Never in a million years did I think that I would be creating a Christian music playlist! I love all genres from country to heavy metal, but worship music wasn’t on my radar other than traditional hymns like “How Great Thou Art” and “Amazing Grace.” Technically, I’m Catholic, but I’ve been attending a non-denominational church for over five years. Oak Pointe in Novi, Michigan is very upbeat and has great energy. The music is what really draws people in and gets them excited. There’s an entire band on stage with amazing singers. I started recollecting lyrics in a very short period of time, which kept me interested and looking forward to Sundays.
There are many benefits to all types of music, and these include improved mood, mood regulation, better sleep, stress and blood pressure reduction, and enhanced memory to name a few. Music stimulates the brain and provides a total mental workout. This is true for listening to music and playing an instrument. I’m learning to play the guitar, and I can tell you that it is challenging and enjoyable all at the same time! I’m grateful for my gradual progress and I’m so glad I’ve stuck with my weekly lessons for over a year. I practice almost daily for 20-30 minutes, and it has taught me a lot about patience. I consider it to be one of my daily healthy habits.
An article by Johns Hopkins Medicine, “Keep Your Brain Young with Music,” explains that listening to new music challenges the brain. The unfamiliarity forces the brain to struggle and understand the new sound. Music is based on relationships from one note to the next, so your brain is very busy making sense of it all. I am notorious for listening to the same songs over and over, especially if they are my favorites. Now I go out of my way to listen to songs I’ve never heard. It’s a great way to expand your playlists and music knowledge, not to mention learning about new singers and genres. I recently added a song by Ottmar Liebert, called “Barcelona Nights” that incorporates the classical guitar. His style is considered to be “Nouveau Flamenco,” and it sounds beautiful.
Music is known to take you right back to a particular memory or point in time. This happens to me often since music is part of my daily routine. There are times when a song stops me in my tracks. I probably listen to music for at least an hour per day. I’m usually in the car or walking on the treadmill or outside. I never walk without my headphones, and I’ll even cover more miles just to get a few more songs in. Some say music is therapeutic and I couldn’t agree more. It has the power to positively impact emotions and mental well-being. There’s a formal type of treatment called “music therapy” that includes listening to music, creating music, singing, and playing instruments. This type of therapy addresses physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs. This practice can address a wide variety of conditions in hospitals, schools, rehabilitation centers and mental health facilities.
Now, back to my favorite Christian songs! Here’s a list of the “chosen ones” that I hope you enjoy:
Raise a Hallelujah, Jonathan & Melissa Helser, Bethel Music
Lord, I Need You, Matt Maher
Resurrection Power, Chris Tomlin
Light of the World, We the Kingdom
What a Beautiful Name, Hillsong Worship & Brooke Ligertwood
King of Kings, Hillsong Worship & Brooke Ligertwood
Living Hope, Phil Wickham
Egypt, Cory Asbury, Bethel Music
Graves Into Gardens, Brandon Lake, Elevation Worship
Reckless Love, Cory Asbury
Stand in Your Love, Josh Baldwin, Bethel Music
Come Jesus Come, Cece Winans
Amazing Grace, Alan Jackson
How Great Thou Art, Carrie Underwood
Gratitude, Brandon Lake
Evidence, Josh Baldwin
Chain Breaker, Zach Williams
Made for More, Josh Baldwin
Stay tuned for more songs to be added to the list as I broaden my knowledge in the Christian music genre. Currently my playlists reside on the Amazon Music app. Christian music is great for many reasons and here are a few:
*Uplifting & Inspirational – carries messages of hope and faith
*Connection with Spirituality – deepen relationship with God
*Comfort and healing – redemption and forgiveness
*Sense of Community – church settings, concerts, online communities
*Encouragement and empowerment – remind listeners of their strength
*Reflection and meditation – prayer and introspection
*Positive influence – promotes kindness and compassion
*Diverse genres and styles – contemporary, gospel, Christian rock
*Transcends boundaries – appreciation of emotion and sincerity of Christian music
Christian music has a way of bringing people together while enriching the lives of listeners. Its spiritual, emotional, and social attributes benefit people in many ways. This makes it a valuable resource for its audience. Its message can uplift and inspire during challenging times. People of all backgrounds can have an appreciation for the sincerity that Christian music brings as it appeals to a diverse group of listeners. It is known to help individuals create a positive attitude and outlook for the day! God Bless!
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