A few months ago, a friend from church asked for songs to brighten her mood. This is absolutely my wheelhouse.
I love music, but am most passionate about music as it is used in worship (which is fortunate since I’m married to a worship pastor) and music that redirects our hearts back to Jesus. I answered my friend and then told her, shortly after, that I wanted to share this very topic that she had inspired!
I fully believe in guarding my heart and fueling my mind with music that feeds my soul. Our souls are too precious for junk, so I try to keep it “clutter-free.” Maybe I am in the minority here, but I believe that if my purpose is to worship God (and it is, by the way…that IS the purpose of life), then my mind should be fixed on tunes that bring Him the glory and lead my soul to a deeper love for Him.
When I am listening to music that glorifies God, then I feel more able to serve and love others. I feel refreshed and my mood improves noticeably. There are several current (or semi-current) songs that pair the right tempo and tune with Biblical truths that motivate, challenge, and provoke meaningful conversations. In fact, this specific genre of music just might help you clean the house a bit more quickly…so I have heard!
Today, I am sharing twelve of my favorites. Every one of these songs meets two very important criteria: they are both 1) worshipful and 2) happy! Save this list for the next time you’re feeling defeated, depressed, or overwhelmed. I’m very confident that this playlist will turn your frown upside down! This is what works for me! I hope it has a positive impact on your life, as well!
1) Lift My Life Up
by Unspoken
2) My Lighthouse
by Rend Collective
3) Thrive
by Casting Crowns
4) We Won’t Be Shaken
by Building 429
5) Write Your Story on my Heart
Francesca Battistelli
6) Fix My Eyes
by For King and Country
7) Beautiful Day
by Jamie Grace
8) Pushing Back the Dark
by Josh Wilson
9) Build Your Kingdom Here
by Rend Collective
11) This is Amazing Grace
by Phil Wickham
12) Joy
by Rend Collective
May your hearts be filled with the happiest of songs and your homes abound with His praises!
From my heart to yours,
~Courtney
What a great list!! Rend Collective is especially joyful, isn’t it? You might like my friend Kristin’s blog post about songs of joy (http://www.kristinhilltaylor.com/2015/01/three-word-wednesday-choosing-joy-again.html). I do listen to music other than Christian music, but if I need to protect my heart even more than normal – or adjust my attitude! – I definitely keep it tuned to the CCM station. Thanks so much for linking up to WFMW!
Mary, thank you for stopping by and for sharing Kristin’s blog post! I cant wait to read it!! Yes! Rend Collective is so joyful. I wanted to limit them to one song on my list of 12, but decided all 3 songs were worth passing along to other friends! Ha! Clearly, I’m enjoying them lately. 🙂 Thank you for hosting WFMW!
Mary, thank you for sharing Kristin’s blog today! I just read it and enjoyed her very own joyful playlist! I loved the way she referred to joy as “freedom!” AMEN!!!
Thanks, Mary, for connecting Courtney and I. Our playlists are so similar. How fun! God is definitely affirming these lessons on JOY through so many things right now. Thanks for being part of that.
And, Courtney, I’ glad to know about you and your blog. I’m going to read more. 🙂
Kristin, how exciting that we’re both learning lessons of joy from the same tunes?! Affirming for sure! Thank you for stopping by! It is so much fun to connect with another joy-chooser! 😉
Love this list – and thanks so much for linking up with me 🙂 I have to say, my foot just has to start tapping when I even think about Rend Collective – one of my favorites!
Crystal, me too!!! Their music makes me feel happy while simultaneously speaking truths to my the depths of my heart! It is so real and so toe-tapping-wonderful at the same time!!!