Every year, I interview today’s Christian artists about their latest and greatest music. And every week, you get a behind-the-scenes—or in this case, Behind the Song—look at what inspired the artist to write that music. This year, I’ve written over 40 Behind the Song devotionals, and out of that, I’ve narrowed down the 10 best songs of the year. Hopefully, these selections can fill the gaps in your “favorites for 2022” playlist. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
“In Jesus' Name (God of Possible)” by Katy Nichole
My devotional prayer this year has been to have more faith. “In Jesus' Name (God of Possible)” by breakthrough contemporary artist Katy Nichole is my heart's cry and anthem to sing daily in praise to the Lord, regardless of my circumstances, doubts, or worries, singing words to Him like: “I pray for your healing/That circumstances would change/I pray that the fear inside would flee/In Jesus name/I pray that a breakthrough would happen today/I pray miracles over your life in Jesus’ name.”
Jesus wants you to have the type of faith that He describes in John 20:29: "Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." Being a Christian means that you walk by faith, not by sight. Hebrews 11:1 says, "Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see." So, walk by faith. Let God guide you in your daily walk by prayer and His infallible Word, the Bible.
God says in the Bible that His children can do anything in Christ with faith. It's a perfect truth that you can use to get a daily reminder to not fear. One lesson I've experienced in my life is that I shouldn't wait to fix myself before stepping out in faith.
Look for ways to obey God, the author of your life, and offer your faith to Him. He will show you what He has planned for you. Be encouraged by the light of Jesus shining on you based on your faith in Him. He moves in you for others to see and believe.
Practice, as CAIN’s “The Commission,” says, "Letting our light shine so that others may praise our Father in heaven."Please join in with this contemporary band and live out these words with certainty: "End of the journey/The end of the road/My Spirit is with you/Wherever you go/You have a purpose/And I have a plan/I'll make you this promise/I'll come back again/But until then/Go tell the world about Me."
God is with you, and He can help you endure anything. “Hold You Tight” by contemporary artist Dan Bremnes allows God to whisper that your identity is found in who He is as your Father, and who you are as His child—loved by Him. This song is a beautiful way to express devotion.
I'm engaged by the emotional vocals and prayerful lyrics. The song is moving, as it’s written from God’s perspective, as in Zephaniah 3:17 (NLT): “For the Lord, your God is living among you. He is a mighty Savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With His love, He will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.”
Allow this song’s words to wash over you: “You don't have to worry/You don't have to hide/I know you're weary/Weary from the fight/You don't have to fear now/I'm here by your side/And I'm gonna wait here/Wait with you tonight.”
It’s sad to see how fear, worry, and anxiety have plagued the world over the past few years. But the good news is that we can conquer them with a little help. Let go of all of it and allow the Lord to be your redeemer. He’ll restore you and strengthen you than you can be on your own. Find comfort in seeking God's presence and knowing that He is always with you. Let Him make a home in your heart.
Know that you’re made for God, created to find your home in Him. No matter what your worldview, remember that Earth isn't your permanent residence. Freedom from the pain, suffering, and heartache of this fallen world will come when you enter the true rest that comes from living eternally with Jesus Christ. That's a cause to reflect and sing the lyrics to “The Healing” by Christian pop artist Blanca: “'Cause I can feel Him rising on the inside/A fire burning wild and bringing me to life/My God is so much more than just a feeling/You are my healing, You are my healing.”
Thanks to the coronavirus pandemic, civil unrest, and global issues, people have more worry, fear, and anxiety. And Satan doesn’t help. People’s thoughts are constantly under attack by the enemy. But music is a great way to remain calm, reflect on Him, and ignore the lies. Music can help you focus on the truth, and that’ll help you trust in God.
The Bible says to trust in what God says about you, no matter how you feel about yourself. You'll be blessed by this powerful standout anthem with a convicting declaration from “Letting Go” by worship pop band Switch: “Maybe You’re not keeping secrets/And all I need to do is ask for Your perspective/You’re showing me the bigger picture/Sorry for the times I’ve missed it.”
Besides anxious thoughts, the enemy likes to tell lies you might believe about yourself. Let’s face it—the enemy doesn’t like anyone who believes and trusts in God. Satan’s voice speaks to you, but God’s voice of His agape love speaks louder.
“For All My Life” by worship artist TAYA will encourage you to see yourself the way God sees you. What a great message of redemption. Know that being His is enough: “Some days are long/some work is tough,” and by leaning on His understanding, the lyrics attest, “Whatever I lack/You make it up.”
Join in with TAYA in expressing total surrender to God’s plan in the moving chorus: “I won’t lean on/My own/Understanding/I will let go/Follow/Empty-handed/You say Your yoke is easy/You say Your burden’s light/So I’ll let You/Lead me/For all my life.”
The comfort and rest offered by Jesus are beautifully captured in “I’ll Find You” by Canadian Christian duo Love & the Outcome. The song beautifully depicts the message of identity that listeners need to hear, “Right where I am/I lift my hands/I'm not alone/I never have been.” Sing every word and agree with the song’s beautiful sentiments.
God’s love is never-ending. He is your refuge and strength. He’s real, He’s near, and He’s just a breath away. Sing this empowering anthem at the top of our lungs in gratefulness to Him.
No matter what you're going through, you can sing the message of moving on in Christ, “Trial to triumph/Over my storm to horizon/throughout the battle to break through/I'll find You/I'll find You right here.”
God knows you intimately. And, because Jesus died for you on the cross, He sees you as holy, redeemed, chosen, fully known, and forgiven—no matter what you've done. God wants you to approach the throne of mercy and grace to receive and get what you need from Him. When you acknowledge your identity in Christ, your burdens are removed. Jeremiah 29:13 (NIV) says, “You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart.”
I can't get enough of the beautifully poetic and powerful expressions of faith in this song. I love singing the lyrics along with worship artist Kristene DiMarco, and confessing, “Oh, when did I decide I'm not allowed to cry? Positivity can't split thesе seas/And all my optimism won't set this captive free/I need a King who hung on Calvary/I'll always need a God who feels deeply/I need a God who knows thе gravity.”
“Follow You” by contemporary artist Melanie Penn includes the convicting prayer, “It’s Your voice I’m listening to/If You say go/I will follow You/I’ll follow You.” Let this song help you set your mind on Christ. Let the distractions of the day melt away and, instead, focus on worshiping God. This song describes how people deal with emotions and how they can become an open door to God.
Submit yourself to Him asking to receive His Holy Spirit. He loves you so much. So lean on Him and He'll give you strength. If you follow Jesus, know that God is with you, and He’ll never leave or forsake you. He’s a God of infinite second chances. Sing along: “Like a pillar of fire/That lights my way/Your love leads like a cloud by day/It’s Your voice I’m listening to/If You say 'go' I will follow You/I’ll follow You.”
Canadian artist Jordan St. Cyr’s “Weary Traveler” connects to the biblical truth found in Matthew 11:28-30: "Come to Me, all of you who labor and are heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."
The song includes some great faith statements: “No more searching/Heaven’s healing is gonna find where all the hurt is. When Jesus calls, we’ll lay down all our heavy burdens. Carry on.” A great challenge is to make these words your prayer: You were never meant to walk this road alone/It’ll all be worth it so just hold on/Weary traveler/You won’t be weary long.”
NRT lead contributor Kevin Davis is a longtime fan of Christian music, and an avid music collector. He credits the message of Christian music for leading him to Christ. He lives in Pennsylvania with his wife and three daughters.
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