A book I am reading lists a few titles from the author’s playlist at the end of each chapter. I’m not familiar with most of the songs so far. But her playlist sharing gave me an idea.
One of my playlists centers around anxiety and peace. With all that’s happened in the last couple of weeks, music is a welcome respite. However, though any music might take our minds off troubles, music seeped in Scripture helps take our thoughts captive and fills our minds with truth.
So I thought I’d share some of the songs that most help me when I am feeling anxious or even when I just need the reminder that God is in control and will take care of us. Some of these are by the same singers as the ones in my playlist. But I don’t know some of these folks: some of the songs in my phone don’t have a corresponding YouTube video, so I looked for one that sounded the closest to what I have. And I added a few that I don’t have recordings of but sing to myself.
This one is filled with so much good truth:
“Still, My Soul, Be Still” by Keith and Kristyn Getty and Stuart Townend, sung by the Pettit Evangelistic Team. You can find the words here. I’m not posting much of the lyrics because I’m not sure what the copyright restrictions are.
This one, “How Can I Fear With Jesus,” was written by Ron Hamilton. I think it was originally written for children for his Patch the Pirate character. But good children’s songs are good for adults too. The words are on the video, but they are also listed here.
This another one written for children but good for everyone: “Peace,” written by Bob Kauflin, sung here by the Galkin Evangelistic Team (words here). This one is special to me because the first time I heard it was the week after our pastor announced he had terminal pancreatic and liver cancer six years ago (he passed away just a few months later.) The children’s choir director didn’t come up with this song after hearing that news: the children had been practicing it for weeks, long before they knew this news was coming. That was a special message of comfort for our folks.
I have three different version of “Be Not Afraid” on my phone. It’s written by Taylor Davis, orchestrated by Dan Forrest. I can’t find the lyrics online, but they’re taken from Isaiah 43:1-7. I’ve always been struck by the fact that this passage doesn’t say if you pass through the water and fire, but when. (There is a similar song by the same name,based on Isaiah 43:1-4, written by Craig Courtney, which I have on the Soundforth Singers CD, Refuge, but I can’t find it on YouTube).
A different song based on the same passage written by Mac Lynch is “Don’t Be Afraid”: the words are underneath the video on YouTube.
This, “Do Not Let Your Heart Be Troubled,” was written by Lloyd Larson. I have it on the Soundforth CD, When Jesus Comes. That rendition isn’t on YouTube, but this is the same arrangement. The lyrics are based on John 14:1.
“I’ll Never Forsake You,” written by David L. Ward, is another deeply meaningful one to me. Words and a bit of background are here.
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“Jesus, I Am Resting, Resting” is an old beloved hymn by Jean S. Pigott (words here). I love the traditional melody, but I love this newer one, too:
This one, “Rest,” I know little about except that it’s written by by Phill McHugh and Greg Nelson. It’s on my phone sung by the National Christian Choir, but I couldn’t find a video of their version. It’s much like this one, however. I first heard it on afternoon on the radio when I was waking up from a nap and have loved it ever since.
This is an old one: “Simply Trusting” by Edgar P. Stites in 1876, music by Ira Sankey (words and a bit of background here.). This video is instrumental, but includes the written words. The chorus comes to mind often:
Trusting as the moments fly,
Trusting as the days go by;
Trusting Him whate’er befall,
Trusting Jesus, that is all.
Another old but good one: “Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus,” written by by Louisa M. R. Stead in 1882 (words here):
And, of course, an old one that speaks straight to the subject: “All Your Anxiety” by Edward H. Joy (words here).
“Peace, Perfect Peace” by Edward H. Bickersteth, Jr., 1875.
Peace, perfect peace, in this dark world of sin?
The blood of Jesus whispers peace within.
Peace, perfect peace, by thronging duties pressed?
To do the will of Jesus, this is rest.
Peace, perfect peace, with sorrows surging round?
On Jesus’ bosom naught but calm is found.
Peace, perfect peace, with loved ones far away?
In Jesus’ keeping we are safe, and they.
Peace, perfect peace, ’mid suffering’s sharpest throes?
The sympathy of Jesus breathes repose.
Peace, perfect peace, our future all unknown?
Jesus we know, and He is on the throne.
Peace, perfect peace, death shadowing us and ours?
Jesus has vanquished death and all its powers.
It is enough: earth’s struggles soon shall cease,
And Jesus call us to Heaven’s perfect peace.
A newer one titled “Perfect Peace” by Joe Zichterman (words are under the video as well on YouTube).
And another newer one, “Hide Away in the Love of Jesus” (also called “Come Weary Soul,” by Steve and Vickie Cook, words here.)
And I think I’ll end with this one, because ultimately it comes down to remembering who God is and trusting Him: “Bow the Knee” by Chris Machen and Mike Harland (words here). (For those of you who know Ron Hamilton’s music, he has a different song by the same title with a little different focus.)
Well, that’s much more music than any of you can listen to in the time you have to visit, I’m sure. But perhaps you found an old or new favorite, and I hope your heart has been encouraged.
Are there any particular songs that help “calm and quiet your soul?”
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We have similar tastes when it comes to sacred music. Do you have this playlist in Spotify? If so, you can actually share it with others. They can just click on it and hear the songs too. Just wanted to mention it.
Thanks, Adam. I got the app but never did anything with it. 🙂 I should look into it.
Thank you for this wonderful wealth of resources, Barbara. Music is an important part of my life, too and I will definitely be listening to these.
You’re welcome, Dianna! I hope they minister to you.
Barbara, oh the old hymns come to me in the night, surface during the day at a moment’s notice. I am so grateful that all the songs of the faith learned in childhood have been imprinted on my heart. It never fails to amaze me when yet a new ‘oldie’ comes to mind … and I know all 50 verses!
It’s amazing how they come back once we start thinking of them. Songs and hymns are such a great way to memorize truth almost effortlessly.
After the difficulties we had with my pregnancy with Tirzah Mae, I really felt the need to have my “relaxation scripts” line up with truth that could be sure (natural childbirth materials often recommend having affirmations like “My body knows how to give birth” to focus on during delivery – but that isn’t always true and I didn’t want to be focusing on a false promise.) I made a Spotify playlist ( of songs that reminded me of truth and shuffled through them almost daily. A lot were old hymns (Be still my soul, It is well with my soul, Blessed assurance, Great is Thy Faithfulness, etc), but a few more recent songs were also helpful – Keith Green’s “The Lord is my Shepherd”, Matt Redman’s “10000 Reasons” and “Never Once”, and Laura Story’s “Blessings”.
Quite a few of the songs you mentioned are unfamiliar to me so I’m going to listen when I have a few moments to pay attention (maybe when I’m folding laundry.)
Hope you find some new ones you like! I enjoy “10,000 Reasons” and “Blessings,” too, as well, as the older songs you mentioned.
These sound great! I’ve never visited/downloaded/whatever you do with spotify, but I’d enjoy hearing several of these I know. I’ll have to turn off my beloved talk radio and listen to some. Thanks for compiling such a helpful list!
You’re welcome, Susan. I usually listen to an audiobook while dressing, fixing my hair, etc., but I like to listen to music when I am cooking or cleaning in the kitchen.
Several of these are new to me too. So glad you’re sharing, Barbara. I have a Faves Playlist that I’ve been adding to, especially lately. I’m trying to listen to more worship music and less podcasts to keep my spirit in check.
Thank you for sharing this playlist, Barbara! What a generous thing to do. I am bookmarking this page, so I can find it when I feel anxious. I am a fan of “Tis So Sweet…”
Barbara, these are great! I’m also running “Be Still My Soul” on my silent, mental play list these days. And the second half of Handel’s Messiah–I love the Amen at the end.
Really, I should listen to more music. It has such ability to encourage.
Thank you for sharing this, Barbara. Many of these are new to me. I’ll be listening to these today!
Barbara, thank you for sharing these songs. Music is truly a powerful thing, isn’t it? I will have to come back to listen to all of your selections, most of these I have never heard before. I love how you shared the reasons some of these songs were included on your playlist. This is truly a time when we need truth to temper anxiety.
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Worship music is getting me through this crisis. I mention God Is My Refuge by Fred Hammond in my latest post. I created a Rona playlist filled with soul-stirring worship music that keeps my mind fixed on Christ. Music is an integral part of my life. Don’t ever want to be without it.
Barbara, you are hitting all my favorites in this playlist!!! Love the Galkins, Steve Pettit, Patch the Pirate (for the kiddos), The Wilds, and Ben Everson! I even have some of these on CD <—dating myself! LOL
Thank you for this encouraging post! 🙂
Thanks for linking up at InstaEncouragements!
Good theologically sound music can be so comforting, at least I find it so. The words get down into your heart and the tune helps us bring them to remembrance.
What a great selection! I love music as a way to help me feel peace and get into worship! Thank you so much for sharing these with us. And thank you for linking up @worthbeyondrubies
This post hit a grand slam, Barbara! Thank you! I love all of your suggestions but thought of two that I might add: “I Run to Christ” and “Make Me a Stranger on Earth, Dear Savior.”
Wow. that is quite a playlist, Barbara. I have an inspirational playlist on Spotify that I go to for some spirit-lifting. A few of my favorite songs are, God Only Knows by King and Country. I also like the upbeat vibes of Lord I Need You by Toby Mac. So nice to be next to you on Crystal’s site. It feels great to be back. I pray that you will continue to keep your eyes on Christ during these difficult days. Be well. Stay safe, and God bless you and yours.
A beautiful collection of songs to inspire and reassure us in these dark times. Thanks for linking up with #globalblogging
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