Music plays a central role in our lives. Without a song, the day would never end. It’s true that music conveys heartfelt experiences and brings joy and comfort. The Bible also admonishes us to sing hymns and spiritual songs. Here are a few songs that stir the spirit and the soul. You may even clap your hands and tap your toes in some cases.

I’ve Decided to Make Jesus My Choice – (Dr. Alyn E. Waller) reminds me of an old fashioned, hardwood floor stomping, storefront church sound on this Harrison Johnson singers classic. With sincere conviction, he persuades the audience that despite rough roads and insurmountable hills, Jesus is not just the right choice, but the best choice.

https://open.spotify.com/track/2uhYjwlkvBOIslQFpx5lzg?si=3fcf645dd5bc4a79

Never Alone – (Walter Hawkins and the Love Center Choir) gives us blessed assurance that we never have to face the challenges of life by ourselves. Frances Pye reminds us that the Lord walks beside us every step of the way. This song is a personal favorite and is track 3 on Walter Hawkins’ Love Alive II project.

https://open.spotify.com/track/4kpxKghMKZUYA0tDWCztzx?si=e874e5d464044255

Glory To Your Name – (Zak Williams and 1/Akord) offers a praise celebration. This song exalts the name of God with hallelujah praise. It’s a clarion call to praise the Lord for His goodness and invites you to sing along.

https://open.spotify.com/track/4l5GckYsh1qoE1JpQ1ferj?si=d699e4ae7e3a4617

I Owe You – (Kevin Lemons & Higher Calling) is from the Third Round album. It allows you to take a retrospective look at your life and ends with a resolve, “God, you are my all and all, and without you, I’m nothing.” It leaves us grateful, “all that I am, I owe it back to God.” The composer was unique and the message is potent. Drive down your street with speakers on blast. This song is definitely on repeat in my car.

https://open.spotify.com/track/14QcaaesqMbOgQkhp5ifjW?si=228e97da06554770

Thank You Lord (He Did It All) – (John P. Kee and New Life Community Choir) No playlist would be complete without something from the iconic Reverend John P. Kee. This track on the Strength project is a one size fits all. Of note is the brass section, the horns are reminiscent of a New Orleans street celebration or even better, the majestic horns from Daddy Grace’s church in Washington, DC. The rapturous sound will immediately have you grab your tambourine and practice your best Saints strut.

https://open.spotify.com/track/0fmQv7QDcVU8zsfmCL8uj6?si=438375f7831942fd

Had He Left Me There – (Jamaal Miller) is the modern day response to the question if it had not been for the Lord on our side, where would we be? The lyricist goes on to offer a good number of scenarios in a “look back over my life” fashion and ends with a resolution that God has never left us, nor will he ever leave us, and in that is a reason to celebrate. This song is from Jamaal’s Songbook album.

https://open.spotify.com/track/7zTGvI6ScrgHlIsoYmWA6U?si=4eecbe81e53c4955

Safe – (Chico Robinson & Sound of David)  At a time when safety seems so desperately far away and fleeting, we can draw strength from the word of God that reminds us, the name of the Lord is a strong tower, the righteous run in and they are safe. These words set to music, provide a powerful statement of declaration. The value goes up with a special chorus, noting in the midnight hour, God is a strong tower. It takes us to the pinnacle of worship with “just when I need him, he’s a strong tower, and that’s why I’m safe.” You can’t help but to lift your hands on this one.

https://open.spotify.com/track/7M5B1vIoMZy9kNck65cEtA?si=f168483b228a4629

Don’t Take Your Hands Off Me – (Dr. Alyn E. Waller) is track 2 on the EP I Still Believe and the latest single from Enon Music Group. It’s a personal prayer to God, asking Him to always keep His hands on us and around us. The situations occurring in our ever-changing world let us know just how much we need the Lord to intervene on our behalf. The message is both timely and relevant for us today.

https://open.spotify.com/track/088urMBsnbWBVklipAsAsK?si=66fa4973d1df46be