This week I am feeling compelled to share with you guys my favorite worship songs at the moment and why. All songs can be found either on Spotify or through youtube. Please take a listen, they are all worth it.

1. The Waiting by Matt Maher

This song is beautiful, and it transitions into “Because He Lives (Amen)” smoothly. It makes my heart ache in a good way. This song reminds me of the significance of Jesus’ death and resurrection and also reminds me of what it means to share the urgency the gospel represents exactly where I happen to find my feet. In the midst of waiting, I recognize how important it is to live Kingdom, Community, and how Jesus walked exactly where I happen to find myself. In reality, Jesus didn’t go too far, but He taught and lived exactly where He was. His disciples followed suit, going to the ends of the earth. When Jesus went, there was this hush, this silence that comes in the midst of waiting — and this song presents that in the most beautiful way.

2. King of My Heart (Spontaneous) by Steffany Gretzinger

First, this woman worships with all of her heart. You can find this song on youtube, and if you watch it for a solid ten minutes, you will begin to see and hear exactly what I mean. No shame, just assurance of what she is singing and not a worry about what people are thinking. This is, personally, one of my favorite worship songs at the moment. It’s been my constant prayer since the end of the World Race. The promise that He is good through all seasons, moments, and tides is one I will hold onto for years to come, and it is a truth that has come to nestle itself into the depths of my heart since returning home. Just listen. You won’t regret it.

3. Yes and Amen by Housefires

This is a song that was constantly played last week as I was gone and worshipping with my Squad and the Adventures in Missions Family in Gainesville, GA. The lyrics “all your promises are ‘yes’ and ‘amen’” are ones that somehow lodged themselves inside of my heart as truth in the midst of letting go and getting confirmation from the Lord Himself about returning home for a season. There’s something about His promises that are so good (re: King of My Heart) and knowing that the promises that He has for each and every one of us are a simple “yes” and “amen.” Knowing I can rest in those promises as I find myself in a period of waiting are so huge. The connection to this song is His simple faithfulness, and as long as I constantly hold onto that confidence, I will not grow weary.

4. Sweet Praise (Spontaneous) by Bethel

I first listened to this song watching the sky erupt in color on the beach at our debrief in Phuket, Thailand. The violin in this song just grabbed me heart in a gentle hand, holding me in a back and forth high pitched sound that rocked me in what felt like a cradle. Like retuning to the Father in spontaneity, which is what I was doing at the time after a season of dreaming with the Lord. Also, spontaneous worship is just where it’s at. Bethel as a band is really great at doing this in general. I’m pretty sure this song was on my top “to listen” list for months after I bought the album on itunes. If you’re looking for a song to soak in with the Lord, this is definitely the song.

5. Out of Hiding by Steffany Gretzinger

This song is another song that is solely grounded in the Lord’s promises. It tells me that I am invited to come. That if I am holding back, there is no reason to because He holds the key that will set me free. It reminds me that He chose the cross, that I was still chosen when I was no where near deserving of it. It reminds me that I have a Father in heaven that desires for me to be open and honest with Him, who desires to walk with me when I stumble, who won’t laugh at me when I fall down or do something that is silly and in my human nature of making mistakes and part of my personality. He has made me perfect in His image and I am a part of the story. This song reminds me to keep holding onto that promise because I am home in His arms, I am home wherever I happen to be because He is everywhere and I have the choice to turn away or run there. It reminds me that He will always be there for me.

Spontaneous or not, worship music is here to remind us that we have a friend in Jesus, that He chooses us, and that all we need to do is rest in Him. It’s not about anything else — it’s all about Him. Lets raise a glass to that!