5 SONGS THAT GET ME THROUGH

Life seems to go on without effort when I am filled with music. – George Eliot.

Music has always been a big part of my life. Whether it’s singing lead roles in musicals, leading a choir, singing in a group or just singing in the hallway, it’s part of who I am.

It’s a little wonder that in challenging times, the music oozes out. Music is a healing for the soul for which doctors have no prescription. So much so that  Henry David Thoreau says: “When I hear music, I fear no danger. I am invulnerable. I see no foe. I am related to the earliest times and to the latest.”

During my dad’s waning years – often when he could not remember even my mom or me – he remembered the golden hymns and could sing them word for word. (See the bonus below.)

In the old testament, it was the tribe of Judah that led Israel into battle. Judah shall go first. If you’re wondering where the church gets its order of service, it comes straight out of the Bible. Praise and worship have always gone before the preaching of the word.

It’s straight out of scripture.

“The Israelites went up to Bethel and inquired of God. They said, “Who of us is to go up first to fight against the Benjamites?” The LORD replied, “Judah shall go first.”” ~Judges 20:18.

Judah means praise, and the praisers always go first. Many battles are won there.

For Elizabeth and me, life has been a challenge over the past five months. But here are a few of the songs that have helped me and us navigate adversity. Some of these may not be your genre specialty, but I hope you can find peace, encouragement and hope in at least one or two.

Great is Thy Faithfulness. Celebration Church Worship.

• Read the full lyrics.
• Favorite line. This is part of the recent service, and the most powerful part is the third verse in Spanish.

Goodness of God. CeCe Winans.

• Read the full lyrics.
• Favorite line. And all my life You have been faithful, And all my life You have been so, so good. With every breath that I am able. Oh, I’m gonna sing of the goodness of God.

Believe for It.  CeCe Winans.

• Read the full lyrics.
• Favorite line. You are the way. When there seems to be no way (yes, You are.) We trust in You. God, You have the final say. (You are the final say)

Rattle  Elevation Worship.

• Read the full lyrics.
• Favorite line. My God is able to save and deliver and heal. And restore anything that He wants to

Keep Believing. Tim Pedigo.

• Read the full lyrics.
• Favorite Line/phrase. The enemy can only bring defeat If he can somehow shake what we believe. So our faith cannot be based upon Only what we see or feel, And the circumstances cannot change What our hearts know to be real.

BONUS.

Because He Lives. My then 86-year-old dad. I don’t fall far from the tree.

• In his waning years, my dad often could not remember who I was or even my mom. But there were a few things that he went to his grave with. He knew the old hymns, and he could sing them confidently. This is one of those days. He’s accompanied by his grandson Josh.

What are the songs that bring peace, comfort and hope to your soul?