Church Worship

Operation Christmas Child – Shoebox Collection Week is Here!

10 Songs to Listen to When Life Is Changing

10 Songs to Listen to When Life Is Changing

If we can say one thing about the year 2020, we can say that it has been unpredictable. Just when we think we can settle into a routine; a new twist comes along to challenge us. Even now, as children go back to school and seasons change, it is tempting to anticipate the next pitfall.

In times of change, we need daily messages of hope and truth to keep our hearts encouraged and spirits lifted. Songs that carry us through uncertain seasons have a way of filling us with the courage or inspiration we may need to push through and move forward.

Here are 10 songs to inspire you when you feel that your life is changing.

Photo Credit: © Getty Images/anyaberkut

  • raising hands in worship, songs to listen to when life is changing

    1. Raise a Hallelujah

    by Bethel Music’s Jonathan David Helser, Melissa Helser, Molly Skaggs, Raquel Vega

    This worship song was written as a response to a miraculous healing of Bethel Music’s CEO’s two-year old son. The words reflect the power of praise even in the most difficult of circumstances. The song declares God’s victory over unbelief, enemies, and even death. Through praise, we can continue to declare God’s truth in the most trying times (James 5:13).

    I raise a hallelujah, in the presence of my enemies
    I raise a hallelujah, louder than the unbelief
    I raise a hallelujah, my weapon is a melody
    I raise a hallelujah, 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!

    I raise a hallelujah, with everything inside of me
    I raise a hallelujah, I will watch the darkness flee
    I raise a hallelujah, in the middle of the mystery
    I raise a hallelujah, fear you lost your hold on 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!

    Credit: Bethel Music
    Photo Credit: © Unsplash/Hannah Busing

  • lamb of god mosaic, songs to listen to when life is changing

    2. Is He Worthy?

    by Andrew Peterson and Ben Shive

    This beautiful song questions the current condition of the world in order to strengthen our faith in Jesus. The core message throughout the song is that no matter what happens on earth, Jesus is worthy of our love and praise. God has a plan and purpose that will not be thwarted (Philippians 2:9-11).

    Do you feel the world is broken?
    (We do)
    Do you feel the shadows deepen?
    (We do)

    But do you know that all the dark won't stop the light from getting through?
    (We do)
    Do you wish that you could see it all made new?
    (We do)

    Is all creation groaning?
    (It is)
    Is a new creation coming?
    (It is)

    Is the glory of the Lord to be the light within our midst?
    (It is)
    Is it good that we remind ourselves of this?
    (It is)

    Is anyone worthy?
    Is anyone whole?
    Is anyone able to break the seal and open the scroll?
    The Lion of Judah who conquered the grave
    He is David's root and the Lamb who died to ransom the slave

    Is He worthy? Is He worthy?
    Of all blessing and honor and glory
    Is He worthy of this?
    He is

    Does the Father truly love us?
    (He does)
    Does the Spirit move among us?
    (He does)

    And does Jesus, our Messiah hold forever those He loves?
    (He does)
    Does our God intend to dwell again with us?
    (He does)

    Is anyone worthy?
    Is anyone whole?
    Is anyone able to break the seal and open the scroll?
    The Lion of Judah who conquered the grave

    He is David's root and the Lamb who died to ransom the slave
    From every people and tribe
    Every nation and tongue
    He has made us a kingdom and priests to God
    To reign with the Son

    Is He worthy? Is He worthy?
    Of all blessing and honor and glory
    Is He worthy? Is He worthy?
    He is!

    Credit: Andrew Peterson
    Photo Credit: © Getty Images/Jorisvo

  • view of garden flowers and sunset, songs to listen to when life is changing

    3. Graves into Gardens

    by Elevation Worship

    The biblical text that inspired this worship song was 2 Kings 13:20-21 where God brought life out of death. This song states that there is nothing better than Jesus. He can turn mourning to dancing, and transform shame into glory. The message we can cling to is that in time of change, the Lord is able to control all situations.

    I searched the world
    But it couldn't fill me
    Man's empty praise and treasures that fade
    Are never enough

    Then You came along
    And put me back together
    And every desire is now satisfied
    Here in Your love (hey)

    Oh, there's nothing better than You
    There's nothing better than You
    Lord, there's nothing
    Nothing is better than You

    (Oh, yes I know it's true)
    (Come on, tell 'em, hey)

    I'm not afraid
    To show You my weakness
    My failures and flaws, Lord, You've seen them all
    And You still call me friend

    'Cause the God of the mountain
    Is the God of the valley
    There's not a place Your mercy and grace
    Won't find me again

    Oh, there's nothing better than You
    There's nothing better than You
    Lord, there's nothing
    Nothing is better than You

    (I know it's true)
    Oh, there's nothing (somebody testify) better than You
    Oh, there's nothing better than You
    Lord, there's nothing
    Nothing is better than You

    You turn mourning to dancing
    You give beauty for ashes
    You turn shame into glory
    You're the only one who can (come on)

    You turn mourning to dancing
    You give beauty for ashes
    You turn shame into glory (tell 'em now)
    You're the only one who can

    You turn graves into garden
    You turn bones into armies
    You turn seas into highways
    You're the only one who can (please sing for me)
    You're the only one who can

    Oh, there's nothing (come on choir) better than You
    Oh, there's nothing better than You
    Lord, there's nothing
    Nothing is better than You (search and I found)

    Oh, there's nothing better than You
    Oh, there's nothing (nothing) better than You
    Lord, there's nothing
    Nothing is better than You

    Credit: Elevation Worship
    Photo Credit: © Unsplash/Malachi Brooks

  • girl on path at sunset, songs to listen to when life is changing

    4. Way Maker

    by gospel singer Sinach

    This song reminds us of who Jesus is by recalling his divine nature and attributes. It declares how he is still moving in our lives and is worthy of our worship. Many artists such as Michael W. Smith, Bethel Music, and Passion Worship Band have covered this amazing worship song. It reminds us that the Lord is with us and will strengthen and comfort us (Isaiah 41:10).

    You are here
    Moving in our midst
    I worship you
    I worship you

    You are here
    Working in this place
    I worship you
    I worship you

    Chorus:
    Way maker
    Miracle worker
    Promise keeper

    Light in the darkness
    My God
    That is who you are

    You are here
    Touching every heart
    I worship you
    I worship you

    You are here
    Healing every heart
    I worship you
    I worship you

    You are here
    Turning lives around
    I worship you
    I worship you

    You are here
    Mending every heart
    I worship you
    I worship you

    Chorus 2x

    You wipe away all tears
    You mend the broken heart
    You're the answer to it all
    Jesus

    Chorus 2x

    You are here
    Touching every life
    I worship you
    I worship you

    You are here
    Meeting every need
    I worship you
    I worship you

    Credit: Sinach
    Photo Credit: © Unsplash/Jared Murray

  • man standing on rocky outcrop above clouds, songs to listen to when life is changing

    5. Trust in You

    by Lauren Daigle

    Lauren wrote this song following the death of her grandfather. The theme of the song is to trust the Lord even in the midst of the most trying circumstances. You can hear the power of surrender within the song, and the rest that can be found in Christ alone. Listeners can be encouraged by the message of God’s constant presence and provision (Isaiah 43:2-3).

    Letting go of every single dream
    I lay each one down at Your feet
    Every moment of my wandering
    Never changes what You see

    I try to win this war
    I confess, my hands are weary, I need Your rest
    Mighty warrior, king of the fight
    No matter what I face You're by my side

    When You don't move the mountains
    I'm needing You to move
    When You don't part the waters
    I wish I could walk through

    When You don't give the answers
    As I cry out to You
    I will trust, I will trust, I will trust in You

    Truth is, You know what tomorrow brings
    There's not a day ahead You have not seen
    So let all things be my life and breath
    I want what You want Lord and nothing less

    When You don't move the mountains
    I'm needing You to move
    When You don't part the waters
    I wish I could walk through

    When You don't give the answers
    As I cry out to You
    I will trust, I will trust, I will trust in You
    I will trust in You

    You are my strength and comfort
    You are my steady hand
    You are my firm foundation
    The rock on which I stand

    Your ways are always higher
    Your plans are always good
    There's not a place where I'll go
    You've not already stood

    When You don't move the mountains
    I'm needing You to move
    When You don't part the waters
    I wish I could walk through

    When You don't give the answers
    As I cry out to You
    I will trust, I will trust, I will trust in You

    Credit: Lauren Daigle
    Photo Credit: © iStock/Getty Images Plus/Orla

  • ocean water peaceful and still, songs to listen to when life is changing

    6. It Is Well

    by Kristene DiMarco & Bethel Music

    The writer of this song used Jesus’ miracle of the calming of the storm to inspire this worship song during a time of uncertainty within her own life. In the writing process, God challenged her to question why she was so afraid if she trusted Him. Reflecting upon the original hymn by Horatio Spafford, this new song revives the message that contentment is found when we place our faith in Christ (Philippians 4:11-13).

    Grander earth has quaked before
    Moved by the sound of His voice
    Seas that are shaken and stirred
    Can be calmed and broken for my regard

    And through it all, through it all
    My eyes are on You
    And through it all, through it all
    It is well

    And through it all, through it all
    My eyes are on You
    And it is well with me

    And far be it from me to not believe
    Even when my eyes can't see

    And this mountain that's in front of me
    Will be thrown into the midst of the sea

    And through it all, through it all
    My eyes are on You
    And through it all, through it all
    It is well

    And through it all, through it all
    My eyes are on You
    And it is well
    It is well

    So let go my soul and trust in Him
    The waves and wind still know His name
    So let go my soul and trust in Him
    The waves and wind still know His name

    So let go my soul and trust in Him
    The waves and wind still know His name
    The waves and wind still know His name

    And it is well with my soul (sing it everybody)
    It is well with my soul
    It is well with my soul
    It is well

    It is well with my soul
    Oh it is well with my soul ('cause of who you are)
    Oh it is well with my soul

    It is well with my soul
    It is well
    It is well with my soul
    It is well

    And through it all, through it all
    My eyes are on You
    And through it all, through it all
    It is well Lord

    Credit: Bethel Music

    Photo Credit: © Unsplash/Karl Fredrickson

  • sunrise over field of flowers valley, songs to listen to when life is changing

    7. The Blessing

    by Kari Jobe & Cody Carnes

    This was a song written at the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic. It soon became an anthem of unity across the world. This song of hope comes from three places of Scripture—the priestly blessing of Aaron found in Numbers 6:22-27 and the blessing of God’s covenant people found in Deuteronomy 28:6 and Exodus 33:14. As believers in Jesus, we are adopted in and receivers of these covenantal blessings. This is a powerful reminder in times of change.

    The Lord bless you
    And keep you
    Make His face shine upon you
    And be gracious to you

    The Lord turn His
    Face toward you
    And give you peace

    As we receive, we agree, amen

    Amen, amen, amen
    Amen, amen, amen (amen, amen)
    Amen, amen, amen
    Amen, amen, amen

    May His favor be upon you
    And a thousand generations
    Your family and your children
    And their children, and their children

    May His presence go before you
    And behind you, and beside you
    All around you, and within you
    He is with you, He is with you

    In the morning, in the evening
    In your coming, and your going
    In your weeping, and rejoicing
    He is for you, He is for you

    He is for you, He is for you
    He is for you, He is for you
    He is for you, He is for you

    Amen, amen, amen
    Amen, amen, amen (may His favor)

    Credit: Elevation Worship

    Photo Credit: © Unsplash/Andre Benz

  • young group of friends laughing together with sun setting, songs to listen to when life is changing

    8. Love God, Love People

    by Danny Gokey

    In a season of change, having a song that goes back to the two basic messages of Jesus is timely. This song gets to the heart of the gospel, reflecting 1 Corinthians 13 and the command of Christ in an upbeat way. Listeners will come away feeling encouraged and inspired, ready to act on their faith (Matthew 22:37-39). 

    I've been running in circles
    Jumping the hurdles
    Getting caught in that rush of doing so much
    I'm feeling kinda worn out

    All this checking the boxes
    Trying to be flawless
    Has me spinning my head, catching my breath
    Too afraid to slow down

    I tell myself to keep this up
    That God wants more than just my love
    But I've been complicating things
    It's just like me to overthink

    Gotta keep it real simple
    Keep it real simple
    Bring everything right back to ground zero
    'Cause it all comes down to this

    Love God and love people
    We're living in a world that keeps breakin'
    But if we want to find a way to change it
    It all comes down to this
    Love God and love people

    Oh this is freedom (this is freedom)
    The keys to the Kingdom
    Knowing life will be found when love can be loud
    'Cause love is what it's all about

    I tell myself to keep this up
    That all God wants is just my love
    No more complicating things
    No more need to overthink

    Gotta keep it real simple
    Keep it real simple
    Bring everything right back to ground zero
    'Cause it all comes down to this
    Love God and love people

    We're living in a world that keeps breakin'
    But if we want to find a way to change it
    It all comes down to this
    Love God and love people

    Love is patient
    Love is kind
    Rescues hearts and changes lives
    Love is all we need to make things right
    Gotta keep it real simple

    It's really so simple, oh!
    Gotta keep it real simple
    Keep it real simple
    Bring everything right back to ground zero (yeah)

    'Cause it all comes down to this
    Love God and love people
    We're living in a world that keeps breakin'
    But if we want to find a way to change it
    It all comes down to this

    Love God and love people (woo!)
    Keep on loving, keep on loving
    Love God and love people
    So keep on loving, keep on loving

    It's all about love
    It's how we change the world
    Love God and love people

    Credit: Danny Gokey

    Photo Credit: © Getty Images/monkeybusinessimages

  • man and woman climbing mountain, songs to listen to when life is changing

    9. Hills and Valleys

    by Tauren Wells

    In this beautiful song of praise, the vocalist recognizes both the highs and lows of life and understands that God’s grace and love surpasses any broken dreams. The Lord’s presence and faithfulness remains the same at all time. The song is an expression of 2 Corinthians 12:9 and serves as a reminder that we can praise God for bringing us to the mountains in life and lift our eyes up to Him from the valleys.

    I've walked among the shadows
    You wiped my tears away
    And I've felt the pain of heartbreak
    And I've seen the brighter days

    And I've prayed prayers to heaven from my lowestplace
    And I have held the blessings
    God, you give and take away

    No matter what I have, Your grace is enough
    No matter where I am, I'm standing in Your love

    On the mountains, I will bow my life
    To the one who set me there
    In the valley, I will lift my eyes to the one who sees me there
    When I'm standing on the mountain aft, didn't get there on my own
    When I'm walking through the valley end, no I am not alone!

    You're God of the hills and valleys!
    Hills and Valleys!
    God of the hills and valleys
    And I am not alone!

    I've watched my dreams get broken
    In you I hope again!
    No matter what I know
    Know I'm safe inside Your hand

    On the mountains, I will bow my life
    To the one who set me there
    In the valley, I will lift my eyes to the one who sees me there

    When I'm standing on the mountain aft, didn't get there on my own
    When I'm walking through the valley end, no I am not alone!
    You're God of the hills and valleys!
    Hills and Valleys!

    God of the hills and valleys
    And I am not alone!

    Father, you give and take away
    Every joy and every pain
    Through it all you will remain
    Over it all!

    Father, you give and take away
    Every joy and every pain
    Through it all you will remain
    Over it all!

    On the mountains, I will bow my life
    To the one who set me there (to the one who set me there)
    In the valley, I will lift my eyes to the one who sees me there
    When I'm standing on the mountain aft, didn't get there on my own
    When I'm walking through the valley end, no I am not alone!

    You're God of the hills and valleys!
    Hills and Valleys!
    God of the hills and valleys
    And I am not alone!

    You're God of the hills and valleys!
    Hills and Valleys!
    God of the hills and valleys
    And I am not alone!

    And I will choose to say "Blessed be Your name, yeah, yeah"
    And I am not alone

    Credit: Tauren Wells
    Photo Credit: © Getty/kieferpix

  • silhouette of woman standing against sunset, songs to listen to when life is changing

    10. Thy Will

    by Hillary Scott

    The singer/songwriter did not initially reveal the heart cry behind the song that has inspired so many people. After allowing a year to pass upon its initial release, she revealed that they song was an expression to God after enduring a miscarriage. Through her words, she expresses confusion as to why bad things happen. Yet, through her anguish, she acknowledges God’s sovereignty over all. This song is a comfort for anyone who has struggled to accept a difficult and unexpected change in their life because it reminds us how God maintains control, even when we feel that life is out of our control (Romans 8:28).

    Even though we might not know what lies ahead, we can trust in the God who goes before us.  When we take time to declare who He is, how He has acted in the past, and what His promises are for us, it often helps us walk more courageously when we have doubt. Hopefully, the Lord will use this list to encourage you to walk confidently in Him as you navigate your way forward in these changing times.

    I'm so confused
    I know I heard you loud and clear
    So, I followed through
    Somehow I ended up here

    I don't wanna think
    I may never understand
    That my broken heart is a part of your plan
    When I try to pray
    All I've got is hurt and these four words

    Thy will be done
    Thy will be done
    Thy will be done

    I know you're good
    But this don't feel good right now
    And I know you think
    Of things I could never think about

    It's hard to count it all joy
    Distracted by the noise
    Just trying to make sense
    Of all your promises

    Sometimes I gotta stop
    Remember that you're God
    And I am not
    So

    Thy will be done
    Thy will be done
    Thy will be done
    Like a child on my knees all that comes to me is

    Thy will be done
    Thy will be done
    Thy will

    I know you see me
    I know you hear me, Lord
    Your plans are for me
    Goodness you have in store

    I know you hear me
    I know you see me, Lord
    Your plans are for me
    Goodness you have in store
    So

    Thy will be done
    Thy will be done
    Thy will be done
    Like a child on my knees all that comes to me is

    Thy will be done
    Thy will be done
    Thy will be done

    I know you see me
    I know you hear me, Lord

    Credit: HillaryScottVEVO
    Photo Credit: © Unsplash/AhmetSali

    Cortney is a wife and mom of two high school students. She has her Masters of Theology from Dallas Theological Seminary and is currently serving as a hospice chaplain.