny Gokey

Quick back story: this song is based on a true story. A woman had heart surgery and the doctor completed it successfully, but her heart still wasn't beating. So the doctor whispered in the woman's ear who was still under anesthesia, "You're healed. Tell your heart to beat again."

Sometimes our hearts are shattered to the point that it changes us. But Jesus is our healer and He has done his job. Now it's our job to let go of the past and move on.

3. Give Me Faith- Elevation Worship

This is the song for the person whose life isn't going the way they had planned on. Jesus has better plans for us than we could ever imagine on our own and even though sometimes it's hard to hear "No" or "Wait", we just need to have faith and trust that our God never fails.

4. I'll Keep On - NF

This one sounds completely different than any of the other ones. The verses are rapped, but its coming from the heart of a struggling Christian. One who is struggling to do life on their own, but is still struggling with their pride handing it all over to God.

5. Just Be Held - Casting Crowns

If you don't listen to any other song I have listed, listen to this one. This was my go to, and I could probably write an entire article just praising this one song. But ultimately, it's just good to be reminded that we don't have to have it all together because Jesus does. He knows exactly what He is doing and where our next step is.

As much as we don't want to be, it's okay to be broken and just rest in our Savior's arms.

6. I am Not Alone- Kari Jobe

Sometimes, its just nice to be reminded that when everyone else has failed us, our Savior doesn't. When times are tough, we really do feel alone. But as Christians, we can rest in the fact that Jesus is the best friend we could ever have and He will never leave us.

7. Redeemed - Big Daddy Weave

This is my favorite song of all time. How comforting is it to know that no matter what we do, no matter what this world takes away from us, we will never lose the most important thing and that's our salvation.

"But when I hear You whisper, "Child lift up your head"
I remember oh God, You're not done with me yet"

8. By Your Side - Tenth Avenue North

This is just a reminder of the friend we have in Jesus. Jesus is that friend that you can call on at 2 am when your world is falling apart and you have nowhere else to turn.

9. Your Love Never Fails - Newsboys

The bridge of this song is what I would repeat over and over in my head last semester.

"You make all things work together for my good."

10. You Never Let Go - Matt Redman

I remember at my darkest point, people telling me "There is a light at the end of this tunnel." But I honestly didn't see it. I thought life as I knew it was over, and pointless so to speak. In this song, it says "I can see a light that is coming for the heart that holds on." It took hearing that in a 'Christian' context to realize the light is already here and that light won't let go.

11. Lord, I Need You - Matt Maher

There's nothing like going through these deep valleys to remind us how much we need Jesus on our side. Sometimes, we just need to get in the car and cry out to God and humble ourselves before Him.

12. Blessed Be Your Name - Tree 63

When I was in high school, I went to a funeral where this song was played as part of the service. The funeral was for one of my brother's teammates who died an all-too-soon, unexpected death. I remember seeing this boys mom singing it, with a smile on her face.

When I hear this, I just think that I just want to have a love for Jesus like that. I can only assume that was the hardest thing that boy's mom had ever gone through, but she chose to praise Jesus anyway.

It's said best by the lyrics "You give and take away. But my heart will choose to say, Lord blessed be Your name."

In Memory of

Stacy Futrell

February 12th, 1969-April 12th, 2016

You were such a great friend, musician, and most importantly, example of a true follower of Christ. I'll miss hearing you sing and calling me "Smiley" all the time. Maybe your friends and family will find some comfort in this music like I did.