I was just dwelling on the ache of loneliness when that nagging voice of responsibility reminded me I had to write this article. God really is so good, isn't He? Allow me to explain. I don't believe in coincidences, because ever since I started struggling with anxiety three years ago, God has shown up at the right time, every time. That simple intervention proved Him worthy yet again.
This impeccable track record gives me hope every time I face another shadow. What used to leave me cowering now empowers me with courage. As for hope, it went from a flimsy, wavering belief in an unknown God to a powerful trust in my know best friend, Jesus.
I believe He can work the same comeback in your life too, whether you have seen Him do it before it or not. These songs represent hope to me, and I pray they'll also be able to shift your perspective of the shadows.
"Matter" by for KING & COUNTRY
Popular Christian band for KING & COUNTRY has a keen way of reminding people of their worth in Jesus and this song is no different. Each word is artfully crafted to show God's love for His children (It quickly became the anthem of my day). I promise that you haven't met everyone who will love you yet. This song will encourage that fact even more. Hold on to hope, for there are brighter days ahead.
Favorite lyric: "So let the water spill from your eyes/Let it wash the wounds of those lies/Oh, let the water spill from your eyes/All that you are, all that you'll be."
"In Jesus Name (God of Possible)" by Katy Nichole
This song resonated with me from the first time I heard it, through desperate prayers these past few months, to the position of hope I stand in today. Katy's powerful voice, paired with these incredibly raw lyrics, creates a sense of authority that stems from the Heavenly Father. It's the beginning of stark contrast that when we speak of our own will, nothing changes except an increase in worry. On the other hand, when the name of Jesus backs up our cry, miracles do happen. I believe you will see Him move in a new way today. Sing it out for "He's the God of possible."
Favorite lyric: "Come believe it/Come receive it/In the mighty name of Jesus, all things are possible."
"Living Hope" by Phil Wickham
In the face of so much death, Jesus is my reminder that life is possible. Even more than that, it is a life of purpose and contentment that He promises and that is far more than what the world offers. Even on our worst days, He still reaches out His hand in mercy, knowing full well we can't do it alone. When we admit that to ourselves, we can rely on Him with our whole heart and see our lives change. Hallelujah for that everlasting, living hope.
Favorite lyric: "Hallelujah, praise the one who set me free/Hallelujah, death has lost its grip on me/You have broken every chain/There's salvation in your name/Jesus Christ, my living hope."
"Never Walk Alone" by Hillsong Worship
These lyrics struck me as timely for those struggling with a lack of hope. Iconic church band Hillsong Worship gently reminds listeners that He's not coming to heal, He's actually been healing all along. Finding salvation in broken pasts can be difficult, but it is more than possible. If He can do it for me, I believe He can do it for you.
Favorite lyric: "Every hour, every minute/You have always been there/You are faithful and You always will be."
"I Will Carry You" by Ellie Holcomb
This song is filled with raw emotion. From the outset, Ellie recognizes the hurt of the world and responds with a message of peace. With truth plainly stated, her words shoot through whatever I'm feeling at the time and hits me in the heart. Give it a listen; perhaps it will make you feel the same.
Favorite lyric: "I choose you as you are a million times/'Cause I am not ashamed of you/I won't walk away from you."
"Dancing On The Waves" by We The Kingdom
Hope can be scary. Unfortunately, this fact is something people ignore far too often. When disappointment riddles life, it's easy to believe salvation will wind up as just another crater in the path, another light went out. But I assure you that there is one who never leaves those He loves. We The Kingdom details His return beautifully in "Dancing On The Waves." Jesus is coming, so it's okay to hope.
Favorite lyric: "Look up and lift your eyes/The future's open wide/I have great plans for you, oh, yes, I do."
"Hope Is An Anthem" by Switchfoot
Christian rockers Switchfoot has an incredible way of connecting with each listener (this song proves that fact). Lead singer Jon Foreman declares that hope is stronger than the heartache of life. Even when we're broken, God can use us to sing a beautiful song of hope to the world. Don't give up, because someone out there needs to hear your story. He makes the broken beautiful.
Favorite lyric: "My heart is beating like a blown speaker/The spirit is willing but the flesh is weaker/A distortion pedal and a pair of wings/And an anthem played on broken strings."
"Reasons" by Hulvey
I cherish the line "I was playing games with my heartbeat/Instead of slowing down just to pray" because, as hard as it was to hear, it called me out. I know I'm not alone in numbing the pain by trying every other solution besides God. Only when I fall on my knees and surrender do I actually ever feel peace, so why has that not become my first option? It's a necessary struggle training my human nature to run to God before all else because I know He heals. There are so many artificial reasons to stay alive, but the only one that matters to me is Jesus. He has a purpose for my life and that's why I choose hope today. I pray you will, too.
Favorite lyric: "You gotta know/It ain't over 'cause you got a hand to hold/Let His peace come rushin' through your soul/Too many reasons for you just to let go/There's hope."
"See Me Through It" by Brandon Heath
This upbeat jam induced hope in a joyful way that left rhythm flowing through me long after the song ended. I encourage you to let yourself dance to this melody as you listen. Let the worry go if only for a few minutes. Hold on to sweet hope as you continue on and remember that God will always see you to the other side of whatever you're going through.
Favorite lyric: "Our God is bigger than all our problems/The only One who knows how to solve 'em/So if you're sittin' in the back, rock bottom/Prayers in the air if you got 'em."
"On Our Way" by MercyMe
The song's title stuck with me, because, as humans, we tend to rush things into oblivion. Our race against time makes the world around us so blurry. It's no wonder confusion takes over our minds. However, in "On Our Way," Christian contempoary music veterans MercyMe says it's okay that we haven't yet reached that intended destination. Take it one step at a time and while you're at it, take a breath. You're on your way and if that's all you can manage today, that's okay. There is more to come and a breakthrough is just one promise ahead.
Favorite lyric: "There's no fear that can bind you/There's nowhere hope won't find you/As long as we have hope/We have everything we need."
Selena Schulz is NRT’s youngest staff contributor. She loves God, music, reading, and writing.
NEW!BEHIND THE SONG
#1236 - Brandon Heath
Transforming wounds into stories of redemption in this powerful song
ADVERTISEMENT
NEW!NRT EDITORIAL
Skillet
We explores some of the band's best songs outside their hits
NEW!NRT LISTS
Jordan Merritt
A real conversation around the artist's new track, "Human"
NEW!HEARTSPEAK
Jordan Feliz
The artist's must-listen-to songs about faith, family, and redemption
NEW!AN NRT EXCLUSIVE
Rock Meets Worship
Seven gritty cover songs of popular worship music and hymns
