Songs of Hope

“Music expresses that which cannot be said

and on which it is impossible to be silent”

~Victor Hugo~

I have a playlist on my iPod called "Songs of Hope".  It has lifted my spirits and gotten me through many a hard time.  When our second adoption attempt fell through, we had a seven hour drive back home.  When it was my turn to drive, I sat in silence for hours.   I wrestled with the Lord and tried to make sense of it.  When I was ready, I put on this playlist and was able to praise Him for who He is- not for what He does for me.  It brought such healing to my soul. 

And so I'd like to share it with you.  Perhaps some of the songs will touch your heart as well.  Do you have others to add?  I'd love to hear your recommendations.

My all-time favorites:

• "And Your Praise Goes On" by Chris Rice
• "You Are My Hiding Place" by Selah
• "Divine Romance" by Phil Wickham
• "If You Want Me To" by Ginny Owens
• "Your Love is Extravagant" by Casting Crowns
• "Be Thou My Vision" by Ginny Owens
• "Blessed Be Your Name" by Matt Redman
• "Bring the Rain" by MercyMe
• "Praise You in the Storm" by Casting Crowns
• "Your Hands" by JJ Heller
• "Safe" by Phil Wickham
• "Jesus Draw Me Ever Nearer" by Keith and Kristyn Getty (Thanks, MB!)
• "Unredeemed" by Selah
• "I Will Carry You- Audrey's Song" by Selah

Other great songs on the playlist:

• "Call My Name" by Third Day
• "Lifesong" by Casting Crown
• "Never Let Go" by David Crowder Band
• "Hope Now" by Addison Road
• "God With Us" by MercyMe
• "Glory" by Casting Crown
• "Your Grace is Enough" by Matt Maher
• "Healing Hand of God" by Jeremy Camp
• "Winter Song" by Sara Bareilles and Ingrid Michaelson
• "How He Loves Me" by David Crowder Band

A special note about the band Selah:

One of the members of the band, Todd, and his wife Angie lost their baby girl in 2008.  She has a blog dedicated to their little one here.  You can click HERE to read their story.  It is powerful and life-giving, but very challenging.  "I will carry you" was written for their daughter, Audrey Caroline. 

Upload the songs, turn it up, and sing out praise to the Lord.  Praise Him in the Storm.  You are SAFE in His hands.  The Lord gives, and the Lord takes away;  blessed be the name of the Lord. 

It does wonders for the soul. 

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And to my sweet blogging friends: I wanted to point out a note that my Mom wrote to you at the bottom of the comments of THIS post.  It's the second to the bottom (at this point).  She thanks you for your prayers and encouragement- and so do I.  Thank you, sweet friends.