If you know me well, you know how much I love music. I love playing it, singing it, listening to it, and occasionally writing it. I actually planned on majoring in music (as a percussionist) in college before God call me to missions. Even though God steered me in a different direction, I still have a special place for music in my heart. The Lord has used music many times to help me get through some really difficult seasons. He has also used it to build my faith and deepen my understanding of His Word. Today I want to share three songs that have blessed me tremendously in recent years.
1. Holy Spirit Have Your Way by Leeland
This song has a special place in my heart. I listen to it all the time and yet, it never seems to get old. It is such a beautiful prayer about surrendering one’s life completely to God. I like the album version a lot, but the orchestral version is also very beautiful. I am currently learning how to play this song on the piano, so that I can play and sing it whenever I want. If you interested in hearing about how brothers Leeland and Jack Mooring were inspired to write this song, check out this interview by Worship Together.
2. He’s Always Been Faithful by Sara Groves
Sara Groves is one of my favorite Christian artists. She is a wonderful storyteller and a gifted pianist in her own right. Her retelling of “Great is Thy Faithfulness” is one of the most beautiful adaptions I have ever heard. It is hard to think that someone could improve upon such a classic hymn, but I think Sara Groves has done it with this song. If you have never listened to the song or her music in general, I strongly encourage you to do so today. Also, be sure to listen to Sara’s testimony about what she was going through when she wrote this beautiful song.
3. Farther Along by Josh Garrels
This was the first song I ever heard by Josh Garrels. It was so different from everything else out on Christian radio at the time (2012). I instantly fell in love with Josh’s music. In fact, I can sing almost all the lyrics to every song on the album, “Love & War & The Sea In Between.” Like the previous song in the list, “Farther Along” is also an old hymn reimagined; however, I think the original hymn is not very well known anymore. I have only occasionally seen it in some older Baptist hymnals. The chorus in both songs goes like this:
Farther along we’ll know more about it,
Farther along we’ll understand why;
Cheer up, my brother, live in the sunshine,
We’ll understand it all by and by.
In the verses, the author contemplates why it sometimes seems the righteous suffer, while the wicked thrive. He concludes in the chorus that while we may not understand why God allows certain things to happen now, we will one day, “farther along.” Personally, I like Josh Garrels’ verses a little bit more than the original, but they are both filled with rich truths. Be sure to give them both a listen when you get the chance. Also, here is a video of the concert where I got to hear him perform the song live in Atlanta. It was awesome!
I hope you enjoyed this list! I plan to share more songs in the future, as I am always updating my playlist. What are some songs you like to listen to on repeat? I would love to hear about the songs that you hold close and dear to your heart.
The Real Zeal 