Music for the soul by Eileen

Colossians 3:16 states,
"Let the message of Christ dwell among you as richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts". 
​Think back to your experiences growing up in the church. Some of our first memories of knowing of God’s immeasurable love for us come from songs like ‘Jesus Loves Me’ and ‘This Little Light of Mine’. Even now, an integral part of the mass is the beautiful music that comes from the choir, organists, and musicians. Sometimes, when words fail to express how we feel or what we want to say, we turn to song; one of the most beautiful forms of prayer that there is. So today, I wanted to share with you, my lovely friends of 410, some of my absolute favorite bops and what they mean to me. Here we go!

1) ‘Because He Lives (Amen)’- Matt Maher
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PBvU7arNhQs
Matt Maher is one of my absolute favorite Christian artists. Not only is this song perfect for getting hyped up, but it also reminds us of Jesus’ awesome power to forgive and redeem.
“Because He lives, I can face tomorrow. Because He lives, every fear is gone.”                                                             
Sometimes, before a stressful test, I’ll repeat this phrase to myself, knowing that through Him, I can find the strength to see the light even in the most difficult of times.
 
2)‘Wherever You Go’- Audrey Assad
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RZBylmKr8PA                                                                                       
If you’re needing an artist that can go from soft, prayerful tunes like ‘I Shall Not Want’, to powerful bops like ‘Wherever You Go’, Audrey Assad is your gal. When things go wrong, it’s all too easy to be angry and upset with Jesus. Sometimes we question why things go the way they do, why bad things happen to good people. This song shows that even amidst every doubt, every shred of anger, every moment of joy, Jesus is with us wherever we go.
“So when your wine’s all gone and your well runs dry, open your hands and look into my eyes. For all that you see here, you’ll soon leave behind. So open your hands and look into my eyes.”                                               
When we lose faith, make mistakes, or just feel plain old down in the dumps, we can count of God’s infinite, merciful love to follow us wherever we go.

3)‘Hero’- Abandon
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kiXBVAJtj2k
Out of all of the songs on this list, this is one that I feel such a personal connection to. This song was played during one of the most beautiful and powerful sessions of Adoration that I have ever attended.  Looking up and seeing Jesus on the cross while listening to the story of His ultimate sacrifice made me realize the depths of His love for us.
“There He goes- the hero, the Savior to the world. Here He stands, with scars in His hands. With love, He gave His life so we could be free, the Savior of the world.”
 The ultimate sacrifice was made on the cross. We are reminded of the most selfless example of mercy and redemption whenever we look up to the cross.
 
4)‘Oceans- (Where Feet May Fail)’- Hillsong United
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dy9nwe9_xzw                                     
If there’s a bop that everyone knows, it’s Oceans. The beauty of this song is that for as many people that are familiar with this bop, there’s just as many different interpretations of it. To me, it’s an acknowledgement of our dependence on the strength of Christ. It’s a plea for our spirits to be led and our eyes to be fixed on what truly matters most.                                                                                     “Your grace abounds in deepest waters. Your sovereign hand will be my guide. Where feet may fail and fear surrounds me, You've never failed and You won't start now.”
 
5)‘Abide With Me’- Matt Maher
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GIuC9-4aB7Q                                                 
Confirmation is all about drawing nearer to Christ in preparation of receiving the Sacrament. This bop isn’t just one that reminds you of the depths of His love, but it’s a bop to listen to when you feel lonely and need Him the most. His love is steadfast and like it says in the song, it’s a love that won’t ever let go. Through every sin, through every moment of doubt, every ounce of joy, He is there through it all, desperately wanting to abide in your heart.                      
“Abide with me, abide with me. Don’t let me fall, and don’t let go. Walk with me and never leave. Ever close, God abide with me.”