The rhythm of life inevitably brings us through numerous trials in-between the great joys we are blessed to experience. Whether dealing with unexpected tragedy, loss of a loved one, letting go of dreams, struggling to break bad habits, or the tension of inner spiritual turmoil, trials should not be suppressed or taken lightly.
If you’re walking through something hard right now, be gentle with yourself. Be honest with God. Allow yourself the space to process, grieve, heal, or whatever is necessary in your situation. Some Christians have the perspective that we ought to be “content in all things” and filled with “the joy of the Lord” at all times. Suffering doesn’t seem to have an appropriate place in this perspective but that’s not right or healthy. Suffering is a very real part of our humanity. Even Jesus took the time to grieve the death of his friend, Lazarus, even though he was planning to raise him from the dead.
What we do need in the midst of trials is hope and comfort. One thing that helps to change my mood and uplift my spirit is music. So I’ve compiled a handful of songs that are especially poignant for those suffering through trials. May they be a blessing.
“Thy Will” is written and performed by Hillary Scott and the Scott Family on her latest faith-based release, Love Remains. This was written in the wake of a miscarriage and is a beautiful message in the face of great loss. This stunning single has been at the top of the Billboard Christian chart for 23 weeks.
“Trust in You” by Lauren Daigle is a great encouragement for those laying down their dreams or desires. Often we go through periods of asking and waiting. Sometimes it takes forever to receive an answer and then it’s not what we wanted. In those times “when You don’t move the mountains I want You to,” Lauren says, “I will trust in You.”
“Eye of the Storm” by Ryan Stevenson featuring GabeReal, has also been riding high on the Billboard Christian chart for 20+ weeks. According to his Facebook biography, Stevenson received a guitar as a gift from his youth pastor, who said, “I felt like the Lord was telling me to buy this for you.” Since then, he has successfully connected with wide audiences through his vulnerable lyrics about grace through trials.
“Take Courage” by Kristene DiMarco is perfect for those who are walking through difficult situations where there may not seem to be a light at the end of the tunnel. Slow down and breathe are some of the first words. We are reminded to take courage because God is in the waiting. DiMarco wrote her first song at age 16 and is a part of the Bethel Music Collective.
“Tell Your Heart to Beat Again” by Danny Gokey is a motivating message for those whose world has been shattered or whose heart has been broken. Tragedy is familiar to this American Idol Finalist whose wife died suddenly as a result of congenital heart disease just one month before he auditioned for American Idol. His message is to “get back up, take step one” and “tell your heart to beat again.”
Whatever you may be struggling through, know you are not alone. If someone else in your life is walking through trials right now, sharing a playlist like this can be a great way to offer comfort and hope.
