Moved By Music

Read Time:6 Minute, 6 Second

I don’t know about you, but music has always had a special place in my life. It has affected so many of my ups and downs, and some of my most vivid memories have music attached to them. I really have no idea why this is. I have no special musical talent except priding myself on recognizing songs in a few notes and knowing who the artist is, but honestly, that’s about it.

I’ll never forget singing Forever’s as Far as I’ll Go to my wife at our wedding, or listening to Angel over and over again when my grandma passed away. I also have come to realize how powerful worship songs are and how Satan kept me from realizing that for years.

Yes, I’m ashamed to admit that there was a time I wouldn’t listen to them, thinking it wasn’t good music. However, God opened my eyes to just how wonderful these songs are, and now I’m not afraid to put my hands in the air and do business with the Lord no matter who’s around. I figure if I can stand at a wedding reception with people and sing Friends in Low Places, then I’d better be able to throw my hands up and praise the One who sits on high.

Maybe that’s why I was moved to write this blog. I wanted to share the power that music has, and I thought I’d share some of my favorite lyrics of some worship songs and why they touch my soul.

So Will I (Hillsong United)- Wow, is this song powerful in so many ways. It talks of God in creation and breathing life into this planet and ultimately into us. However, in the third verse, Hillsong sings a line that sums up how I feel about God.

“And as You speak, a hundred billion failures disappear.” Of course the verse continues and is so dynamic, but every time I hear these specific words, I begin to cry. This is me; I feel I’ve failed Him so many times, but He just speaks a word and all of that failure is gone. This means so much to someone who feels they have failed the Lord over and over. The whole song is a reminder that everywhere you look He is there, but that line is a reminder that even though the Lord is everywhere, He speaks my failures into oblivion. He personally cares about me. Wow, I love that song and line. https://youtu.be/GfVd5x9W1Xc

Whole Heart (Hillsong United)- I guess I like Hillsong because this one is by them as well, but it just goes with the last one perfectly. This song moves me in many ways, but there is a line that stands out for me: “Once I was broken, but You loved my whole heart through.”

This is such a simple line, and I imagine some wouldn’t even take notice of it. However, for me it is everything. Many of those failures from the last section have caused me to be broken in one way or another. But see, here we are, back to how Jesus moves in close.

Every time I have felt broken, He has loved my whole heart through. For me this line is the equivalent to “Footprints,” the famous poem when Christ reveals He has been carrying us through the tough times. This is the same for me. Through those broken times, He held my heart and just loved it through. https://youtu.be/eRUM70CPYls

Truth I’m Standing On (Leanna Crawford) Okay, let’s get away from Hillsong for a bit. In the past couple of years I’ve gone through some tough things. I had to face some things medically that I wasn’t really ready for and like many before me, I questioned God. I battled with so many emotions. Although on the outside I wore a smile, on the inside I was often a basket case. This song truly was a God-send to me. It helped me get to where I am now, which is a much better place.

The whole song fits and has been instrumental for my mindset, but there is a line that seems to sum it all up for me. “Here on the edge of fall apart, somehow Your promises find my troubled heart.” I was on the “edge of fall apart” and God sent me this song. It was a reminder of His promises and that even though I don’t understand, and I don’t know His plan, He’s got me. He will take care of me and be my refuge and my strength. https://youtu.be/vrWdkziEuyA

Way Maker (Mandisa/Leeland)- Most know this song by Mandisa, but I have a live version by Leeland that I love. Recently, I was praying, asking God how I was going to accomplish what I knew He wanted me to do. I didn’t see how it was possible and, quite honestly, I was scared. I was praying with music on in the background. All of a sudden I heard the song so clearly that it was like God was speaking right to me.

“You are way maker, miracle worker, promise keeper, light in the darkness, my God, that is who you are.” It was as if God had reached down from the heavens and smacked me on the back of the head. I looked up to my ceiling and said out loud, “I got it, Lord; I hear ya.” That’s what we often forget, and He wants us to never forget: if He wants us to do something, He’ll make a way. https://youtu.be/iJCV_2H9xD0

Build My Life (Housefires)- A few years ago, I was on the Pro-Life March trip in Washington, DC, with about 40 students and three other adults. Generation Life organizes great music and speakers for the students and adults who attend. So besides the actual march, there are many things to be blessed by. One evening during the GenLife program, while praying and worshiping, this song was played.

This song was good, but one line became my prayer. “Open up my eyes in wonder, show me who you are and fill me with your heart and lead me in your love to those around me.” I sang this as a prayer that night, and every morning to this day, I end my morning prayer by saying this to the Lord. I know that some days I fail at showing His love to those around me, but those are the days I’m thankful for the first two songs on this list. https://youtu.be/FYMjO9mL0Tw

All of these songs can be heard on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, or wherever you get your music, and I’ve included the YouTube link for each one. If you’re looking for a bonus track, check out I’ll Find You by Lecrae, featuring Tori Kelly. God sent me this song shortly after Truth I’m Standing On. It also helped me through, but it isn’t for everyone. For me it is a great reminder of how God never leaves us and He’ll find us through the cloud of crud. https://youtu.be/Jv8IqJm6q7w

Until next time, enjoy listening to whatever it is that matters to you.