We’re halfway through 2025 and a lot of wonderful songs have been released by Christian artists. Not only have these songs recently topped the charts, but they have most importantly offered listeners a restoration of faith, hope, joy, and peace.
My prayer is that the lyrics of these songs draw us closer to Christ and remind us of who He is through the highs and lows of life.
Forrest Frank, “YOUR WAY’S BETTER”
Since his Child of God album release last year, Forrest Frank has continued to put out more meaningful music that has connected with listeners around the globe. “YOUR WAY'S BETTER,” found on the Child of God album, recently went viral after David Myers and Bridgett Nicole created a dance to the song. Many have since learned the dance, including Forrest himself.
While the song is fun to dance to, it also holds amazing lyrics that remind listeners that we need Jesus and that His way is always better than ours. Proverbs 19:21 says, “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.”
Josiah Queen ft. Brandon Lake, “Can’t Steal My Joy”
Since his breakout single and album, The Prodigal, Josiah Queen has continually released many songs that have captivated the hearts of many around the world. Among these songs is "Can't Steal My Joy." Not only is this song a dopamine boost, but also an anthem to sing when going through a difficult time.
The lyrics of this song remind me of James 1:2, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds.” I love the message of this song and the joy the lyrics carry.
Leanna Crawford, “Still Waters (Psalm 23)”
Winning the K-LOVE Fan Award for Breakout Single of 2025, “Still Waters” by Leanna Crawford has amassed 20.4 million streams on Spotify. While the previous song is an anthem for joy, this song is an anthem for peace. It is solely based on Psalm 23 and helps listeners fight anxiety by focusing on the peace of God.
One Bible verse that has stuck with me for a while is Philippians 4:7, “And the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” I believe this song does a wonderful job of embodying this verse, and of course, the meaning of Psalm 23.
Brandon Lake, “Hard Fought Hallelujah”
Brandon Lake has released many enjoyable and heartfelt worship songs, such as “Gratitude,” which has amassed over 140 million streams on Spotify. "Hard Fought Hallelujah," a song about finding hope in dark times, is among these selections.
Many listeners have found this song comforting and hopeful. For me personally, it reminds me of Romans 12:12 which says, “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” It is a powerful reminder to keep praising, even when the storm brings us to our knees in surrender.
Josiah Queen, “Yesterday Is Dead”
Going two for two, Josiah Queen continues to release incredible songs into the world. This particular song is about forgetting our former selves and stepping into the new life we have in Christ. The lyrics of this song follow the Bible verse 2 Corinthians 5:17, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: the old has gone, the new is here!” This song beautifully conveys the assurance of hope we have with a new life in Christ.
Elevation Worship, “Trust in God”
Whenever someone hears about Elevation Worship, they immediately think about their hit song, “Praise.” Under the same album, Can You Imagine?, “Trust in God” has also received a positive response from around the world. The lyrics illustrate the beauty and purpose of trusting in God. It reveals that God is the same yesterday, today, and forever, so we can trust in His plan and trust in Him.
Speaking about Abraham, Romans 4:20-21 says, “Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised.” This verse captures the very nature of God and why we should trust in Him.
Jamie MacDonald, “Desperate”
I’m new to Jamie MacDonald, but after listening to her song “Desperate,” I was impressed by the raw honesty and authenticity of her lyrics. “Desperate” is a deep conversation with God expressing the exhaustion and desperation of crying out from a broken place.
Psalm 13 closely relates to this song as David is going through a similar situation, “How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and day after day have sorrow in my heart?” Yet David says in the last verse, “But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation.” Songs and verses like these reassures listeners that honesty is more than okay with God.
LIN D, “Move”
Swedish sibling trio, Dennis, Emmy, and Ella Lindéh (or by their artist name, LIN D), has made a huge impact with the world through their music. “Move,” which has reached over one million streams on Spotify, is one of those songs. Not only is this a fun and upbeat song, but it also reflects beautiful lyrics that reveal a great desire to walk with the Lord.
Looking back on these lyrics, I’m reminded of Matthew 16:24 which says, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me,” and 1 John 2:6, “Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.” It’s my prayer that we continue to move with Jesus and represent Him in this world.
TobyMac ft. Forrest Frank, “Heaven On My Mind”
I grew up listening to TobyMac and even had the opportunity to attend his Hits Deep concert in 2020 a week before the world went on lockdown. I’m glad that he's still making music including this song, “Heaven On My Mind.” This song expresses the deep desire for Heaven, especially to see loved ones that have already passed on.
Once we believe in Christ, eternal life with Him is our destination. The hope of Heaven is given to us as a promise and this promise comforts us when life gets difficult. This song reminds us of that comfort and the hope of heaven we have in Christ.
JWLKRS Worship, “In the Name of Jesus”
Worship group led by Noah Schnacky, Mickala Williams, Tiffany Hope, Austin Armstrong, and much more is making a huge impact on Christian music today. JWLKRS Worship's hit song “In the Name of Jesus” was nominated for breakout single of the year for the K-LOVE Fan Awards. This song has reached over 10 million streams on Spotify and speaks truth to many about the hope we find in Jesus.
This has been one of my favorite songs recently and I love that we are reminded that in Christ and in Christ alone is where we find our hope.
Gilead Adams is a Music Therapy major at Concordia University of Wisconsin. She's one of NRT's newest contributors.
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