What I'm Listening To
The music, podcasts, and sermons I’m loving right now.
As a stay-at-home mom, there are some days when I miraculously have time to read the Bible, journal, and dig into every word and question for an hour with no distractions. But most days? Most days, I’m scrambling to get a bit of the Word into my heart and mind while taking care of my seven-month-old full-time. That’s when listening to the audio version of the Bible is key, and worship music, podcasts, and sermons come in handy. These resources help pour the truth over me and keep my eyes fixed on the Kingdom.
Here are a few of my favorites right now. I’d love to hear what you’re listening to, too! Leave me a comment below.
Music
I was a big fan of Daigle’s hit song “You Say” (and wrote about it here), but there’s something different about “Rescue” that I love even more. Whereas “You Say” focuses on what God says about who we are as His sons and daughters, “Rescue” highlights the character of God. He sees us, He knows us, and He is always working for our good and His glory. He will never leave us or forsake us. He’s the good shepherd, and we are His flock.
“Raise a Hallelujah” - Bethel Music
This song is guaranteed to make you turn the volume up. My son and I love dancing around to this, praising God and His faithfulness.
“O Praise the Name (Anastasis)” - Hillsong Worship
I almost always tear up to “O Praise the Name.” This live version is especially powerful. It helps me to meditate on what Jesus Christ did for me. How He died for the world, yes, but for me individually and for you. He died and He rose again with great purpose: to save you and invite you into His kingdom!
“O praise the name of the Lord our God, o praise His name forevermore. For endless days, we will sing Your praise, O Lord, O Lord, our God.”
Podcasts
I discovered Risen Motherhood this year, and I’m officially hooked. I love how the hosts apply the gospel to everything they discuss, from finances to body image to screen time. Each episode is about 20 minutes, making them perfect to turn on while you wash dishes or fold laundry.
In the Market with Janet Parshall
This podcast is also a show on Moody Radio; it comes on here in Nashville during the evening commute. My husband and I so appreciate how Parshall dissects current events and hot-button topics through the lens of the Bible. A must-listen.
That Sounds Fun with Annie Downs
Downs interviews different guests each week—some of my favorite episodes include Sadie Robertson, Rebekah Lyons, Trey Kennedy, and Elisabeth Hasselbeck—and she always makes sure she asks them what sounds fun.
Sermons
The Answer for Anxiety - Long Hollow Baptist Church, Pastor Robby Gallaty
Our former church is going through a series called “Real Life,” and dang, it’s good. This message on anxiety has been incredibly helpful for me and reminded me to run to Christ when I feel anxious. Gallaty has also preached on depression and social media. He weaves the truth of Jesus and the Bible with his own personal testimony, even discussing medication (which no, is not a sin). Watch online or download the podcast version.
Practicing Prayer - The Village Church, Pastor Matt Chandler
Matt Chandler is the first evangelical pastor I ever listened to, and he’s someone I turn back to time and time again. His messages continue to be rooted in scripture; this one is no exception. Chandler breaks down how Jesus teaches His followers to pray. Watch online or download the podcast version.
The Underdog’s Secret - Summit Church, Pastor JD Grear
I heard this sermon on the radio a few weeks ago, and I was blown away. I’d never listened to Grear before this. Like Gallaty and Chandler, Grear’s powerful voice and love of the Word make for some convicting and encouraging sermons. Here, he discusses the story of Gideon and how God often uses the small and weak to fulfill His plans. Listen online or to the podcast version.
Worship Songs That Move Me
Sometimes you just need to crank up the tunes and let the music wash over you. That’s how I feel about these five worship songs. They point me to the Truth of Christ and the Gospel when I need it. They remind me of my identity in Him. They echo the hope that God gives us in His Word. Over and over again, these worship songs move me.
We see God’s people singing in the Bible and worshipping Him through song. It’s no accident that we start church on Sunday mornings with worship. Our voices were created to reflect His glory—in our words and in our songs.
So grab your headphones or turn the speaker on loud, and praise God with me.
1. "Fear is a Liar" - Zach Williams
Zach Williams has done it once again with this song. I can almost guarantee the music video will make you cry. In fact, the first probably 10 times I heard this song in the car, I would start crying. I wrestle with fear, anxiety, perfectionism, comparison. I think most of us do. Williams' song cuts to the heart of our fears, reminding us those doubts come straight from Satan. Christ paid our debts by his blood, and He wants a relationship with us. All we have to do is believe in Him. He's made us fully capable, fully courageous, and fully free.
2. "You Say" - Lauren Daigle
Oh this song. It gives me chills. Every. Single. Time.
"I keep fighting voices in my mind that say I'm not enough. Every single lie that tells me I will never measure up... Remind me once again just who I am because I need to know. You say I am loved when I can't feel a thing. You say I am strong when I think I am weak. You said I am held when I am fallen ashore. And when I don't belong, You say I am Yours. And I believe."
I constantly need to be reminded that my identity is in Christ alone. When I feel alone, He is with me. When I feel weak, He has made me strong. No matter what I'm going through—no matter what you are going through—You have an identity that is secure in Jesus.
This week I heard Daigle's song on the top 40 radio station here, and I about started crying all over again. We need the message of the Gospel now more than ever, and even pop radio recognizes it. We need to keep looking up.
3. "King of My Heart" - Steffany Gretzinger, Jeremy Riddle, and Christine Rhee (Bethel Music)
Watch this live music video, and you will feel the depth of God's promises to us. He is good, and He is faithful. He's made a covenant with us for all generations. Jesus died the death we deserve and rose to eternal life, giving us access forever to Him, The Father, Holy Spirit. God never goes back on His promises. He is the very definition of faithful. If you are in a difficult season of life, sing these words over yourself. "You are good, You're good... You're never gonna let me down."
4. "Your Love Defends Me" - Matt Maher
I first heard Matt Maher as a sophomore or junior in high school during youth group. I liked his music back then, but it was until I recently listened to this song that I felt a true sense of worship:
"Surely My God is the strength of my soul. Your love defends me... And when I feel like I'm all alone, Your love defends me."
When Maher launches into the "Hallelujah" part of the song, I can't help but praise God. God, you are my portion and my salvation. You are all I need.
5. "Who You Say I Am" - Hillsong Worship
No matter how lost you might feel, Jesus is for you. He wants to give you a new name as a child of God. We can chase a million things in this world hoping they will finally fulfill us. Dating, marriage, kids. Money. Career success. Beauty, influence, attention. Drugs, alcohol, food, gambling. We can chase it all, but nothing will ever satisfy us. Only Jesus can do that. He's given us a place at the table as his beloved sons and daughters.
"I am chosen, not forsaken. I am who You say I am. You are for me, not against me. I am who You say I am." Let us walk in that freedom, friends!
If you want to talk more about Jesus Christ and faith and what-the-heck-is-all-this-stuff, shoot me a message. I love meeting new people, whether virtually or in person, and gabbing about life.
And if you'd like to know more of my story, you can read my testimony here.
Truly, He makes beautiful things.