I once heard a well-meaning Christian leader say something like this, "Ahh, music is so overrated. You don't need music. If you were stranded on an island, you would get along fine without music." I actually believed him for a time and used to think this. But then, when I faced some of my darkest moments, I realized that it was music that helped bring me back. It was music that cleared the rubble of my heart and brought it tenderly before Jesus. I need music.
I think it's important to offer worship and gratitude to God, not only through our thoughtful expressions and notes, but also through music. Consider this passage from Ephesians 5:15-21:
Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.
Do you notice how the Scriptures instruct us to worship? "With psalms and hymns and spiritual songs." What's a key indicator of a heart that is worshiping God, ruled by the Spirit? It's a heart that sings. How do we express gratitude to the Lord? By singing and making melody in our hearts to the Lord.
With that, here are the current top 10 most popular Christian songs. May these fill your heart and mind with glorious, awestruck thoughts of our God and Savior.
(Intro adapted from Dan Darling’s article, “Why We Need Music to Worship.”)
1. Oceans (Where Feet May Fall) - Hillsong United
Songwriters: Joel Houston / Matt Crocker / Salomon Ligthelm
Buy Zion: http://smarturl.it/ituneszion
More information: http://www.hillsongunited.com
2. Good Good Father - Chris Tomlin
Songwriters: Anthony Brown / Joseph Patrick Martin Barrett
Buy on iTunes | http://smarturl.it/CTGoodGoodFather?I...
More Information: http://www.christomlin.com/
3. Oh My Soul - Casting Crowns
Songwriters by John Mark Hall, Bernie Herms
Facebook: http://hyperurl.co/tipz8h
Buy the Album: http://smarturl.it/theverynextthing
4. Thy Will - Hillary Scott & The Scott Family
Songwriters: Bernie Herms; Hillary Scott; Emily Weisband
Follow Hillary: http://www.hillaryscott.com/
Purchase Hillary Scott’s latest music: http://umgn.us/hillaryscottpurchase
5. 10,000 Reasons - Matt Redman
Songwriters: Jonas Myrin / Matt Redman
Buy on iTunes
More from Matt Redman: http://mattredman.com/
6. Chain Breaker - Zach Williams
Songwriters: Jonathan Lindley Smith / Mia Fieldes / Zach Williams
Download the Chain Breaker album now: smarturl.it/chainbreakerLP
Connect to Zach: http://smarturl.it/zachwilliamsfacebook
7. Hills and Valleys - Tauren Wells
Songwriters: Chuck Butler / Jonathan Lindley Smith / Tauren Wells
Website: http://taurenwellsofficial.com/
Buy in iTunes: smarturl.it/hillsandvalleysdlx
8. What a Beautiful Name - Hillsong United
Songwriters: Brooke Ligertwood / Ben Fielding
Connect: http://www.facebook.com/hillsongworship
Buy on iTunes: http://smarturl.it/LetThereBeLight?IQid=youtube
9. How Can it Be - Lauren Daigle
Songwriters: Jason Ingram / Jeff Johnson / Paul Mabury
Connect with Lauren Facebook: http://on.fb.me/18DVgkE
iTunes: http://bit.ly/LDTunes
10. O Come to the Alter - Elevation Worship
Songwriters: Christopher Brown / Wade Joye / Steven Furtick / Mack Brock
Buy in iTunes: http://ele.vc/HAIHitunes
Originally published Wednesday, 13 September 2017.