Words and music have the power to change our thoughts and enhance our feelings. I don't know about you, but sometimes when I'm angry or depressed, I want to listen to angry music – something that sounds like a fight, with words of sorrow or rage. And you know what happens? It never makes me feel better.
If I'm upset, I don't usually feel like listening to something positive and encouraging. But if I go ahead and put on a cheerful, positive song, then by the time it's half way done, the clouds are lifting and I'm feeling better.
So if you're feeling down for any reason, do yourself a favor and play some music that will cheer you up – even if you don't feel like it at first. To help get you started, here's a quick list of ten songs that I believe are sure to cheer you up.
10 – Where the Light Is by Anthem Lights
If you’re in a dark place – whether you’re truly struggling with a mental or spiritual darkness, or you’re just having a rough day – meditating on light is what drives the darkness away. Like it says in the Word: “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” (John 1:5).
Favorite lyrics: “See the candle burn in the window, and feel the flame’s heat as it's drowning out the cold. Darkness doesn't stand a chance.”
9 – Reborn by Rebecca St. James
If any song describes the reality of the joyful reborn child of God, it’s this one. Jesus came so that we could be reborn out of lives of sadness and into joy.
Favorite lyrics: “If you see a change in me don't wonder. I found a whole new life, a hope that I can't hide. For I've been reborn.”
8 – Laugh by Martay
If the upbeat techno sound of this song isn’t enough to perk you up, then just pay attention to the words. It’s all about praising the God who loves you and has already taken care of every situation.
Favorite lyrics: “Laugh, because it’s already taken care of – laugh!”
7 – Finally Free by Nicole Nordeman
This song is more of a slow ballad, in contrast to the previous few on this list, but that doesn’t make it any less encouraging. The slowness and majesty of the song gives you time to absorb the reality of the words.
Favorite lyrics: “No chain is strong enough, no choice is wrong enough, no mountain is high enough, that He can't climb.”
6 – Come Rushing In by Dustin Smith
Darkness, emptiness, or loneliness – only God can truly fill us and take all that away.
Favorite lyrics: “There’s a longing deep inside, and I can feel it. Only You can satisfy, only You can fill it. Just a moment in Your presence makes me desperate for more, I'm desperate for more.”
5 – Carry On by Say-So
You may not feel like “carrying on” right now, and so you certainly don’t want to hear a song about continuing the trudging journey that you’re on. But let this peaceful song bring you cheer, and remind you that God is always there to help.
Favorite lyrics: “Carry on, carry on, carry on. When you're weary from the load you've brought along, lay it down, get on your knees; he will hear your pleas, He said he would. Don't give up, just carry on.”
4 – Healing Rain by Shelia Walsh
Several people have performed this song, but Shelia Walsh’s version happens to be my favorite. But no matter who sings it, the words of healing and encouragement still ring true.
Favorite lyrics: “Healing rain, it comes with fire. So let it fall and take us higher. Healing rain, I'm not afraid to be washed in Heaven's rain.”
3 – Out in the Open by Amy Grant
This is a song about pure freedom – freedom from pain, sadness, darkness, loneliness, or whatever is bringing you down. True freedom is found in Jesus!
Favorite lyrics: “So I'm standing here spinning ‘round in the fields of freedom. And I'm still alive and reaching out, and I can feel the healing.”
2 – Happy Girl by Martina McBride
Doesn’t the title just make you happy? Martina McBride puts her vibrant enthusiasm into every line of this upbeat song.
Favorite lyrics: “Oh watch me go. I'm a happy girl, and I've come to know that the world won't change just 'cause I complain. Let the axis twirl, I'm a happy girl.”
1 – What Joy by Susan Ashton
This worship song just radiates joy. Listening to it has never failed to put me in a better frame of mind.
Favorite lyrics: “What joy, what joy for those whose hope is in the name of the Lord. What peace, what peace for those whose confidence is Him alone!”
I challenge you to give these songs a listen! There – now don't you feel better already?
Resources- Youtube, photo credit: Camdiluv ? via photopin cc
