It’s no secret that music has an innate power to inspire, move, and even heal. When the battles of life leave us bruised and weary, music can bring much-needed solace to the soul.

Neal A. Maxwell explained in his own lyrical way, “The symphonic strains of scriptural music can give our lives lilt and tone, a way of tuning our lives by reference to a celestial scale. The melodies are the marching music for the traveler on the strait and narrow way!” (A Time to Choose, 72)

I have found in my own life that when those difficult days come, I am more at peace and secure when my faith is firmly fixed on the Savior. Music that echoes those same principles can encourage us to persevere through lyrics inspired by scripture, and can keep our focus on faith, rather than doubt and despair.

Here are eleven contemporary Christian songs that our family has been inspired and restored by:

 

1.  Trust in You by Lauren Daigle

Truth is, You know what tomorrow brings 
There’s not a day ahead You have not seen
So, in all things be my life and breath
I want what You want Lord and nothing less

2.  It’s Not Over Yet by For King & Country

Oh, to everyone who’s hit their limit
It’s not over yet
And even when you think you’re finished
It’s not over yet
Keep on fighting
Out of the dark
Into the light
It’s not over
Hope is rising
Never give in
Never give up
It’s not over

 

3. Exhale by Plumb

It’s okay to not be okay
This is a safe place
Don’t be afraid
Don’t be ashamed
There’s still hope here

No matter what you’ve done or who you are
Everyone is welcome His arms

 

4. Hold You Up by Shane Harper

It’s not easy, no.
Finding the words to say.
When you’re feeling lost, you’ll find your way.

The world is so broken and sometimes it leaves you cold.
And at times you can’t feel the fire to guide you home.
The demons will haunt you and try to steal what you know.
But the angels, they brought you, and they’re gonna hold you up.
They’re gonna hold you up.

 

5. Hurricane by Natalie Grant

There’s a place, there’s a place you can run
When you fall, and it’s all come undone
You’ll be safe in the raging storm
So just let go
‘Cause you are held in His arms

Step out on the edge
Don’t be afraid of it
And when you feel the rain
Call His name
He’ll find you in the hurricane

 

6.  Worn by Tenth Avenue North

Let me see redemption win
Let me know the struggle ends
That you can mend a heart
That’s frail and torn
I wanna know a song can rise
From the ashes of a broken life
And all that’s dead inside can be reborn

 

7. Sun is Rising by Britt Nicole

Even when you can’t imagine how
How you’re ever gonna find your way out
Even when you’re drowning in your doubt
Just look beyond the clouds

Whatever you’re facing
If your heart is breaking
There’s a promise for the ones who just hold on
Lift up your eyes and see
The sun is rising

8. Strong Enough by Matthew West

I know I’m not strong enough to be
Everything that I’m supposed to be
I give up
I’m not strong enough
Hands of mercy won’t you cover me
Lord right now I’m asking you to be
Strong enough

9. Glorious by Stephanie Mabey

(While I also adore David Archuleta’s version, there is just something about Mabey’s original version that cuts straight to my soul.)

There are times when you might feel aimless
And can’t see the places where you belong
But you will find that there is a purpose
It’s been there within you all along
And when you’re near it
You can almost hear it

It’s like a symphony, just keep listening
And pretty soon you’ll start to figure out your part
Everyone plays a piece and there are melodies
In each one of us, oh, it’s glorious

 

10. Begin Again by Jason Gray

There’s never been a night so long…
There’s never been a life too far gone
When you come to the end, you can begin again

It’s never too late for a new start
If you give God the pieces of your broken heart
When you come to the end, you can begin again

Arise, my love, the winter’s past, the spring has come!
He makes all things beautiful in time
After the fire, what remains is the love that will not change
And makes all things beautiful in time

 

11. Pushing Back the Dark by Josh Wilson

One million reasons why, you shouldn’t even try.
After all you’re just one heart, a single candle in the dark.
And there are shadows here, feeding on your fears,
That you don’t have what it takes – who are you to make a change?

But oh, don’t underestimate the God you follow.

Whatever you do, just don’t look back.
Oh somebody needs the light you have.
Whatever you do, just don’t lose heart.
Keep on pushing back the dark.

 

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What are some of the songs that get you through the tough times in your life?

Share in the comments! Together we can encourage and uplift one another.