Writing about our journey to fruitful living wouldn’t be complete without bringing up some of the music that’s been such a part of our family life lately. My husband, worship pastor at our church, educates me on all the great music in the world, so I can hardly take credit, but I wanted to highlight some of my favorites.
Bethel Music, a band from Redding, California, write their music like they are creating art. It is soulful and rich. They weave the beauty of God’s creation into their videos and sing with passion and deep truth. We love the relatability of their work. Many of their songs we use for collective worship at church and I listen to it in my kitchen and in the van when I need to refocus on the Lord.
You split the sea
So I could walk right through it
My fears were drowned in perfect love
You rescued me
And I will stand and sing
I am a child of God.
I’m no longer a slave to fear
I am a child of God
Hillsong Young and Free helps me get pumped up when I’m needing something more jazzed. Their song, Energy, is a favorite of mine, but I especially love all the songs on their This is Living album. When I went to She Speaks in 2016, a couple of the songs were on their worship list for the weekend and God used them to speak freedom into my heart. I put this album on when I need something to wake me up out of a bad mood, or when I need to shout out truth with my kids.
When you speak dreams and reality collide
Your word rewrites my destiny
My life finds a new beginning
Cause you are, you are my energy
Jesus your presence is what ignites
Your truth is electric the source of light
A moment with you makes me come alive, alive
The third band I’m highlighting today is All Sons and Daughters, with a still different feel from the other two. I like this folksy band because their songs are like prayers and I often include various songs on my worship playlists I make. They get right to the heart of the matter. Sometimes they include prayers from the early church fathers, like Augustine; a great way to bring those old words into our current cultural context.
Almighty God
To You all hearts are open
Search and know
Our thoughts and anxious fears
Wash us in the fountain
Of Your mercy
Come with Your light
We cannot hide from You
Almighty God
To You all hearts are open
With gratitude
We raise our song to You
Come and fill
The praises of Your people
In grace and truth
You make us new again