If we can say one thing about the year 2020, we can say that it has been unpredictable. Just when we think we can settle into a routine; a new twist comes along to challenge us. Even now, as children go back to school and seasons change, it is tempting to anticipate the next pitfall.
In times of change, we need daily messages of hope and truth to keep our hearts encouraged and spirits lifted. Songs that carry us through uncertain seasons have a way of filling us with the courage or inspiration we may need to push through and move forward.
Here are 10 songs to inspire you when you feel that your life is changing.
Photo Credit: © Getty Images/anyaberkut
1. Raise a Hallelujah
by Bethel Music’s Jonathan David Helser, Melissa Helser, Molly Skaggs, Raquel Vega
This worship song was written as a response to a miraculous healing of Bethel Music’s CEO’s two-year old son. The words reflect the power of praise even in the most difficult of circumstances. The song declares God’s victory over unbelief, enemies, and even death. Through praise, we can continue to declare God’s truth in the most trying times (James 5:13).
I raise a hallelujah, in the presence of my enemies
I raise a hallelujah, louder than the unbelief
I raise a hallelujah, my weapon is a melody
I raise a hallelujah, heaven comes to fight for me
I'm gonna sing, in the middle of the storm
Louder and louder, you're gonna hear my praises roar
Up from the ashes, hope will arise
Death is defeated, the King is alive!
I raise a hallelujah, with everything inside of me
I raise a hallelujah, I will watch the darkness flee
I raise a hallelujah, in the middle of the mystery
I raise a hallelujah, fear you lost your hold on me!
I'm gonna sing, in the middle of the storm
Louder and louder, you're gonna hear my praises roar
Up from the ashes, hope will arise
Death is defeated, the King is alive!
Credit: Bethel Music
Photo Credit: © Unsplash/Hannah Busing
2. Is He Worthy?
by Andrew Peterson and Ben Shive
This beautiful song questions the current condition of the world in order to strengthen our faith in Jesus. The core message throughout the song is that no matter what happens on earth, Jesus is worthy of our love and praise. God has a plan and purpose that will not be thwarted (Philippians 2:9-11).
Do you feel the world is broken?
(We do)
Do you feel the shadows deepen?
(We do)
But do you know that all the dark won't stop the light from getting through?
(We do)
Do you wish that you could see it all made new?
(We do)
Is all creation groaning?
(It is)
Is a new creation coming?
(It is)
Is the glory of the Lord to be the light within our midst?
(It is)
Is it good that we remind ourselves of this?
(It is)
Is anyone worthy?
Is anyone whole?
Is anyone able to break the seal and open the scroll?
The Lion of Judah who conquered the grave
He is David's root and the Lamb who died to ransom the slave
Is He worthy? Is He worthy?
Of all blessing and honor and glory
Is He worthy of this?
He is
Does the Father truly love us?
(He does)
Does the Spirit move among us?
(He does)
And does Jesus, our Messiah hold forever those He loves?
(He does)
Does our God intend to dwell again with us?
(He does)
Is anyone worthy?
Is anyone whole?
Is anyone able to break the seal and open the scroll?
The Lion of Judah who conquered the grave
He is David's root and the Lamb who died to ransom the slave
From every people and tribe
Every nation and tongue
He has made us a kingdom and priests to God
To reign with the Son
Is He worthy? Is He worthy?
Of all blessing and honor and glory
Is He worthy? Is He worthy?
He is!
Credit: Andrew Peterson
Photo Credit: © Getty Images/Jorisvo
3. Graves into Gardens
by Elevation Worship
The biblical text that inspired this worship song was 2 Kings 13:20-21 where God brought life out of death. This song states that there is nothing better than Jesus. He can turn mourning to dancing, and transform shame into glory. The message we can cling to is that in time of change, the Lord is able to control all situations.
I searched the world
But it couldn't fill me
Man's empty praise and treasures that fade
Are never enough
Then You came along
And put me back together
And every desire is now satisfied
Here in Your love (hey)
Oh, there's nothing better than You
There's nothing better than You
Lord, there's nothing
Nothing is better than You
(Oh, yes I know it's true)
(Come on, tell 'em, hey)
I'm not afraid
To show You my weakness
My failures and flaws, Lord, You've seen them all
And You still call me friend
'Cause the God of the mountain
Is the God of the valley
There's not a place Your mercy and grace
Won't find me again
Oh, there's nothing better than You
There's nothing better than You
Lord, there's nothing
Nothing is better than You
(I know it's true)
Oh, there's nothing (somebody testify) better than You
Oh, there's nothing better than You
Lord, there's nothing
Nothing is better than You
You turn mourning to dancing
You give beauty for ashes
You turn shame into glory
You're the only one who can (come on)
You turn mourning to dancing
You give beauty for ashes
You turn shame into glory (tell 'em now)
You're the only one who can
You turn graves into garden
You turn bones into armies
You turn seas into highways
You're the only one who can (please sing for me)
You're the only one who can
Oh, there's nothing (come on choir) better than You
Oh, there's nothing better than You
Lord, there's nothing
Nothing is better than You (search and I found)
Oh, there's nothing better than You
Oh, there's nothing (nothing) better than You
Lord, there's nothing
Nothing is better than You
Credit: Elevation Worship
Photo Credit: © Unsplash/Malachi Brooks
4. Way Maker
by gospel singer Sinach
This song reminds us of who Jesus is by recalling his divine nature and attributes. It declares how he is still moving in our lives and is worthy of our worship. Many artists such as Michael W. Smith, Bethel Music, and Passion Worship Band have covered this amazing worship song. It reminds us that the Lord is with us and will strengthen and comfort us (Isaiah 41:10).
You are here
Moving in our midst
I worship you
I worship you
You are here
Working in this place
I worship you
I worship you
Chorus:
Way maker
Miracle worker
Promise keeper
Light in the darkness
My God
That is who you are
You are here
Touching every heart
I worship you
I worship you
You are here
Healing every heart
I worship you
I worship you
You are here
Turning lives around
I worship you
I worship you
You are here
Mending every heart
I worship you
I worship you
Chorus 2x
You wipe away all tears
You mend the broken heart
You're the answer to it all
Jesus
Chorus 2x
You are here
Touching every life
I worship you
I worship you
You are here
Meeting every need
I worship you
I worship you
Credit: Sinach
Photo Credit: © Unsplash/Jared Murray
5. Trust in You
by Lauren Daigle
Lauren wrote this song following the death of her grandfather. The theme of the song is to trust the Lord even in the midst of the most trying circumstances. You can hear the power of surrender within the song, and the rest that can be found in Christ alone. Listeners can be encouraged by the message of God’s constant presence and provision (Isaiah 43:2-3).
Letting go of every single dream
I lay each one down at Your feet
Every moment of my wandering
Never changes what You see
I try to win this war
I confess, my hands are weary, I need Your rest
Mighty warrior, king of the fight
No matter what I face You're by my side
When You don't move the mountains
I'm needing You to move
When You don't part the waters
I wish I could walk through
When You don't give the answers
As I cry out to You
I will trust, I will trust, I will trust in You
Truth is, You know what tomorrow brings
There's not a day ahead You have not seen
So let all things be my life and breath
I want what You want Lord and nothing less
When You don't move the mountains
I'm needing You to move
When You don't part the waters
I wish I could walk through
When You don't give the answers
As I cry out to You
I will trust, I will trust, I will trust in You
I will trust in You
You are my strength and comfort
You are my steady hand
You are my firm foundation
The rock on which I stand
Your ways are always higher
Your plans are always good
There's not a place where I'll go
You've not already stood
When You don't move the mountains
I'm needing You to move
When You don't part the waters
I wish I could walk through
When You don't give the answers
As I cry out to You
I will trust, I will trust, I will trust in You
Credit: Lauren Daigle
Photo Credit: © iStock/Getty Images Plus/Orla
6. It Is Well
by Kristene DiMarco & Bethel Music
The writer of this song used Jesus’ miracle of the calming of the storm to inspire this worship song during a time of uncertainty within her own life. In the writing process, God challenged her to question why she was so afraid if she trusted Him. Reflecting upon the original hymn by Horatio Spafford, this new song revives the message that contentment is found when we place our faith in Christ (Philippians 4:11-13).
Grander earth has quaked before
Moved by the sound of His voice
Seas that are shaken and stirred
Can be calmed and broken for my regard
And through it all, through it all
My eyes are on You
And through it all, through it all
It is well
And through it all, through it all
My eyes are on You
And it is well with me
And far be it from me to not believe
Even when my eyes can't see
And this mountain that's in front of me
Will be thrown into the midst of the sea
And through it all, through it all
My eyes are on You
And through it all, through it all
It is well
And through it all, through it all
My eyes are on You
And it is well
It is well
So let go my soul and trust in Him
The waves and wind still know His name
So let go my soul and trust in Him
The waves and wind still know His name
So let go my soul and trust in Him
The waves and wind still know His name
The waves and wind still know His name
And it is well with my soul (sing it everybody)
It is well with my soul
It is well with my soul
It is well
It is well with my soul
Oh it is well with my soul ('cause of who you are)
Oh it is well with my soul
It is well with my soul
It is well
It is well with my soul
It is well
And through it all, through it all
My eyes are on You
And through it all, through it all
It is well Lord
Credit: Bethel Music
Photo Credit: © Unsplash/Karl Fredrickson
7. The Blessing
by Kari Jobe & Cody Carnes
This was a song written at the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic. It soon became an anthem of unity across the world. This song of hope comes from three places of Scripture—the priestly blessing of Aaron found in Numbers 6:22-27 and the blessing of God’s covenant people found in Deuteronomy 28:6 and Exodus 33:14. As believers in Jesus, we are adopted in and receivers of these covenantal blessings. This is a powerful reminder in times of change.
The Lord bless you
And keep you
Make His face shine upon you
And be gracious to you
The Lord turn His
Face toward you
And give you peace
As we receive, we agree, amen
Amen, amen, amen
Amen, amen, amen (amen, amen)
Amen, amen, amen
Amen, amen, amen
May His favor be upon you
And a thousand generations
Your family and your children
And their children, and their children
May His presence go before you
And behind you, and beside you
All around you, and within you
He is with you, He is with you
In the morning, in the evening
In your coming, and your going
In your weeping, and rejoicing
He is for you, He is for you
He is for you, He is for you
He is for you, He is for you
He is for you, He is for you
Amen, amen, amen
Amen, amen, amen (may His favor)
Credit: Elevation Worship
Photo Credit: © Unsplash/Andre Benz
8. Love God, Love People
by Danny Gokey
In a season of change, having a song that goes back to the two basic messages of Jesus is timely. This song gets to the heart of the gospel, reflecting 1 Corinthians 13 and the command of Christ in an upbeat way. Listeners will come away feeling encouraged and inspired, ready to act on their faith (Matthew 22:37-39).
I've been running in circles
Jumping the hurdles
Getting caught in that rush of doing so much
I'm feeling kinda worn out
All this checking the boxes
Trying to be flawless
Has me spinning my head, catching my breath
Too afraid to slow down
I tell myself to keep this up
That God wants more than just my love
But I've been complicating things
It's just like me to overthink
Gotta keep it real simple
Keep it real simple
Bring everything right back to ground zero
'Cause it all comes down to this
Love God and love people
We're living in a world that keeps breakin'
But if we want to find a way to change it
It all comes down to this
Love God and love people
Oh this is freedom (this is freedom)
The keys to the Kingdom
Knowing life will be found when love can be loud
'Cause love is what it's all about
I tell myself to keep this up
That all God wants is just my love
No more complicating things
No more need to overthink
Gotta keep it real simple
Keep it real simple
Bring everything right back to ground zero
'Cause it all comes down to this
Love God and love people
We're living in a world that keeps breakin'
But if we want to find a way to change it
It all comes down to this
Love God and love people
Love is patient
Love is kind
Rescues hearts and changes lives
Love is all we need to make things right
Gotta keep it real simple
It's really so simple, oh!
Gotta keep it real simple
Keep it real simple
Bring everything right back to ground zero (yeah)
'Cause it all comes down to this
Love God and love people
We're living in a world that keeps breakin'
But if we want to find a way to change it
It all comes down to this
Love God and love people (woo!)
Keep on loving, keep on loving
Love God and love people
So keep on loving, keep on loving
It's all about love
It's how we change the world
Love God and love people
Credit: Danny Gokey
Photo Credit: © Getty Images/monkeybusinessimages
9. Hills and Valleys
by Tauren Wells
In this beautiful song of praise, the vocalist recognizes both the highs and lows of life and understands that God’s grace and love surpasses any broken dreams. The Lord’s presence and faithfulness remains the same at all time. The song is an expression of 2 Corinthians 12:9 and serves as a reminder that we can praise God for bringing us to the mountains in life and lift our eyes up to Him from the valleys.
I've walked among the shadows
You wiped my tears away
And I've felt the pain of heartbreak
And I've seen the brighter days
And I've prayed prayers to heaven from my lowestplace
And I have held the blessings
God, you give and take away
No matter what I have, Your grace is enough
No matter where I am, I'm standing in Your love
On the mountains, I will bow my life
To the one who set me there
In the valley, I will lift my eyes to the one who sees me there
When I'm standing on the mountain aft, didn't get there on my own
When I'm walking through the valley end, no I am not alone!
You're God of the hills and valleys!
Hills and Valleys!
God of the hills and valleys
And I am not alone!
I've watched my dreams get broken
In you I hope again!
No matter what I know
Know I'm safe inside Your hand
On the mountains, I will bow my life
To the one who set me there
In the valley, I will lift my eyes to the one who sees me there
When I'm standing on the mountain aft, didn't get there on my own
When I'm walking through the valley end, no I am not alone!
You're God of the hills and valleys!
Hills and Valleys!
God of the hills and valleys
And I am not alone!
Father, you give and take away
Every joy and every pain
Through it all you will remain
Over it all!
Father, you give and take away
Every joy and every pain
Through it all you will remain
Over it all!
On the mountains, I will bow my life
To the one who set me there (to the one who set me there)
In the valley, I will lift my eyes to the one who sees me there
When I'm standing on the mountain aft, didn't get there on my own
When I'm walking through the valley end, no I am not alone!
You're God of the hills and valleys!
Hills and Valleys!
God of the hills and valleys
And I am not alone!
You're God of the hills and valleys!
Hills and Valleys!
God of the hills and valleys
And I am not alone!
And I will choose to say "Blessed be Your name, yeah, yeah"
And I am not alone
Credit: Tauren Wells
Photo Credit: © Getty/kieferpix
10. Thy Will
by Hillary Scott
The singer/songwriter did not initially reveal the heart cry behind the song that has inspired so many people. After allowing a year to pass upon its initial release, she revealed that they song was an expression to God after enduring a miscarriage. Through her words, she expresses confusion as to why bad things happen. Yet, through her anguish, she acknowledges God’s sovereignty over all. This song is a comfort for anyone who has struggled to accept a difficult and unexpected change in their life because it reminds us how God maintains control, even when we feel that life is out of our control (Romans 8:28).
Even though we might not know what lies ahead, we can trust in the God who goes before us. When we take time to declare who He is, how He has acted in the past, and what His promises are for us, it often helps us walk more courageously when we have doubt. Hopefully, the Lord will use this list to encourage you to walk confidently in Him as you navigate your way forward in these changing times.
I'm so confused
I know I heard you loud and clear
So, I followed through
Somehow I ended up here
I don't wanna think
I may never understand
That my broken heart is a part of your plan
When I try to pray
All I've got is hurt and these four words
Thy will be done
Thy will be done
Thy will be done
I know you're good
But this don't feel good right now
And I know you think
Of things I could never think about
It's hard to count it all joy
Distracted by the noise
Just trying to make sense
Of all your promises
Sometimes I gotta stop
Remember that you're God
And I am not
So
Thy will be done
Thy will be done
Thy will be done
Like a child on my knees all that comes to me is
Thy will be done
Thy will be done
Thy will
I know you see me
I know you hear me, Lord
Your plans are for me
Goodness you have in store
I know you hear me
I know you see me, Lord
Your plans are for me
Goodness you have in store
So
Thy will be done
Thy will be done
Thy will be done
Like a child on my knees all that comes to me is
Thy will be done
Thy will be done
Thy will be done
I know you see me
I know you hear me, Lord
Credit: HillaryScottVEVO
Photo Credit: © Unsplash/AhmetSali
Originally published Wednesday, 16 September 2020.
