We all have a relationship with music. I have a love affair with traditional or contemporary gospel music for many reasons.

 

 

Music impacts upon us in a variety of ways. It maybe big or small. Sometimes we hear songs that spark an old memory, recall emotions or takes us back to a moment in time. Music is great for seniors with alzheimer’s as it boosts brain activity and it’s important for child development and overall literacy.

 

 

I grew up in the Church and listening to gospel music shaped my upbringing. Currently, I don’t go to Church or participate in organized religion, but I am very spiritual. I am a mass consumer of all types of music like hip-hop, R&B, jazz, rock, pop, reggae, funk – basically I listen to everything. But when I need to feel inspired or get through a tough situation, I spend the majority of my day listening to Gospel music. The music speaks to my soul and it has a soothing and calming effect that affects me in a positive way.

 

Traditional vs. Contemporary

 

Traditional gospel music or Negro spiritual spreads the message of hope, joy, suffering and pain. Historically it is the music that comforted blacks during extremely difficult situations especially during slavery. Contemporary gospel music is a blend of the traditional gospel and different music genres like jazz, funk and R&B. Contemporary gospel music still spreads the same message as traditional gospel, but it is more relatable today. I listen to both as it helps strengthen my faith and provides a good foundation for my spiritual growth.

Gospel music helps me to find balance and always keep life in perspective. So whether you are religious, spiritual, or an atheist, here are 13 inspirational songs to get you through any tough situation.

 

1. All Things Are Working – Fred Hammond & RFC

 

“All things are working for me even things I can’t see

Your ways are so beyond me

But You said that You would let it be for my good

So I’ll rest and just believe”

 

2. Got That – Anthony Brown & group therAPy

 

“Now you understand why I keep my head held high, even on the worst of days

I might call for the night but, joy comes in the morning, trouble don’t last always

Please don’t let them tell you, what you cannot do

Just because it’s never been done

You just let them watch you do what they cannot do, and just tell them, my God won”

 

 

3. Never Would’ve Made It by – Marvin Sapp

 

“Never could have made it without You

I would have lost it all

But now I see how You were there for me”

 

 

4. Teach Me – Hezekiah Walker

“Patience is a virtue I desire

I need it when I have to go through the fire

When You say no, it tells me what not to do

When You say yes, I know you’ll see me through

Waiting is a simple thing

That I must learn how to do

So teach me

Teach me

How to wait”

 

 

5. They Said, But GOD Said – Jekalyn Carr

 

“They said you couldn’t have it

But God said, “It’s yours.”

They said you won’t make it

But God said, “I’ll open doors.”

They said it was over for you

But God said, “It has just begun.”

They said you might as well give up the fight

But God said, “The battle is already won.””

 

 

6. I Won’t Complain – Paul Jones

 

“I’ve had some hills to climb

I’ve had some weary days

And some sleepless nights

But when I look around

And I think things over

All of my good days

Out-weigh my bad days

I won’t complain”

 

 

7. Listen – Marvin Sapp

 

“You tried your way

It didn’t work, no

You put Him second

And put you first

You trusted friends

Thought they had your back

And every time you turn around

It seems you’re under attack”

 

 

8. The Battle is Not Yours – Yolanda Adams

 

“For all things work according to the Master’s holy will

No matter what you’re going through

Remember that God is only using You

For this battle is not yours, it’s the Lord’s”

 

 

9. Holy One – Anaysha

 

“Lord, If you give me the strength I need

Lord I want to be able to succeed

And I’ll heed to Your every command

And to everyone I will show

I will show my purpose and I will show my goals

And, And in You I will be able to stand

Holy One”

 

 

10. More Than I Can Bear – Kirk Franklin

 

“I’ve gone through the fire

And I’ve been through the flood

I’ve been broken into pieces

Seen lightnin’ flashin’ from above

But through it all I remember

That He loves me

And He cares

And He’ll never put more on me

Than I can bear”

 

 

11. We Fall Down – Donnie McClurkin

 

“We fall down

But we get up

We fall down

But we get up

We fall down

But we get up

For a saint

Is just a sinner who fell down,

But we couldn’t stay there,

And got up”

 

 

12. Second Chance – Monique Walker (Hezekiah Walker and LFCC)

 

“Lord I need to feel the touch of Your hand

Your will for my life I want to understand

Lord forgive me like only

You can For your the God of a second chance”

 

 

13. Trouble Don’t Last Always – Timothy Wright

 

“He may not come when you want Him
But He’s on time
In times of trouble, found Him to be
A friend of mine
In time, storm clouds rise
He’ll be there
All your burdens
I know the Lord will help you to bear”