I have found that life's trials are merely Christ's mercies in disguise, and because of that, turning to him in times of doubt and fear is the most comforting thing someone can do. Once one begins to really listen, interpret, and internalize the lyrics of some amazing praise and worship songs, messages from Him will begin to flow through and come to life. Here are 10 of my favorite lyrics from some wonderful songs that have the ability to ease the mind and comfort the soul.
1. "I’ve tried to win this war I confess; My hands are weary I need Your rest; Mighty Warrior, King of the fight; No matter what I face, You’re by my side." "Trust in You," Lauren Daigle.
As human beings, we try so hard to take care of our troubles on our own, but turning to Christ during hardships is the only place we need to go. He is always by our side, and will take care of every worry, as long as we put our trust in Him.
2. "If your heart's in a thousand pieces; If you're lost and you're far from reason; Just look up, know you are loved...When it feels like somethings missing; If it hurts but you can't find healing; Just look up, know you are loved." "You Are Loved," Stars Go Dim.
If you are lost and filled with fear, doubt, and worry, one thing that you can always count on is the love of the Lord. It is so comforting to know that no matter what we do, where we go, or who we leave behind in life, we will never be alone -- we will always have Christ.
3. "In oceans deep, my faith will stand. And 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." "Oceans," Hillsong United.
I know this is such a common, cliche song but the meaning and message behind it is incredibe. When the stresses of life start to consume you and you are just barely breathing, head above the water, we can rest in His embrace -- in his love and comfort. We will forever be His, and no troubles should diminish our faith, but rather strengthen it.
4. "So when you're on your knees and answers seem so far away, you're not alone, stop holding on, and just be held; Your world's not falling apart, it's falling into place; I'm on the throne, stop holding on and just be held." "Just Be Held," Casting Crowns.
Sometimes life can (as the song says) hit you out of nowhere and barely leave you hanging on. There is so much freedom in surrendering your worries to Him and letting them go into His hands. We need to stop fighting back and being chained by worries and bound by doubt -- instead, we simply need to allow ourselves to be held in the presence of Christ. The song continues by saying, "I'm painting beauty with the ashes, your life is in My hands." Enough said.
5. "My chains are gone, I've been set free; My God, my Savior has ransomed me; And like a flood His mercy reigns; Unending love, amazing grace." "Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)," Chris Tomlin.
Through His love, we are set free from worry and fear; but, we have to allow ourselves to be vulnerable in His presence and lay down our lives to the Lord -- in turn, we see his amazing grace.
6. "From my mother's womb; You have chosen me; Love has called my name; I've been born again, Into your family; Your blood flows through my veins. I'm no longer a slave to fear, I am a child of God." "No Longer Slaves," Bethel Music.
Because we are all children of God, we can rely on his mercy and grace -- no longer being bound and enslaved by fear and doubt. We are literally drowning in His love. He rescues us, loves us, saves us, and forgives us. It is never too late to turn your life over to Him and embrace being His child.
7. "Holy Spirit, You are welcome here; Come flood this place and fill the atmosphere; Your glory, God, is what our hearts long for; To be overcome by Your presence, Lord." "Holy Spirit," Francesca Battistelli.
When you are feeling alone and lost, allow Christ and the Holy Spirit to flood the world surrounding you. Allow yourself to be vulnerable and overcome with His presence! Fill yourself with Christ.
8. "Lord, I come, I confess; Bowing here I find my rest; Without You I fall apart; You're the One that guides my heart. Lord, I need You, oh, I need You; Every hour I need You; My one defense, my righteousness; Oh God, how I need You." "Lord I Need You," Matt Maher.
We cannot live a happy, spiritually and emotionally fulfilled without God. We fall apart without him, and we need his guidance and love to be full. We need Him, His grace, and His love. Without it -- without Christ --we are nothing.
9. “Make me a channel of your peace, Where there is hatred let me bring your love, Where there is injury your pardon Lord, And where there’s doubt true faith in you. Make me a channel of your peace, Where there’s despair in life, let me bring hope, Where there is darkness, only light, And where there’s sadness, ever joy." "Prayer of St. Francis," Sebastian Temple.
This prayer of St. Francis, also turned into a hymn, was recited by Mother Teresa as she accepted the Nobel Peace Prize. When we are lost and consumed in our problems, let us remeber that this life is not about us. It is about doing His work. Allow yourselves to be His vessel and He works through you -- be a channel of His peace.
10. "In Christ alone my hope is found, He is my light, my strength, my song; this Cornerstone, this solid Ground, firm through the fiercest drought and storm. What heights of love, what depths of peace, when fears are stilled, when strivings cease! My Comforter, my All in All, here in the love of Christ I stand." "In Christ Alone," Owl City.
The Lord is everything we need in this life. He is all knowing and all loving. No matter the trials of life, He stands strong and will be there for eternity. Stand in the love of Christ and recognize His grace and love for you that is above all.
11. "I am guilty; Ashamed of what I've done, what I've become; These hands are dirty; I dare not lift them up to the Holy one. You plead my cause; You right my wrongs; You break my chains; You overcome; You gave Your life; To give me mine; You say that I am free; How can it be." "How Can It Be," Lauren Daigle.
When we are dissapointed in ourselves and what we have done in our lives, it is easy to be ashamed and embarassed to lay everything down at His feet. We think there is no turning back, and we feel unloved and unwanted. It is so important to remember that no matter who you are, what you have been through, or what you have done, the Lord will welcome you with open arms. He makes us free. It is so amazing, that we have to ask ourselves, 'how can this be?'
12. "Take away the melodies, take away the songs I sing. Take away all the lights and all the songs You let me write. Does the man I am today say the words you need to say? Let them see You in me; let them hear You when I speak; Let them feel You when I sing; Let them see You, let them see You in me." "Let Them See You," JJ Weeks.
This life is not about us -- not only is it not about our suffering, but it is also not about our good works and our good graces. We are doing Christ's work, and I pray that people can see Him through all of us. When we do good deeds and speak words of hope and love, let them see Him. Without Christ and without His grace, we would not be here to speak those words and do His works. Let us give and offer our lives to doing His will and allowing others to see Him in us.
Do not panic -- Trust in God.
