6 Uplifting Songs to Give You Peace During COVID-19

In our global attempt to curb the spread of the coronavirus, people are increasingly being ordered to stay indoors and only go out for essential reasons. During this time of social distancing, we’re seeing people rise up by helping those who cannot help themselves and by finding ways to bond with their fellow man in light of the ban on social gatherings.

We’re seeing news images of elderly people having groceries dropped off at their homes by concerned family and neighbors; apartment residents applauding from their balconies in organized flash mobs to thank the medical staff working around the clock to fight the virus; and entire communities rehanging their Christmas lights in the springtime to spread cheer in this season of gloom.

These social displays of solidarity are encouraging and go a long way to bring home the fact that we’re all in this together. 

At home, however, you may be struggling to keep the peace as the kids are home from school while you’re trying to work remotely and maintain a semblance of order when our normal day-to-day has been turned on its head.

If you’re grappling with feelings of inner turmoil, you can turn to Christian music for lyrics that will help settle your feelings of upheaval. 

Here are 6 uplifting songs to help quiet some of the anxiety you may be feeling right now. 

1. 'All the People Said Amen' by Matt Maher

This upbeat song reminds you that God’s love for His people never ends and that you can find comfort in God’s mercy when you’re feeling lonely or afraid. These lyrics revolve around the imagery of Christians uniting to say “amen” (meaning “so be it”) as a way of giving thanks to God in the good times and in the bad. 

As Christians, we say “amen” to proclaim our belief in certain universal truths—amen to salvation through Christ, amen to God being the Lord of the rich and the poor alike, and amen to God being in control as the Ruler of the universe. In times of trepidation, Scripture urges us to “be still” and know that God is all-powerful, exalted among the nations and in all the world (Psalm 46:10).      

Lyrics to give you peace:

“You are not alone, if you are lonely

When you feel afraid, you’re not the only

We are all the same

In need of mercy

To be forgiven and be free

It’s all you’ve got to lean on 

But thank God it’s all you need

And all the people said Amen

And all the people said Amen

Give thanks to the Lord

For His love never ends

And all the people said Amen” 

2. 'Even If' by MercyMe

This moving song meets you in your moment of despair and, potentially, your crisis of faith. Here, the band MercyMe admits that it’s easy to sing when everything’s going well, but what will you choose to do in the trying times? This track encourages you to cling to Jesus and keep hope alive during these uncertain days. 

Moreover, even if you feel like God has forgotten you, rely instead on Scripture’s promise that “the Lord Your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you” (Deuteronomy 31:6). 

Lyrics to give you peace:

“They say it only takes a little faith to move a mountain

Well good thing

‘Cause a little faith is all I have right now

But God, when You choose to leave mountains unmovable

Whoa give me the strength to be able to sing

It is well with my soul

I know You’re able and I know You can

Save through the fire with Your mighty hand

But even if You don’t

My hope is You alone

I know the sorry and I know the hurt

Would all go away if You’d just say the word

But even if You don’t
 My hope is You alone”

3. 'Raise a Hallelujah' by Bethel Music

People are reporting a range of emotions during this pandemic. Some people are mildly uneasy, while others are simply annoyed with all the social restrictions. Yet others are resentful that they have to self-quarantine despite feeling healthy, while many are panicked that their or their loved one’s cough and fever may result in a dreaded diagnosis.

Whatever you may be feeling, this victory march of a song will help to embolden you and raise your spirits. It speaks of singing God’s praises in the presence of your enemies and lifting your voice up until the darkness that may be dragging you down flees from your side.

The Bible reveals that God is a warrior who becomes our strength and our defense when we’re under attack, shattering our enemies with His mighty hand (Exodus 15:1-6). No matter the current situation, find solace in the fact that the Lord has made a home for His children and that He will reign forever and ever.

Lyrics to give you peace:

“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!”

4. 'Confidence' by Sanctus Real

The prophet Isaiah promises that the Lord is a God of comfort who gives strength to the weary and power to the weak. In particular, if you wait on the Lord, He will renew your strength so that you’ll feel like you can “soar on wings like eagles…walk and not be faint” (Isaiah 40:29-31). 

This song speaks to those who feel weary and weak. In reminding you that you’re upheld by none other than the Lord Almighty, these lyrics prompt you to life up your head and pray for faith like the Biblical heroes had. One powerful verse in particular reminds us that if God can take a shepherd boy and make him a King, He can uplift anyone no matter how powerless you may be feeling.

Lyrics to give you peace:

“I’m not a warrior

I’m too afraid to lose

I feel unqualified for what you’re calling me to do

But Lord, with your strength

I’ve got no excuse

‘Cause broken people are exactly who you use

So give me faith like Daniel in the lion’s den

Give me hope like Moses in the wilderness

Give me a heart like David

Lord be my defense

So I can face my giants with confidence”

5. 'He Knows My Name' by Francesca Battistelli

One of the difficulties that parents of young children are facing now is figuring out how to explain the COVID-19 epidemic and the need for social distancing. It’s easy to see why the current circumstances would unsettle children. All around them, children see that schools are closed, sports seasons are suspended, and playgrounds are fenced in. Parents aren’t allowing their children to have playdates and kids’ birthday parties planned for local venues are being cancelled in favor of at-home, family-only celebrations.

Social distancing may be making your child worry about the status of his or her friendships even if your child is “meeting up” with friends over social media. Take this opportunity to remind your children that they are God’s masterpieces, knit together by the Almighty who has plans in motion to give them a bright future even when things look bleak (Ephesians 2:10 NLT; Jeremiah 29:11). The following song is a beautiful reminder that despite feeling cast aside by friends, your kid is already “famous” in our Father’s eyes. 

Lyrics to give your child peace:

“He calls me chosen, free, forgiven

Wanted, child of the King,

His forever, held in treasure

I am loved

I don’t need my name in lights

I’m famous in my Father’s eyes

I don’t need my name in lights

I’m famous in my Father’s eyes

Make no mistake, He knows my name

I’m not living for applause, I’m already so adored

It’s all His stage, He knows my name”

6. 'Rescue Story' by Zach Williams

If you’ve turned your back on Jesus—whether due to the pandemic or for other reasons—know that Jesus hasn’t turned His back on you. You may be regretting your unbelief or your past sinful acts. Know that, if your spirit is hungry for God, Jesus invites you back to partake of the “real food” and “real drink” that is the body and blood of the Lamb (John 6:55). The Bible states plainly that if you forsake your sinful ways and return to the Lord, God promises to have mercy on you and “freely pardon” you (Isaiah 55:7). 

This song speaks of having nothing to offer the Lord but an openness to receiving His grace. Even if you feel besieged on all sides by insecurities and strife, Christ will be the voice in your spiritual desert calling you out of your loneliness and unbelief. If you seek His face, He will rescue you (Psalm 91:14).

Lyrics to give you peace:

“There I was, empty-handed

Crying out from the pit of my despair

There You were, in the shadows

Holding out Your hand, You met me there

And now where would I be without You?

Where would I be, Jesus?

You were the voice in the desert 

Calling me out in the dead of night

Fighting my battles for me

You are my rescue story

Lifted me up from the ashes

Carried my soul from death to life

Bringing me from glory to glory

You are my rescue story”

In this time of social isolation for many and heartbreaking grief for others, look for ways to ground your spiraling thoughts by reading His Word and listening to songs that convey hope and faith rooted in the Word.

Photo Credit: ©Pexels/Andrea Piacquadio

Dolores Smyth is a nationally published faith and parenting writer. She draws inspiration for her writing from everyday life. Connect with her over Twitter @byDoloresSmyth.