Music For The Soul

If you know me well, you will know that popular 90’s and 2000’s pop and hip hop music lyrics often go through my head. There are countless trigger words in normal everyday conversations that activate one of these old songs to resonate in my head. Unfortunately, I often cannot contain the song in my head and will start to sing out loud. There may be only a couple people who find this entertaining, but these are those who love me unconditionally! You see, I was raised in a household that only listened to Christian music, so my exposure to current hip hop music did not enter my world until I was old enough to drive because my friends would burn me mix cd’s. Yes, compact discs! As much as I disliked the no secular music rule my parents had for us as a teenager, I became aware as an adult why my parents made the rule. What you put in, does and will come out. For me personally, despite what has felt like hopeless situations, including both the prior season of the isolation and abuse as well as the current situation of what feels like the neverending court battles and custody cases, there is something so deep rooted in my heart, and that is praise and worship of what God has done! And for this, I am forever grateful for my upbringing!

I was blessed to grow up in church. I was raised knowing how to praise God and find joy regardless of circumstances. Having a musically inclined family, we were constantly listening to praise and worship music. I will forever vividly remember, on the day of my uncle’s passing, we had to go to my grandmother’s house and deliver the news that her son had passed away, despite her fervent praying for his healing. When we informed my grandmother of the news at her front door, she fell to her knees crying, but proclaiming, “God, even though you did not answer my prayers, I will still praise you!”

So whether you are still in the thick of your abuse and unsure how to get out, or if you have already escaped and are in the thick of the healing and court processes, I urge you with this… try praising and worshiping the one true God and watch your heart be transformed from one of defeat to that of hope. I am living proof of this. That’s right, living proof! Here are a few of the many songs that I cling to in praising God in the midst of the trial.

Daughters of Zion (Porter’s Gate)
It is Well (Bethel Music)
Raise a Hallelujah (Bethel Music)
God, Turn It Around (Jon Reddick)
Break Every Chain (Jesus Culture)
Whom Shall I Fear (Chris Tomlin)
In Jesus Name (Katy Nichole)
O’Lord (Lauren Daigle)
For My Good (Maverick City Music)
That’s the Thing About Praise (Benjamin William Hasting & Blessing Offor)
Same God (Elevation Worship)

I would like to challenge you with only listening to praise and worship music for a season and see how quickly your heart and subsequently your mind will be transformed.

Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do, flows from it. Proverbs 4:23