I hung up the phone. More bad news. George had to go back to the hospital. Again. My grip tightened on the steering wheel. My mind raced after all the potential outcomes. “Why God? Why does he have to suffer so much?” As I drove, I asked God to play the song “Evidence” by Josh Baldwin on the radio. I needed the reminder that despite these evil tidings, the Lord answers prayer. I turned the dial, expecting the melody to pour out from the speakers. Instead, I heard “Way Maker.” Even better. One of my best memories is my mom and I belting “Way Maker” down the highway, claiming healing. God was always working, even when my feelings go haywire and it doesn’t appear He is doing anything. My neck and shoulders relaxed as peace flooded my soul. We’d heard bad news before. God always made a way. He wouldn’t stop now. Have you ever heard a song at church or on the radio that was exactly what you needed in the moment? Music strengthens our hearts when we need hope. When Saul was distressed, David played on his harp, and the troubling spirit fled. David wrote many of the Psalms because he couldn’t contain His joy at God’s deliverance. Psalm 32:7 says, “You are my hiding place; You shall preserve me from trouble; You shall surround me with songs of deliverance. Selah” (NKJV). Worship music holds power in the spiritual realm. It exalts the God of the universe who crushes the enemy under His feet. It’s as if the words we sing form an invisible bubble of protection around us that hold in the peace of God and block out the evil one. The Lord preserves us from trouble when we hide inside the goodness of His character. The song “Way Maker” reminds me of the faithfulness of God that fills my soul with hope and pushes out the fear. Today at church our worship minister said, “What is learned in song, stays for long.” God has given me songs of deliverance as spiritual markers. Each time I face hardship, the Lord has provided me a new song to strengthen my heart in that season. By now, my list could form an album. A tune can transport us back to deep memories. When I hear those songs, my faith increases because I remember God’s goodness. Another song of deliverance on my list, Francesca Battistelli’s “Defender,” mirrors the story of how King Jehoshaphat experienced the power of praise in battle. When the Moabites and Ammonites came against Jerusalem, Jehoshaphat called a nationwide fast. In response to their prayer, God told them not to be afraid because the battle was the Lord’s. The people worshiped and obeyed. The next morning, 2 Chronicles 20:21-22 NKJV tells us, “And when he had consulted with the people, he appointed those who should sing to the Lord, and who should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army and were saying: ‘Praise the Lord, For His mercy endures forever.’ Now when they began to sing and to praise, the Lord set ambushes against the people of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah; and they were defeated.” The children of Israel did not shoot one arrow or slash one sword of their own. Because God inhabits the praises of His people, He drew strength from their songs and used it to demolish their enemies. What a mighty example of songs of deliverance that reminded me God could defeat all illnesses in my family. Have you ever had an earworm? A song stuck in your head that you couldn’t get out? Our brains search for material to fill our minds when we operate in default mode. What type of songs are you pouring into your soul? Check your playlist or radio dial. Are you hearing the words of society or the kingdom of heaven? When we sing worship songs on Sundays and praise music throughout the week, they plant seeds of peace. We feed our minds on truth so the Holy Spirit can retrieve it easily. If we consume worthless junk, anxious thoughts can arise. When we feast on worship, the presence of God delivers us from crippling fears. The day when George returned to the hospital I’d asked God for a song of His faithfulness. He exceeded my expectations. The Lord knew I needed “Way Maker,” and later, I heard “Evidence” when I returned to my car after a stop. What a marvelous God! Which songs of deliverance fill your playlist? If you don’t have any yet, ask the Lord to point out the truths you need to hear. Sing along out loud and watch the darkness dispel.
16 Comments
1/14/2025 11:58:47 am
I love how God shows us in ways we need and your quote, “What is learned in song, stays for long.”
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Joanna Eccles
1/14/2025 10:02:58 pm
Songs stay so long in our heads and our hearts because they activate multiple parts of our brain. I'm so thankful God gave us the gift of song.
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Joanna Eccles
1/29/2025 11:08:11 pm
Every time that "Praise" by Brandon Lake comes out, I get excited. That song has great energy!
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Tebi
1/16/2025 03:37:43 am
What a timely message. So last night out of nowhere a song fell into my spirit. An OLD SouthAfrican song "Modimo re boka wena"
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Joanna Eccles
1/29/2025 11:09:47 pm
How wonderful that the Holy Spirit reminded you of a song that spoke to your spirit. Yes, God is worthy to be praised for everything at all times. He is a great God!
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1/17/2025 06:37:02 pm
Listening to and singing Christian music is a primary way I worship. And I’m not that musical! I have a post in mind for this topic in the near future.
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Joanna Eccles
1/29/2025 11:10:45 pm
I'm not that musically gifted either, but I can make a joyful noise. So glad the words blessed you.
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1/18/2025 11:19:01 pm
I love the old hymns and enjoy praise music as well. I like the idea that "song stays long." I agree. When I recite the words of hymns and praise songs in my head or sing them, His message fills my heart with thankfulness and joy.
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Joanna Eccles
1/29/2025 11:17:30 pm
I've combined three hymns that all include the name of Jesus that I sing over myself when I need His peace to flood my soul. So thankful God has given us the gift of praise.
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1/19/2025 08:02:58 am
Thank you so much for sharing! I’ve been listening to the song Zion (Aaron Shust). It reminds me of God‘s faithfulness and love and just how big they are.
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Joanna Eccles
1/29/2025 11:14:05 pm
I will have to listen to the song Zion by Aaron Shust, it sounds like a great song. Thanks for sharing.
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1/19/2025 06:18:40 pm
Singing to God is one of the most joyous things I know. He has blessed us with this. I like a lot of the older hymns. Ones rumbling through my mind and on my lips of late are “When the Roll Is Called Up Yonder,” and “It Is Well With My Soul.” Thank you for your sweet and interesting post. How powerfully true that a song is with us long. Love it!
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Joanna Eccles
1/29/2025 11:13:10 pm
The old hymns hold such good doctrine and encouragement. "It is Well with My Soul" brings such strength in hard times. Thanks for the recommendations.
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Yvonne Morgan
1/20/2025 07:17:58 am
Sometimes I wake up and know my soul has been singing to the Lord. What a blessing. Thanks Joanna
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Joanna Eccles
1/29/2025 11:11:28 pm
I love the idea of my soul singing to the Lord while I sleep. Thanks for sharing the concept!
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AuthorJoanna Eccles has led Bible studies for over twenty years and completed the year-long C. S. Lewis Fellows Program. She is passionate about discipleship and helping people grow in Christ. Joanna enjoys coffee and reading, and currently lives in Florida. Categories
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