Our lives continue to change daily, and while that was always the case, the acute nature of the current change is part of the newness of this time. So, I was going to offer another topic today, but I think this is where my heart lies at the moment.
Music has always been multifunctional: it stirs us to courage, attaches itself to memory and story, brings tears to our eyes, and bring all the boys to the yard. For me, it is also a source of faith, hope and love in times of joy and difficulty. So, this week, I thought I would offer songs that connect me to God, and to others. These are some of my Songs of the Spiritual. Please share and add your own: we might even be able to comply a playlist that warms our hearts in the coming weeks.
I’ll start with one of my most recent additions:
“Psalm 136 (Your Mercy Endures)” by Greg LaFollette ft. Leslie Jordan.
Drawing on one of the Psalms that describes the creative spirit and deep love of our God, it always brings my heart to a place of thanksgiving and mercy.
“Abide with Me”, sung by Emeli Sandé.
Next is a familiar hymn, There are so many versions of this traditional hymn around, but I have always returned to this version. Sung at the 2012 London Olympic Opening Ceremony, it is raw, paced and heartfelt. The song and accompanying dance were a tribute to the victims of the 7/7 terror attacks in London that claimed 52 victims, days after the 2012 Summer Olympic hosts were named. It’s also been suggested the performance was a memorial to the war dead. The dance is also worth a view or two.
“There is a Balm in Gilead”, sung by the Adventist Vocal Ensemble,
This next song has a revealing disclosure attached. One Sunday morning, with my cup of tea in hand, I switched to the ABC for the BBC’s Songs of Praise program. Yes, ok, I admit it: there is a part of me that loves British-nanna nostalgia. This song is one of the gentlest applications of wound care you can find.
Finally, I know that there are several musical fans amongst us, and they contain some of the most beautiful songs ever written. I can listen to musicals all day!
“No One is Alone”, from “Into the Woods”,
There is one that is so apt for our current social isolation context. It reminds me of the complex nature of life: that our search for easy answers will not bring us peace. It is by embracing the tensions, mysteries and complicated nature of our reality that our burdens somehow become manageable, always resting in the spirit of trust with God, who understands all.
I hope these songs bring you joy, and peace. Time to share yours: what are your go-to Spiritual Songs?
Additional submissions from our team
New Wine - Hillsong United
I have been listening to this just about every day. It challenges me to consider how I am being Jesus to others (especially in this turbulent world where I feel like I am being challenged all the time).
Next to Me - Imagine Dragons
Not actually a worship song but it still highlights something about faith for me. The song is actually a love song about having love in your life in challenging times. I usually reflect on how God is always there for me when I listen to it.
So Will I (100 Billion X)- Hillsong United/Hillsong Worship
It’s a really beautiful and powerful song that reminds me of the beauty of God & his creation even in difficult times.
An Additional Playlist
As a national team, we all really connected with this subject, and as such we’ve created a “MYM Corona Comforts” Spotify playlist that is full of tunes that our team has added that help us connect with God and relax in this turbulent time.
MYM Corona Comforts: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3nvlMNqv8D0zr7sO1hqrrE?si=8oNLDTgxTxKL4kj_pAj7zg