We are all tested at times. In our relationships, careers, and everyday… we come up against so many choices, opportunities, and struggles. The good news, the greatest news, is that God said we don't have to go through any of it alone.
If we have faith as small as a mustard seed, we can move mountains. The belief that Jesus is authentic, that there is more for us after this short journey, that we are here for a more significant reason than we could ever imagine is the heart of being a Christian. It believes in all the things we cannot see and trust that what we see at the end of it all will be so beautiful we'll be glad we kept our eyes on the horizon.
The songs listed below are my top picks for the music that most encourages me to keep looking out and step out in faith.
Faithful Lyric: Help me to win my endless fears; You've been so faithful for all my years
Walk Byfaithh was first released on the 2002 album, Stay, and recently included on Camp's collection of Number One hits, I Still Believe. The lyrics detail the day-to-day decision to overcome fear through faith.
Faithful Lyric: In your never-failing love, you work everything for good. God whatever comes my way, I will trust you.
From the album, Burning Lights, Chris Tomlin puts into words what it means to trust God with all your heart. He sings of trusting God's sovereign hand to work everything for the good of those who love Him.
Faithful Lyric: Keep on believing, don't give in, It'll come and make you whole again.
It always will, it always does.
Rascal Flatts brings an inspiring message in this 2010 hit from the album of the same name. Faith knows that God is always, always there. When you flat out refuse to stop believing that God's love is your restoration, you gain the kind of strength that makes you feel altogether, Unstoppable.
Faithful Lyric: If I stumble or if I'm thrown, I'm alone yet not alone.
Alone, Yet Not Alone was recently announced as a 2014 Oscar nominee for Best Song. Critics were quick to question how a Christian song from a little-seen Christian movie received the nomination over other more recognizable artists. To that, I challenge anyone to listen to this hauntingly beautiful song and read the story behind quadriplegic singer Joni EarecksonTada'ss life. Believers will have no trouble answering that question.
Faithful Lyric: So just hold tight, fix your eyes, On the one who holds your life
This is a powerfully upbeat song from former American Idol contestant Mandisa. Her vocal abilities wowed judges and viewers alike, and her transition to becoming a Christian music superstar came as no surprise to fans. Overcomer is a song about believing that troubles are temporary and we come overcome anything with God by our side.
Faithful Lyric: Till the race is finished and the work is done, We'll walk by faith and not by sight.
A beautiful melody and testimony to God's will for our lives. When He calls for us to enter the race, faith in his plan will propel us to the finish line. KristynGetty'ss voice gives that message soul-stirring resonance.
Faithful Lyric: And if my God is with me, Whom then shall I fear?
One of the biggest obstacles in the life of any believer is fear…fear of the unknown, fear of others' opinions, fear of being alone. MattRedman'ss answer to all of that is to cling tightly to a Savior who holds us ever close to Him. If there is no fear in love, aren't we always the safest in the arms of the one who loves us most?
Faithful Lyric: Faith, standing, and believing, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
The title says it all. This song is an encouraging reminder that we can do all things in Christ's embrace.
Faithful Lyric: Speak and the mountains will move. Anything we ask our God can do.
Sometimes it's easy to forget that the God we ask to guide us through our day-to-day life is also the God who made the sun stand still. The song, Let Faith Arise, speaks to the God who is capable of moving mountains and encourages us to be unafraid to ask Him to do so.
Faithful Lyric: Just light the way and I'll go,
Cause I know what you got for me is more than I can see.
It is clear when listening to a Jamie Grace song that she uses her own walk as inspiration. When she sings "this world may push may pull, but your lovin' never fails" you identify with the strength it takes to stay in the faith in a fallen world. Sometimes it's hard to relinquish control but until we do we will never see all that is for us in Jesus.
Faithful Lyric: I will trust in You
Even in the moments, I can't find you
Sometimes it's easy to believe that our prayers are falling on deaf ears. God's timing is not our own and when we cry out to Him, we have to be willing to wait for an answer that may not come immediately. Trusting that He is there even when He seems the farthest away is the basis of faith. Meredith Andrews sings of that trust in this heartfelt song from the album, As Long As It Takes.
Faithful Lyric: In oceans deep, my faith will stand
This song is the one I listen to when I feel myself growing tired in my walk. When it's been a tough week or my prayers seem to be falling on deaf ears. That's when I turn the volume up and ask God to lead me where my "trust is without borders"
The songs included on this list all praise God for his never-ending faithfulness, yet also encourage us to spread the word to others that the God we serve is real and unchanging. The Bible says that all should be, "active in sharing your faith so that you have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ" (Philemon 1:6 NIV). It is my prayer that by listening to any of these songs your understanding of Christ's goodness will only grow, and this will be the soundtrack you use as you "walk by faith" into this New Year.
Another article to read: 77 Bible Verses About Faith To Read Today
photo credit: Unsplash