Let's face it, 2016 has been a bit of a natural disaster of a year. My personal life has had its own ups and downs, and it has been mirrored in the world at large. I had to learn to deal with a lot of heartbreak, and, more recently, to finally accept that some of it is still here.
God speaks to different people in different ways, and for me it's always been through music. In the midst of the category five storm raging in my soul this year, strains of music have filtered in, and I believe they were love songs from my Savior. So, if you're going through heartbreak, when you don't know where to turn, and you learn through music, here's my recommendations.
When you're faced with a life-changing obstacle and don't know where to go from here: "The Sun is Rising" by Britt Nicole. In the hospital with my diabetes diagnosis, this song reminded me that it can't rain forever. This, too, shall pass, whatever "this" is for you. And, if you doubt whether God is with you in all of it, Not Alone by Meredith Andrews is a good reminder of just how long He's been by your side.
When you are completely blindsided by something, to the point of feeling like you'll fall over if you even try to stand: "Unsteady" by X Ambassadors. Now, most of the songs on my list are definitely Christian songs, but every once in a while, the secular media can turn out something other than partying and sex. For those heartbreaks that honestly feel like insult to injury, and you vaguely wonder whether they even have a point, turn the chorus of this song into a cry to Jesus. He'll hold onto you, especially when you feel as though you can't stand on your own.
When a million things are hitting you at once, and you feel absolutely done with it all: "Eye of the Storm" by Ryan Stevenson. I can point to one day in my summer where it felt like everything (so far, I wasn't nearly done with heartache yet) was conspiring to overwhelm me in sadness and fear. This song reminded me of Who is constantly in control, and which rock I can cling to in the stormy seas of life.
Just a good song in general: "It Is Well" by Horatio Spafford. This is my favorite hymn, and it always seems to pop up when I need to calm my soul the most. The first time I heard it this year was the first time I went back to church after my diagnosis. I've clung to the words this entire time: "Whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say it is well with my soul."
When you've lost someone dear to you; and miss them so much it physically hurts: "Life is Sweeter" by the Afters. Our loved ones are not gone from us forever, we will see them again. And, more importantly, we will see Jesus. He's our overall goal, the One who makes everything we suffer on Earth seem light and temporary. But this song also reassures us that the pain is normal, and highly acceptable.
When yet another heartbreak comes, and the only question on your mind is "why?": "Thy Will Be Done" by Hillary Scott. Confusion will set in, and you won't understand what exactly God is doing. Your heart will cry out in agony, and sometimes, all you can get out are these four words. He is always for us, and His plans are always, always good.
When you are just plain scared: "Refuge" by Finding Favour. Face it, sometimes when life barrages you with pain over and over again, everyday can feel like a fight for survival as you wonder where the next hammer stroke will fall. Jesus can alleviate your fears, because He is always taking care of you. He won't let go of you, so don't you let go of Him.
And, finally, when the deluge appears to have stopped, but the floods have wreaked havoc on your soul: "Broken" by Lifehouse. When the heartbreak lingers after the event, it's okay to be falling apart. But your heart is still beating. Find your healing in the pain, in His name.
