Each year, I have the privilege of engaging in insightful conversations with contemporary Christian artists, delving into the depths of their latest musical creations. Each week, I bring you a unique glimpse into the inspiration behind these songs in our Behind the Song series. In the past year, I've penned over 40 Behind the Song devotionals, carefully curating a list of the ten most exceptional songs of the year. As we approach the close of 2023, these selections aim to seamlessly integrate into your playlist, elevating your musical experience with the best.
“Thank God I Do” by Lauren Daigle
Many of us grapple with the notion that our past and present mistakes, along with thoughts of anxiety, worry, and depression, define our identity. However, the Bible assures us otherwise. "Thank God I Do" articulates the essence of leading a God-centered life amid turbulence. It is a daily prayer, imploring God to transform our hearts and lives so that our actions and lifestyle emanate from His dwelling within us.
The song resonates with countless individuals who find solace in its comforting message of hope. Inhale it like oxygen, and God's hope will change whatever challenges you face into something that glorifies Him.
For me, this song has grown into a personal anthem. I sing along, immersing myself in the sincere and passionate lyrics of surrender: “You’re my safe place/My hide away/You’re my anchor/My saving grace/You’re my constant/My steadiness/You’re my shelter/My oxygen/I don’t know who I’d be/If I didn’t know you/Thank God I do.”
“Hold On” by Katy Nichole
We can all ask The Holy Spirit to indwell us with His supernatural ability to overcome what the enemy wants us to think about ourselves. We know many situations involving people taking their own lives after dealing with depression. I’ve struggled with depression, worry, and anxiety. This song gives me hope and reminds me not to give up. I listen to it daily to remind me of how God feels about me. Katy hopes to pass on the life-giving message of Jesus Christ. As Katy so powerfully urges in this song, "Just wait 'til you see what's at the end of the road/A new life is ready to unfold."
Allow the Holy Spirit to, as Romans 8:11 puts it, "Cast the light of life into your mortal bodies." If you’re struggling with depression, please know with certainty these life-giving words: “Your promise, it still stands/It's chasing after me/The rainbow through storm clouds/Is how I'm gonna see/That there is a light that's waiting up ahead.” Know that being His is enough.
Sing these passionate lyrics of submission: “Just wait ‘til you see what’s at the end of the road, a new life is about to unfold/Hold on just a little bit longer, I know it’s gonna be okay, these days are gonna make you stronger, there’s purpose in the pain.”
“First Things First” by Consumed by Fire
I hear a sincere yearning for the Lord when I listen to and sing this song. I hear a thankfulness for God's mercy and grace. I see a song that serves as a powerful reminder of the type of hearts we can possess, both as individuals whom God values and as Christians who can impart this value to others.
Jesus gives us answers to all our needs and wants. We need God to fix our messy lives. The beauty of grace is that it's freely given, not something we deserve or earn. Our old life is gone, and we start fresh. By believing in this song and praying, we can grow our faith.
The essence of following Jesus lies in walking by faith and being guided by prayer and God's infallible Word—the Bible. My devotional prayer this year has been to have more faith and express more love for my brothers and sisters.
This song is my heart's cry and anthem to sing daily in praise to the Lord, regardless of my circumstances, doubts, or worries, and sing and live out the words, “First thing’s first/I seek Your will/Not my own/Surrender all my wants to You/Keep the first thing first/To live Your truth/Walk Your ways/Set my eyes/Lord I fix my face on You/All my desires reversed/To keep the first thing first.”
“God Help Me” by Unspoken
We can face our daily battles with more courage and strength because we know that whatever the outcome, based on His promise in Romans 8:28, "God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose."
Spend time with God daily, and let Him redeem and restore you. We’re not at the end of our story. God's still writing our stories of redemption. He wants us to know that He's faithful to complete what He's started in all of us who have put our hope and trust in Jesus for salvation.
You can rest upon the wise words in Romans 8:31: "If our God is for us, who can stand against us?" Nothing can separate us from His love. For the son has risen, and sin and death are conquered. As His children, we can all rest knowing that we can fully trust in our God and lean not on our own understanding.
We’re united in our struggles, spiritual warfare, and desire for truth and relationship. This song is a glorious reminder to read His Word—the Holy Bible—and to have a relationship with Him in prayer. No matter your circumstances, you need to remember and pray, "God help me now/Feels like there's no way out/But Jesus You're faithful and able/And You've never once let me down/God help me now."
“Man on the Middle Cross” by Rhett Walker
This song is a salvation message and moves me to reflect on how much Jesus endured for His bride to purchase us from the grave. Admit your mistakes, believe in Jesus as the sinless Son of God, and choose to follow Him. It's about letting His goodness shape your life, allowing His grace to make a difference.
This is a great song to express our commitment to running the race well as a believer and not being ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Sing along and proclaim these words as a prayer for salvation for our hurting world: "The cross is where He went/But that ain’t where He stayed/He brought me back to life when He rose up out of that grave/Someday I’ll stand before Him/And I’ll See Jesus face to face/I’ll worship and adore Him/For a life forever changed.”
“Loved by You” by Riley Clemmons
We're all created in the image of God. I'm a father to my daughters on earth, but ultimately, we all belong to our Heavenly Father. My desire is for them to understand their eternal destiny. These lyrics resonate: "It’s in Your blood/It’s in Your scars/How far You’d go/To reach my heart/You call me chosen/You call me Yours/That’s all that matters/Forevermore."
Sometimes, we build a barrier between ourselves and God. He invites us to come back to Him. Many feel unworthy, thinking God judges them with a checklist. That's not the Gospel. This song captures the essence of the Good News: God accepts us, no matter our past.
Faith is being empty of ourselves and filled with Him and His Holy Spirit. This song beautifully praises Jesus. His love is boundless, and He is our refuge and strength. If you seek a solid foundation, make these lyrics your prayer: “I don’t deserve it, I never could/But You’re just that faithful/You’re just that good/How lovely it is/To be loved by You.”
“Here For You” by Christa Wells
“Here for You” is a prayer that we can offer to God every day, asking Him to transform our hearts and lives so that we can live lives that reflect His love for us. As believers, we are called to follow the example of Jesus, who came to live among us as fully God and fully human. He loved us unconditionally and showed it by sacrificing Himself for us, even when we were still learning and growing. Let's consistently reflect on God's incredible love and aim to live our lives in a way that extends that love to others.
I hope this song becomes a daily prayer, an inspiration to live out its empowering message of unity and love. In a society marked by conflict and a lack of consideration for others, this anthem serves as a call to action for all Christians to show God's love through our actions and words. The music and lyrics of "Here for You" are a powerful reminder that we're all together and can make a positive difference by simply loving one another. “We're in this together/I know that much is true/I don't know what it's all for/But I know I'm here for you.”
“Place For Me” by Jason Gray
"Place For Me" reminds us that our happiness isn't tied to external circumstances. Instead, we can focus on our connection to Christ and His unwavering loyalty, deserving our utmost appreciation and worship. This song reinforces my belief that I am not insignificant or alone. Frequently, we spend a significant time worrying about various aspects of our existence. It's crucial to release that anxiety and let the Lord be our savior.
We live in a fallen and sinful world. “Place for Me” is a gorgeous offering of praise to the only One who has the power to save. It is a very sing-able song, and I love singing the joyful lyrics, “If my failures preach the gospel, more than my success/Then it’s a good thing I’ve got more than enough/Hallelujah there's a place for me /In the company of sinners saved by grace/Here among the broken on their knees/Hallelujah/Thank You, Jesus, there’s a place for me.”
“Strong” by Anne Wilson
Sometimes, you need to be ignited and ask for a fresh filling of His Spirit. We must pray daily that the Holy Spirit shines the light of Jesus through us. You can have the courage and excitement to live biblically with a fresh filling.
God tells us in the Bible that we can accomplish anything in Christ through faith. It's a perfect truth you can use as a daily reminder not to fear. One lesson I've observed about life is to step out in faith without the need to fix ourselves first. Seek ways to obey God and dedicate your faith to Him.
All we need is faith, and God will show us what He has planned for us. He's the author of our lives and knows what's best for us much better than we do. Be encouraged by the light of Jesus shining in all of us based on our faith in Him, and I am moved to know that Jesus is shining in me for all to see and believe. Join Anne in praying these words: "The world's gonna try to break me/But I know the one who makes me/Strong."
“How Can You Not” by Leanna Crawford
When you abide in His grace, you won’t be the same. His grace takes away anxiety, guilt, and shame. Know that being His is enough. Every day, we face choices regarding how to spend our time, make lifestyle decisions, pursue wealth, live for the present without knowing what tomorrow holds, and contemplate our loneliness while searching for meaning. The song's lyrics say that you can always have assurance in your heart no matter the season or emotions you're feeling, “Everything is evidence/Showing me that You exist/All creation singing hallelujah.”
God talks to us in different ways. I feel connected to Him when I pray and think—especially when I listen to songs of praise like "How Can You Not." This song reminds us that God is in every little thing and moment of our lives. We can confidently say that we see God everywhere and feel loved by Him.
As the lyrics proclaim, “How can you not see God/In every little thing, in every little moment? How can you not feel loved? 'Cause He's in the middle of/Every little thing and every little moment/How can you not see God? How can you not?”
NRT lead contributor Kevin Davis is a longtime Christian music fan 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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