Music soothes the soul, and when you combine your love of a good verse with the love of the Lord, it can only work to your benefit. Luckily, there are lots of beautiful, inspiring, and all-around encouraging Christian songs for any son or daughter of God to listen to.
Now, do you need some uplifting verses from modern Christians who like to show their love of Christ through music? Well then, here are 25 splendid songs for you to start.
The Importance of Christian Songs in Today’s Society
Nowadays, the world is in an unsafe, uncertain phase of its existence. The Lord gave us free will, and some of our brothers and sisters have, sadly, strayed from the path.
Murder, rape, rioting, hatred, bigotry, and all-around evil acts seem to be multiplying. In a world as dangerous as this one, it’s easy to lose hope in others, hope in oneself, and, most importantly, hope in the Lord.
The best cure is, of course, faith, but it need not simply be done through prayer or reading Scripture. Modern music, one which good, honest Christians compose and play, can be as uplifting as a sermon or a talk with a kindly priest.
After all, it comes from the creative souls of people who have been through some of the same hardships you have, and have sought God for counsel and advice.
You’ll see through the verses below just how passionate these creators are when it comes to their admiration for the Higher Power. More importantly, their verses will help you reconnect with the Lord and get yourself back on your feet and into the world once again.
List of 25 Encouraging Christian Songs
1. While I’m Waiting (by John Waller)
John Waller’s heartfelt Christian pop single While I’m Waiting became popular thanks to the success of the indie film Fireproof. However, the song resonates with Christians today not simply because of its popularity, but because of the message it sends. Namely, the importance of waiting for God and maintaining your faith.
There will come a time when waiting is simply too difficult, when your patience starts to run out, and when it seems that God isn’t with you. But that’s a test of your faith, and if you’re patient, God will reach out to you.
Even if it seems like you’re all alone, God is with you every step of the way. And while you wait and pray, you let Him know your faith stays strong.
Notable Lyrics
While I’m waiting I will serve You
While I’m waiting I will worship
While I’m waiting I will not faint
I’ll be running the race even while I wait
I will move ahead bold and confident
I’ll be taking every step in obedience
2. Control (by Tenth Avenue North)
Though Tenth Avenue North are no longer together, their mellow, yet energetic songs spoke of their unending love for the Lord, and few are as powerful as Control.
The song speaks of letting ourselves go and allowing God to take the proverbial wheel. Of course, cynics and aggressive non-believers will call that a sign of weakness and lack of individuality. However, don’t pay them any mind.
The control Tenth Avenue North speaks of refers to the support our Lord gives us when all else feels lost. When we can’t move forward and require a bit of help, we can rest easy knowing that He has our back, so we can give Him control and allow Him to move freely within us.
There is indeed nothing more beautiful than having complete trust in Him, and once He takes control, He will help us rise above our problems and, consequently, regain control of our own lives.
Notable Lyrics
I’ve had plans
Shattered and broken
Things I have hoped in
Fall through my hands
You have plans
To redeem and restore me
You’re behind and before me
Oh, help me believe
3. Raise a Hallelujah (by LEVISTANCE)
It’s refreshing to hear the now-classic Raise a Hallelujah when interpreted by young, eager Christians from across the globe. The Korean contemporary Christian band LEVISTANCE takes this beautiful song and imbues it with such love and respect for the Lord that it simply has to make this list.
The lyrics themselves speak of battles, and as a good Christian, you know that your biggest weapon, so to speak, is your prayer. The strength of your spirit and the power of your faith will inevitably defeat all evil, no matter how aggressive, potent, or powerful it may seem.
A good prayer, a good song, and the love for the Lord always trump any invading army, any drawn blade, any bullet shot, and any insult flung. The amazing people of LEVISTANCE will remind you of that with their spectacular performance and their humbleness before God.
Notable Lyrics
Sing a little louder (in the presence of my enemies)
Sing a little louder (louder than the unbelief)
Sing a little louder (my weapon is a melody)
Sing a little louder (Heaven comes to fight for me)
I’m gonna sing in the middle of the storm
Louder and louder you’re gonna hear my praises roar
Up from the ashes, hope will arise
Death is defeated. The King is alive!
4. There Is Power (by Lincoln Brewster)
Lincoln Brewster’s powerful lyrics capture the heart of every believer that hears them, themselves imbued with the power of the Lord. And it’s this very power that he so eloquently sings of in his number There Is Power.
The power of invoking the name of Jesus is strong. If you suffer through anything in your life, any hardship, or any painful experience, simply call to Him. Merely mentioning the name of Jesus will immediately give you the energy and strength to push onward.
Meanwhile, all vile tongues will hush and evil will bow before His might. That’s how much power the name of the Lord and His only Son has, and it’s a power of love, unity, and faith all rolled into one.
Notable Lyrics
No fear, no lie
Can stand against us now
He is here,
The Word has come
To silence every doubt
He is here
5. Intentional (by Travis Greene)
God works in mysterious ways, as the popular saying goes. People consider it to be a cop-out when something goes wrong, but that’s just the Lord moving the universe according to His unique plans.
There’s an intention behind each action, and even if it seems like you can’t seem to move forward, know that the hardship is also a part of His plan. That intention is there, and the hurt is temporary. The bliss will inevitably follow, and the most faithful will endure and fall into His embrace blessed.
That is the exact message behind Travis Greene’s Intentional. This pastor and gospel singer uses his soothing, mellow voice to communicate to you that no matter how your life seems to you, it’s indeed within God’s plans. And God’s plans always have a happy ending for His children.
Notable Lyrics
We can smile ’cause we know it’s working
Through the hurt and the pain
I know it’s working for my good
I know it’s working for my good
I don’t have to worry ’cause
It’s working for me, yeah
6. Live Like You’re Loved (by Hawk Nelson)
Christian punk might seem a little strange, but it’s nevertheless a beautiful fusion of musical energy and faith in God. The best proof of that is Live Like You’re Loved by Canadian band Hawk Nelson.
God loves us. That is an immutable fact. And yes, there will be many times when the opposite might seem true. This song, however, will remind you that the love you receive from the Lord is unending and pure. You are His child, after all, and He loves you as He does all his children, even if you stray from the path.
Notable Lyrics
Live like you’re loved, walk like you’re free
Stand like you know, who he made you to be
Live like you’re loved, like you believe
His love is all, that you’ll ever need
Live like you’re loved
7. Split the Sea (by Hannah Kerr)
Soft, sweet lyrics are the hallmark of Hannah Kerr, and Split the Sea will make you fall in love with her faith-infused words and her admiration for His kindness. But more notably, you will find meaning in some of the words that this talented Christian pop singer utters with such poignance and grace.
Splitting the Red Sea is a famous episode from the Holy Bible, and its meaning is not lost on people even today, 2000+ years after the birth of Christ. There will be impossible tasks on your way through life, tasks that will get you down and crush your faith in yourself.
But faith is what will help you push through. Simply let yourself go and pray to Him, and He will see to it that your very own Red Sea will be split.
Notable Lyrics
I believe
Every promise that You’ve spoken
I believe
You are faithful every moment
It may look impossible
But You’re the God of miracles
You have always made a way for me
You can still split the sea
8. The Breakup Song (by Francesca Battistelli)
There’s something fresh and interesting in Francesca Battistelli’s The Breakup Song. The lyrics clearly speak of fear and bravery, but what kind of fear is it that Battistelli is singing about?
Well, it can be any fear, really. Fear of failure, fear of losing a loved one, fear of feeling alone and helpless, it’s all there. But she, like you, should not and will not let fear control her life.
With faith in God and the neverending love for Him, she will never feel truly alone, and all fear will vanish as if by magic. A Christian is as strong as his belief in Christ, and this beautiful number demonstrates that perfectly.
Notable Lyrics
Sing fear, you don’t own me
There ain’t no room in this story
And I ain’t got time for you
Telling me what I’m not
Like you know me well guess what?
I know who I am
I know I’m strong, brave
And I am free
9. Surrounded (Fight My Battles) (by Michael W. Smith)
A chorus of smiling, happy, God-fearing people of all walks of life chanting along with a beautiful melody of contemporary Christian rock — it can only be Surrounded. And the performer can only be Michael W. Smith, a man whose strong beliefs and musical talents need no introduction.
Once again, you have the motif of fighting through adversity by belief and surrender to the Lord. Though troubles may surround you, remember that you are, first and foremost, surrounded by God’s unending grace.
A mere thought of Him will help you push through some of the hardest times in your life, and soon enough, you will be surrounded by bliss and happiness.
Notable Lyrics
It may look like I’m surrounded but I’m surrounded by You
It may look like I’m surrounded but I’m surrounded by You
10. The God Who Stays (by Matthew West)
The God Who Stays by Matthew West is a reminder. It’s a powerful reality check for anyone who feels like their God has abandoned them. Because God does not abandon his children, no matter how flawed they are.
It’s a common trait among many modern Christians. We may see ourselves as beyond redemption, as if there’s no way for us to improve ourselves.
What’s more, we may see ourselves as having fallen in His eyes so much that He has turned his back on us. But again, we must never forget that He is always there and that His might and His love will never end.
Notable Lyrics
You’re the God who stays
You’re the one who runs in my direction
When the whole world walks away
You’re the God who stands
With wide-open arms
And You tell me nothing I have ever done can separate my heart
From the God who stays
11. Greater (by MercyMe)
How can you bring yourself to get out of bed despite crying and feeling crushed by the world around you? Is there an uplifting number that can be upbeat, but also reminds you of the Lord’s mercy and power? Well, MercyMe has the answer, and it’s their fast-paced pop ditty Greater.
A lot of the songs on this list are a bit on the slow side, mellow and poignant, and that’s fine. But there are times when something with a bit more energy is needed. So, whenever you are feeling down, give Greater a try and the Lord will turn your frown upside down.
Notable Lyrics
And greater is the One living inside of me
Than he who is living in the world
Bring your doubts
And bring your fears
Bring your hurt
And bring your tears
There’ll be no condemnation here
You are holy, righteous, and redeemed
12. Carry Me (by Kevin Downswell)
Kevin Downswell is a well-known minister and gospel singer, and his strong, acoustic performance perfectly illustrates how one’s love for God can translate into the finest of arts. The song we highly recommend you go over is Carry Me, a powerful number with a timeless message.
Once again, you have the wise words of a fellow Christian telling you that it’s ok to give yourself to the Lord when the going gets rough.
The Father in Heaven will carry you through all of your hardships, and all He seeks in return is your unending faith and love of Him and His creations. And make no mistake, He will definitely carry you, no matter where life takes you on His green Earth.
Notable Lyrics
When the road is long and heavy
When it’s dark and I can’t see clearly
I will lift mine eyes to the hills
From whence my help cometh
My help, it comes from You
13. Sleep in the Storm (by Unspoken)
Unspoken are known for their inspiring lyrics and performances that move hearts and souls. Their melodious tracks have millions of fans in the US alone, and songs like Sleep in the Storm are the best example of what this inspired band can do with a little bit of help from the Lord.
At first, you might wonder why the Lord would want anyone to sleep in the storm. But then you look back to the Scripture and see all the hardships that Jesus went through, and realize that no bad weather can be a stumbling block on your way of worship.
Notable Lyrics
Let the thunder be my comfort
Let the lightning be my guide
Let the waves that rise around me
Hold me gently through the night
For the winds that seem against me
Push me right into Your arms
Teach me how to sleep in the storm
14. Tell Your Heart to Beat Again (by Danny Gokey)
Tell Your Heart to Beat Again is a song of self-healing through faith. Danny Gokey’s mellifluous voice lets you know that whatever hardship you’re going through, there is a cure. And that cure comes from believing in Him and letting Him try to heal you through His intentions, His love, and His omnipresence.
Notable Lyrics
Close your eyes and breathe it in
Let the shadows fall away
Step into the light of grace
Yesterday’s a closing door
You don’t live there anymore
Say goodbye to where you’ve been
And tell your heart to beat again
15. God’s Not Done With You (by Tauren Wells)
Sweet melodious RnB verses by Tauren Wells can move any fair Christian to tears, especially if they are going through a bit of a rough patch. The piano keys strike just the right notes in God’s Not Done With You, letting the listener know one key bit of information.
Did you maybe sin or stray off the Lord’s path? Well, don’t hate yourself, and don’t assume that He no longer cares for you. He does. In fact, He will be with you every step of the way until you redeem yourself and find your faith again.
Notable Lyrics
He’s got a plan, this is part of it
He’s gonna finish what He started
He’s got a plan, this is part of it
He’s gonna finish what He started
He’s not done
God’s not done writing your story
16. Overcomer (by Mandisa)
Mandisa’s inspiring performances always get a kick out of the audience. Considering everything she has been through, she knows personally that the fight is never over, especially with God on your side.
In fact, she is as much of an overcomer as the person she refers to in the namesake song. And you, too, can be an overcomer if you look to the skies and ask the good Lord for guidance and help.
Notable Lyrics
You’re an overcomer
Stay in the fight until the final round
You’re not going under
‘Cause God is holding you right now
You might be down for a moment
Feeling like it’s hopeless
That’s when He reminds You
That you’re an overcome
17. Still (by Hillary Scott & The Scott Family)
Still waters run deep, as the old adage goes. And being still is what Still is all about. Moving lyrics by Hillary Scott and her family let the listeners know that the good Lord is definitely out there, working His magic and getting His matters in order without us even knowing.
Before you pray, He listens, before you even approach a mountain, He moves it. His power is immense, He will do anything for you with it, and all you need to do is stand still — in other words, stay firm in your belief and worship Him for His many gifts.
Notable Lyrics
You’re parting waters, making a way for me
You’re moving mountains that I don’t even see
You’ve answered my prayer before I even speak
All You need for me to be is still
18. Overwhelmed (by Big Daddy Weave)
Not much can be said about Overwhelmed by Big Daddy Weave that the lyrics don’t already portray. God’s mercy and might are so vast that an average believer feels overwhelmed, unable to comprehend it fully.
But it’s the kind of overwhelming feeling that a child has for its parents, one of respect and honest love. What’s more, it’s the kind of love that the good Lord returns in full, always.
Notable Lyrics
I know the power of Your cross
Forgiven and free forever You’ll be my God
All that You’ve done is so overwhelming
I delight myself in You
In the glory of Your presence
I’m overwhelmed
I’m overwhelmed by You
19. Fighting for Me (by Riley Clemmons)
Riley Clemmons might be younger than most people on this list, but her word and her appreciation of God are no less significant. Listening to her Fighting for Me number, you get the feeling that she shares the same struggles you do.
You’ve both been through major ruts, and the one common element that will always keep you going is the Lord, ever eager to fight for both of you through thick and thin.
Notable Lyrics
Every word is a promise you keep (Oh, oh)
‘Cause you love me like nobody else (Nobody)
You stand up for me (You stand up for me)
In the darkest night (In the darkest night)
When my faith is weak (Yeah, yeah)
You’re still by my side (My side)
You will never stop fighting for me
20. God of All My Days (by Casting Crowns)
With a Grammy and a Dove Award under their belt, Casting Crowns made a name for themselves among the crowd of Christian fans. One of the reasons is the sheer power behind their lyrics, especially those found in God of All My Days.
In fact, there really isn’t much we can add here. Instead, take a look at a selection of their verses and you’ll see why they’re an inspiration to all.
Notable Lyrics
In my worry, God You are my stillness
In my searching, God You are my answer
In my blindness, God You are my vision
In my bondage, God You are my freedom
In my weakness, God You are my power
21. Way Maker (by Leeland)
Leeland may not have originally written Way Maker, as it is quite a bit older than the band itself. But their interpretation of this beautiful piece of Christian poetry is an absolute masterpiece.
Not only are the young men extremely talented, but their voices perfectly evoke the message of the song itself. Overall, it’s a tale of God working in the background, all the time, making the world a better place for every single one of His children.
Notable Lyrics
Even when I don’t see it, You’re working
Even when I don’t feel it (yeah), You’re working
You never stop, You never stop working
You never stop, You never stop working
22. Battle Belongs (by Phil Wickham)
Powerful. That’s the best word that describes Battle Belongs and the performance of Phil Wickham. The raw energy that goes into this piece lets you know that all your plight is, in fact, the plight that God will deal with.
In other words, you are never alone, and the battle that you wage actually belongs to Him, and through Him will you achieve victory.
Notable Lyrics
And if You are for me, who can be against me? Yeah
For Jesus, there’s nothing impossible for You
When all I see are the ashes, You see the beauty
Thank You, God
When all I see is a cross, God, You see the empty tomb
23. Whatever May Come (by Jeremy Camp and Adrienne Camp)
Whatever May Come is a difficult piece by Jeremy and Adrienne Camp. Knowing what Jeremy had to go through, the words he put into the song ring even more powerful.
The track speaks of how Jesus will be the first person to respond to you should there be tough times. So, whatever the fear, the cost, the pain, He will be there right by your side.
Notable Lyrics
Whatever I face
Whatever the fear
Whatever the cost
You always draw near
Whatever the pain
Whatever may come
Whatever may fall
Your love overcomes
24. There Was Jesus (by Zach Williams and Dolly Parton)
How can you go wrong with Zach Williams and Dolly Parton? Indeed, the duo sings in such perfect harmony that the number There Was Jesus resonates with unending inspiration.
It’s once again a song that speaks of people down on their luck finding God, but it’s still a number we can’t recommend enough to anyone who needs some spiritual guidance in life.
Notable Lyrics
When the life I built came crashing to the ground
When the friends I had were nowhere to be found
I couldn’t see it then but I can see it now
There was Jesus.
25. Shoulders (by for KING and COUNTRY)
Rounding up our list is Shoulders by the Australian-born Christian rock performers called for KING and COUNTRY.
Of course, like many other pieces on this list, this strong, inspiring track talks about the Lord as someone who takes the weight off our own shoulders and places it on His own. It’s an image of a God that cares for His children and bears the brunt of the worst problems so that we can recover and continue to live our lives for Him.
Notable Lyrics
My help comes from You
You’re right here, pulling me through
You carry my weakness, my sickness, my brokenness
All on Your shoulders
Your shoulders
My help comes from You
You are my rest, my rescue
I don’t have to see to believe that You’re lifting me up
On Your shoulders
Your shoulders.
