A Playlist: The Top Encouraging (Mostly) Christian Songs I Know Of

by - June 24, 2017

Do you know the times when you just feel tired? Like you want to curl up in a ball and sleep for about a thousand years so that when you wake up, everything will have magically fixed itself?

I (and most of my family too) are going through a season like that right now. We stepped up to host a little girl from Ukraine for eleven weeks this summer, and instead of a sweet little one to play dolls with my sisters and snuggle with us in bed, we got a child who is frequently physically violent, probably has mental health issues, and likes to throw things and laugh like a lunatic about it.

The times like these are the times when it's so easy to look at your life and say, "Why, God? Why would you do this to me? Why me? Why now?" Heaven knows I've done it enough times in the past few days.

But Jesus is Emmanuel- God with us -and he will never leave us or forsake us. Even when we walk through the valley of the shadow of death, we need fear no evil, for He is with us. (Psalm 23:4)

In the moment, it can be very hard to remember that He is with us. That's where great Christian music comes in. Songs by those who have gone before us, who know the pain we're feeling and aren't afraid to be vulnerable.

Here are some of the songs that have been the greatest encouragement to me over the last couple of years, which have been pretty-near-constant hardship for me and my family:

I Can Trust You by Rebecca St. James

When we don't know what's happening and the questions overwhelm us, it can be very easy to grow bitter at God. "I don't want to learn this lesson! Why are you doing this to me now, God? What in the world is the point of this?"

Rebecca Smallbone (aka St. James) definitely understands that pain. This is a song about the fact that even when we don't understand why something might happen to us, we can always trust God to know what he's doing.

Don't Worry Now by Britt Nicole

The pain is real. You may not be going through a divorce like Nicole's parents were in the memory that inspires this song, but it's still cutting and real. No matter how small, it matters.

When you feel like you're alone, you're not. When you're gripping the pain so tight that your fingers burn because it's your only comfort, there's someone else who lays his hands over yours. You are never, never alone. It's time to let the pain go. Cast all your cares on Him, because he cares for you.

You Hold Me Now by Rebecca St. James

I think there are a couple other versions of this song, but this is probably the most emotional. The pain of today is so real, but one day, it will be nothing but a distant memory when we make it to the Home that was prepared for us. There is no pain or grief or violence there. Happily ever after is not a myth. For those of us who are in Christ, there is a real fairytale ending ahead, one that involves our Prince coming to save us, a wedding, and a ride off into the sunset forever and ever. It can be hard to look at the big picture when you're in the throes of the pain, but there will one day be no more of it. And we will live forever in joy with Christ.

Where Do We Go by Lindsey Stirling

This is a song by a Mormon, and I'm afraid I don't view Mormons as true brothers and sisters in Christ. Sorry to anyone here who might be a Mormon, or those who know those who are. :/ But one thing I do think they get right is in this song, the chorus of which goes, "Where do we go when our prayers are answered but the answer is 'No'?"

It's such a real question. God has promised that he'll never leave us, never forsake us, that he's always going to do what's best for us, that the prayer prayed in faith will be answered. But what if the answer that we receive is a no? The pain when you've got nowhere to turn but God and it seems like he's ignoring you or clearly refusing you is unmatchable.

But his ways are not our ways, and there is an answer. We may not see it yet, but God works everything for the good of those who love him. Just hold on.

He Will Carry Me by Mark Schultz

This song is fairly old, but it's one of the most poignant I've ever heard. Even when you walk through the valley of the shadow, you're not alone. HE will never leave you, nor forsake you.

Have you ever heard the footprints story? Well, regardless of whether you have or not, here it is:
That's what this song is about. The fact that you'll never be alone, no matter how alone you feel. God will always be with you.


The Rain Keeps Falling by Andrew Peterson

This is a song for when you think you're the only one. When the grief has you trapped in the basement, and you're afraid you'll never make it out. The people around you seem to have it all together, and they're all talking about how good the Lord is and you've got nothing.

Then you hear his voice. It may take a while, it may take days, weeks, or months, but no matter how deep the darkness is, that still, small voice will still coming breaking through.

And He says "Peace. Be still."


I know this is a lot of songs to just randomly kind of throw at you, so I, being the helpful flabbit that I am, made you a Spotify playlist where you can just listen to them all! I make lots of playlists and listen to Spotify basically 24/7, and I would not at all mind if you decided to shoot me a follow #ShamelessSelfPromo. Here you are! (Featuring some Honorable Mentions)


Enjoy!

What are your favorite Christian encouraging songs? Do you know these ones? Chat with me in the comments!

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36 comments

  1. ThegirlwhonevergrewupJune 24, 2017 at 3:58 PM

    I know those! I believe everyone had to have a season like that in our life. It seems that as much as it hurts it grows us even more. I pray that you get through this, I have had troubles and I know that we can make it through it. Not I alone but only with the help of God. My playlist for when I feel like this consists of:
    How to save a life https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cjVQ36NhbMk
    Move Keep Walking by TobyMac https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MX1G71WK-FA
    Britt Nicole Headphones https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lrg6Q7j7KjA
    In the Eye of the storm is a good one however it is way over played
    and finally this one has been my heart cry
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2bTYKwkr6Y0 Its by NF but dunno what's its called. Only that the chorus is "Oh these hands are tired, oh this heart is tired, but I'll keep on, I'll keep on, I'll keep on.

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    1. Ivie BrooksJune 24, 2017 at 4:51 PM

      That's I'll keep on by NF, one of the best songs ever.

      Delete
    2. R.F. GammonJune 25, 2017 at 1:40 PM

      Thank you so much, McKayla. I will definitely look those up. Thank you again :)

      Delete
    3. ThegirlwhonevergrewupJune 25, 2017 at 2:51 PM

      No problem, if we don't help each other out in our season of need, you don't have any support! So just know u are well supported and loved :-)

      Delete
  2. Katrina JacksonJune 24, 2017 at 4:29 PM

    I love "Where Do We Go" and "Don't Worry Now" so much! Here are two of my favorites; God has used them so many times to cheer me up :)
    "You'll Never Be Alone" by Capital Kings
    "By Your Side" by Tenth Avenue North
    Have you heard them?

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    1. R.F. GammonJune 25, 2017 at 1:40 PM

      I've heard By Your Side, and I really like it. Thank you for the recommendations :)

      Delete
  3. Ivie BrooksJune 24, 2017 at 4:53 PM

    Please check out Carry Me by Josh Wilson. That song has gotten me through a troubled season. Many troubled seasons actually. How much longer will the child be with you?

    I agree with you on the mormon thing. I find some of their beliefs weird, but it's up to God on that.

    God bless you! <3 *Gives you hug and cake of your choice*

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    1. R.F. GammonJune 25, 2017 at 1:41 PM

      She'll probably be here another two months or so :/ I will definitely listen to that song!

      Delete
  4. Grace MarieJune 24, 2017 at 5:33 PM

    Oh, I'm so sorry! That's so hard!!! I'll be praying for you and your family, and of course that little girl.

    I love all of the songs on your playlist, they are so good and encouraging.

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    1. R.F. GammonJune 25, 2017 at 1:41 PM

      Thank you, Gray. :) They are truly some of the best.

      Delete
  5. AnonymousJune 24, 2017 at 11:17 PM

    I know this is very off topic, but concerning your views (and others) around same sex relationships, I'd like you to watch this video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=93&v=U89LnISqd8k. It's from a mormon, but it perfectly expresses how God still loves and believes in the LGBT+ community.

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    1. Grace MarieJune 25, 2017 at 12:50 AM

      Hey, you (sorry I don't know you're name). I just want to let you know that I and most Christians don't hate the LGBT+ community, and we are well aware that God loves them as well. I have friends that have recently come out, and I still love them like family. However, as I told them, sin is sin. And I cannot support their choices in that part of their lives. It doesn't mean I don't love them or that I hate that community, it simply means I disagree with how they live.
      I promise you, I, in no way think myself better than anyone or assume that just because I'm straight I'm going to heaven and a gay person isn't. The Bible states that in God's eyes all sins are like filthy rags to him, which means all sins are the same in his eyes. I might not be gay or queer or bi or pan, or the number of genders people identify with, but I have lied, lusted, stolen, felt hate in my heart. I am on the same level as them, I am not better.
      I know I don't speak for everyone. But we don't all hate the LGBT+, they are just like me, sinners in need of a savior.
      God bless.

      Delete
    2. AmyJune 25, 2017 at 7:32 AM

      Brilliantly put, Gray Marie. I am totally with you <3

      Delete
    3. Ivie BrooksJune 25, 2017 at 10:27 AM

      Well said, Gray. And to Anonymous, I know it may seem like Christians despise LGBT people, but that's what the mainstream media wants you to think. Also, the owner of this blog is having a hard time and maybe this isn't well timed right now. She's going through a hard season. Just something to think about. We''re all going to have different opinions, but that's what makes us unique.
      God bless you, Anonymous.
      God bless you, Gray.
      <3

      Delete
    4. LHEJune 25, 2017 at 12:35 PM

      God loves you no matter who you are or what you do. He wouldn't have died for us if he didn't. Same Sex relationships don't make God hate you, but it's still sin. Here's what God was telling me to tell you. Please read this. I have no clue who you are, but trust me, this didn't come from me. I don't talk like this. I really don't. This is all God right here. I promise you. Here it is, friend:

      I love you. I see you. I want you. I want to hold you, precious one. Let me love you and comfort you. Like the groom preparing a place for his wife, I am preparing a place for you. Accept my gift that I'm holding out to you. Don't miss the chance to spend eternity with me. I would never do anything to harm you. Never. I love you child. I died to give you life. I wouldn't die for trash. My love is pouring out to you. Drink it and you will never thirst again. Let rivers of living water flow through you and share your testimony with those who doubt. I am God. I Am who I Am. I love you. Come to me. Let me love you. You trust those of this world to never let you down, but they will never be enough; no matter who they are they will never give you it all. I am standing here. Hold onto my hand. I will give you all you need. My love is everlasting. Even when you doubt, when you lust, when you hate me, I will never turn away from you. I am waiting for you. Give me your heart...before it's too late.

      ——————It's me now. I feel his presence where i am. It's so tangible. I can feel him. It's so real.

      Delete
    5. R.F. GammonJune 25, 2017 at 1:44 PM

      Anonymous, thank you for expressing your views. And to Ivie and Gray and LHE: thank you so much for answering this. It's okay, Ivie. I'm always up for discussions.

      I am, however, going to do a post on this sometime this week- what I believe regarding homosexuality and the LGBTQ+ community. If you want to keep out an eye for that, Anonymous, I'd appreciate it.

      Delete
    6. Grace MarieJune 25, 2017 at 9:43 PM

      I been planning on posting on this since I started my blog, but since I have several friends that are queer I always get too emotional and break down halfway through... so hopefully one day I will have the mental strength to write about that, because it is an important subject.

      Delete
    7. Ivie BrooksJune 26, 2017 at 7:04 AM

      I plan on posting something this week, too. I saw something earlier last week that made me want to say something about it. I don't remember seeing anywhere in your article, Faith, anything about the LGBT community.
      That must be really hard, Gray. I'm sorry.
      God bless you both. :)

      Delete
  6. BlueJune 24, 2017 at 11:45 PM

    I think you might enjoy "Trust in You' by Lauren Daigle.

    I'm sorry to hear about the rough time, but I've seen some amazing things come out of dark situations. I trust that there will be awesome things yet for this little girl that will touch the whole family.

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    1. R.F. GammonJune 25, 2017 at 1:45 PM

      Thank you, Blue. You're always so encouraging :D

      Delete
  7. Abigail LennahJune 25, 2017 at 12:03 AM

    YESSS THE RAIN KEEPS FALLING. <3 We sang that one time at a conference, and even though I didn't know the lyrics well at the time we sang it, its message is powerful.

    xoxo Abigail Lennah | ups & downs

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    1. R.F. GammonJune 25, 2017 at 1:45 PM

      It is so powerful. And I've always appreciated it, ever since I heard it the first time.

      Delete
  8. Madeline J. RoseJune 25, 2017 at 11:15 AM

    I loooove Lindsey's Where Do We Go!! It's such a great song, and yes, it's a very real question to ask. 'Where do we go when out prayers are answered, but the answer is no?'

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    1. R.F. GammonJune 25, 2017 at 9:32 PM

      Such a hard question, but we have to learn to trust that God's got it :)

      Delete
  9. UnknownJune 25, 2017 at 11:26 AM

    I love Britt Nicole!! I've been adoring her latest album. She is so sweet (I got the chance to meet her last year), and really represents Christ very well. GO HER.

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  10. LHEJune 25, 2017 at 12:21 PM

    Aww, that's nice that you guys are hosting the little girl from Ukraine! It may be rough, but you never know. Give her some time and she may warm up to you and the violent streak will stop. Wow, I always thought I was the only one who listened to Rebecca St. James and Britt Nicole when I was little. :)
    I LOVE For King and Country. Their songs bring back so many memories for me. I also like Josh Garrels. Also Joe Bright has some great songs (Christian songs). Though Elohim by Hillsong Worship is my favorite. I can't stop playing it. The song A Prayer by Kings Kaleidoscope sums up how I felt for so long. The ending is so powerful. I love it. Though if you look it up, I have to warn you, you should pick the censored version because it does have a bit of swearing in the original version. (I understand why he used some of the words he did, but the swearing kind of takes away from the song.)
    Jesus loves you all! Just open your eyes and you'll see him. <3

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    1. R.F. GammonJune 25, 2017 at 9:33 PM

      Thanks for the recommendations! I LOOOOVE Rebecca and Britt - they're my favorites. Glad to know that I'm not the only one. ;D

      Delete
    2. LHEJune 25, 2017 at 10:18 PM

      You're very welcome! Did you know that Rebecca is Joel and Luke Smallbone's (For King and Country) sister? Isn't that cool? You most definitely are not alone. I listened to it so much that U'm pretty burned out, but they are awesome singers. ;)

      Delete
    3. R.F. GammonJune 26, 2017 at 7:50 AM

      Yes, it's awesome! Good to know I'm not the only one who over listens. Their other brother Ben directed Priceless the movie, and Rebecca's husband was one of the producers :D

      Delete
    4. LHEJune 26, 2017 at 5:10 PM

      YES! I think that's really cool. Family efforts. Annnnd, they all aim to please God. *ahhh*

      Delete
  11. Christine SmithJune 27, 2017 at 11:52 AM

    I am so sorry your family is going through a hard time! But how beautiful it is that you're using these difficulties to encourage others. You're such a treasure. <3

    This post was so uplifting (and full of fantastic song suggestions!). I do so hope life will get better. I can only imagine how hard it is having a physically violent child in the house, but I know God is pleased with your family for bringing her into your home. And I am sure you will all be a blessing to her in the end. Keep clinging to Jesus. As you put it so eloquently, He is with you, through everything.

    You're all in my prayers! <3

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    1. R.F. GammonJune 27, 2017 at 7:36 PM

      Thank you so much, sweet Lauri :) I'm so thankful for your prayers!

      Delete
  12. Audrey CaylinJune 27, 2017 at 7:33 PM

    Wow, I definitely need to check out some of these songs! (I'd follow you if I could, but I don't have Spotify :P) I think the song that has gotten me through the most dark times is Prince of Peace, by Hillsong United.

    I'm sorry to hear that things haven't been good for you and your family! You're in my prayers <3

    audrey caylin

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  13. Alexa MintahSeptember 1, 2017 at 4:45 PM

    I love all you have to say in this post, especially how you choose to encourage others in the midst of a difficult time. <3 I hope things have been getting better for your family, and I'm definitely praying for you. :)

    Three of my favorites for problem-times are Even if by MercyMe (it has a similar idea to Where Do We Go from the sound of that song), Just Be Held by Casting Crowns, and Thy Will be Hillary Scott. All three of them are just absolutely lovely songs that remind me of the truth of God's power and love and to relax and be still in Him in the midst of the painful things. :)

    I do love He Will Carry Me!


    Alexa
    thessalexa.blogspot.com
    verbosityreviews.com

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Hello, friends! Do make yourselves comfortable and stay for a while--I'd love to chat with you! I simply ask that you keep it clean. :)