In an unashamed copy of Challies, I decided to share my favorite songs of 2023.
Let me clarify: these are not all songs that were released in 2023; rather, they’re titles I have found myself repeating over and over again throughout the year, sometimes to the complaints of my children, “Mom! This song again?!” (What can I say? I have to help them build character somehow.)
I’m including my favorite lyrics, a YouTube video for each song, and an Amazon Music playlist at the end.
Music is one of God’s many gifts. I play it almost constantly in our home, whether I’m alone, with my family, or hosting a group. My taste in music is broad to some and narrow to others, but one thread that runs through it is the emphasis on God, His Word, and the believer’s response to both.
At times when I fail to find the right words to pray, I find good music to put those words in my mind and worshipful prayers in my heart. And for times when I am overflowing with joy, music reminds me to direct my praise to the Maker.
I hope the below titles will do the same for you.
1. All-Sufficient Merit by Shane and Shane
This song wrecked and healed me in the same breath. No merit of my own, but only through my Savior. Hallelujah indeed.
The first time I heard it was while running along a warm southern beach in April, so I can’t deny that may have had something to do with my immediate love for it.
“All sufficient merit firm in life and death
The joy of my salvation shall be my final breath
When I stand accepted before the throne of God
I’ll gaze upon my Jesus and thank Him for the cross”
2. On That Day by CityAlight
I heard about On That Day from this list and played it almost non-stop in January. These words. I can’t wait for this day.
“Hallelujah what a day it will be
For at home with you my joy is complete
As I run into your arms open wide I will see
My father who is waiting for me”
3. Hymn of Heaven by Phil Wickham
Here’s another song about heaven. I sang this with my church choir and it became an immediate church favorite. I haven’t taken any polls about this, but judging from all the comments and rave reviews heard afterward, I’d say polls are unnecessary.
“Every prayer we prayed in desperation
The songs of faith
We sang through doubt and fear
In the end we’ll see that it was worth it
When He returns to wipe away our tears”
4. Goodness of God by Cece Winans
One of my favorite moments of this year was belting this song out with my two girls while working out in the basement.
“And all my life You have been faithful
And all my life You have been so so good
With every breath that I am able
Oh I’m gonna sing of the goodness of God”
5. Don’t Forget by Shane and Shane
I texted this song to my husband a couple of months ago and told him it was a good Monday morning reset, best listened to while on your knees with your hands raised. I still concur.
“He’s keeping you alive
Keeping you in Christ
Crowning you with love and mercy
So my soul let go and cry
Give way to God most high
For He alone is worthy”
6. He Calls Me Friend by CityAlight
This is a song I want my kids to learn and believe with all of their hearts. I’ll revise that statement: *I* want to learn and believe it with all my heart.
“I have a friend, a Saviour friend
And Jesus is His name
He fought for me on Calvary
And trampled on the grave!
His name is True King
Lord of creation Ruler without end
I call Him Hope, Peace, Wonderful Saviour
And what joy that Jesus calls me friend!”
7. I Am Not My Own by Keith & Kristyn Getty, and Skye Peterson
This is another one I love to sing with my kids. In this age of naming yourself and finding your worth, I love the emphasis that we belong to God and He has given us a name and value that is sealed.
“And if He has redeemed me, I am not my own
The measure of my worth is His love alone
He declares my standing, and He declares my state
So I will know myself by the name He gave”
8. The Everlasting Love of God by Matt Boswell and Matt Papa
I often pray the words of Paul and ask God to help me to know and believe the love God has for me. (1 John 4:16) This song reminds me of the depth of his love.
“How strong the Father’s beating heart for us,
What mercy runs to meet the sinner.
As rivers yearn to reach the lowest place,
His grace shall flow to me for ever.”
9. Bueno y Fiel by Evan Craft
Alright, hear me out. I’ve been working to learn Spanish (our trip to Mexico helped!) and in the process, I’ve enjoyed listening to Spanish music. My life has become richer by being able to praise God in a second language.
Assuming most of my readers are not Spanish speakers, this song is praising God for always being good and faithful, using even hard things for His glory.
10. The Grass Withers and the Flowers Fade by Brook Hills Worship
I was so deeply encouraged to meditate on this truth as I got ready to speak for a ladies’ retreat this fall. God is committed to using His Word to change people—me included! Thank you, Lord!
“Well the grass it withers, And the flowers fade
But the Word of the Lord It won’t go away
You can build your life on the rock of truth
It’s strong as a mountain it won’t ever move.”
Here’s an Amazon Music playlist where you can listen to the above 10 songs, plus 7 other favorites I just couldn’t cut from the list. I don’t know, I guess all the cool kids use Spotify? I may jump on that bandwagon right about the time everybody jumps to another.
How about you? What are some songs that encouraged you closer to Christ this year?