The great American poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow declared, “Music is the universal language of mankind.” Echoing this truth, U2 lead singer Bono said it this way, “Music can change the world because it can change people.” Over the course of my life, music played a pivotal role—throughout high school I participated in show choir, played in jazz band, and tried out for All-State Choir as well. In college, I even received a music scholarship and completed voice lessons during my four-year tenure. My favorite singer is Matt Maher. His positive and uplifting music soothes my soul.

Through periods of desolation and despair, Maher’s music sustained my trust in Divine Providence even when I did not feel God’s presence. Below are five songs I highly recommend you listen to for inspiration and a positive sustaining message of the Good News when tough times hit.

Firelight: From the album Saints and Sinnners (2015) Maher’s Firelight provides a positive and upbeat message. Looking for a new song to incorporate into my weekly playlist the title intrigued me. Immediately, listening to this song I knew that this was a staple song for me to lean during periods of doubts. Below is a short excerpt of the lyrics along with a link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kq3-OyRh3Zw

Dear Jesus where are you tonight

I bear a sadness deep inside

I’m aching for a faith in things I strain to feel

I need to know that you are real

2. Because He Lives: Coming from the same album as Firelight, Matt Maher’s Because He Lives offers a beautifully simple and consistent message of obedience to God. The word Amen occurs 19 times in this song. Translated into English as “so be it” amen conveys certitude and truth. In fact, amen is derived from the Hebrew āmēn, which means “certainty,” “truth,” and “verily.” I highly suggest listening to this song as a way to provide a stable mantra of trusting in God.

3. All the People Say Amen: Along with Because He Lives, the Catholic songwriter’s All the People Say Amen contains a strong theme about confidence in the Lord. This is the song that I probably listened to the most times over the course of my life. Often substituting the word babies for people I jovially danced with my children [and still do currently]. Much laughter and smiling ensue when this song plays in our household–plus the opening words remind us of the promise of Matthew 28:20.

You are not alone if you are lonely

When you feel afraid, you’re not the only

We are all the same in need of mercy

To be forgiven and be free

It’s all you got to lean on

But thank God it’s all you need

4. Hold Us Together: Published from the Alive Again (2009) album, this song always seemed fitting to listen to during stressful periods where I felt rushed and impatient. Right away the tempo calms your nerves and the refrain provides a much needed reminder during the onslaught of today’s go, go, go culture:

And love will hold us together

Make us a shelter to weather the storm

And I’ll be my brother’s keeper

So the whole world would know that we’re not alone

5. Deliverer: I saved me favorite and from my experience the most powerful Matt Maher song for last. Deliverer came from the epic album Saints and Sinners (2015). Reeling from the losing our unborn child to a miscarriage I sunk into a deep despair. Feeling completely numb and detached from reality and on the brink of near apostasy to my Catholic faith, I hurried searched for YouTube for positive songs to ease my suffering as I wrote my lesson plans for the following week of high school classes that I taught. After listening to my standard playlist [this included the four previously mentioned Maher titles], I still suffered desolation.

Miraculously, his song Deliverer pulled up, randomly–or perhaps not so coincidentally, after one of his other songs. Something about the combination of the opening lyrics, beat, tone, and inflection of Maher’s voice infused hope into my heart, mind, and soul. I hit the replay button immediately once Deliverer ended. I went on to listen no less than a 12 times that winter night. Here is a link to this incredibly powerful song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2pb_DT0MhY0&list=RD2pb_DT0MhY0

For any of my readers that never heard of Matt Maher I strongly encourage you to listen to his music. He is a true disciple of Jesus Christ and the love of his fellow man shines through when you listen to his songs. I am thankful and praise God for the gift of music and the ability to listen to Matt Maher on a daily basis. I hope you find his music positive and uplifting as well!

I was a drifter, I had nowhere to go

I was hanging by threads of dust and bone

Every angel I knew was singing son come home

But the melody was hard to sing along

Oh God, You’re my deliverer

The One, the One who carries us

Oh God, You’re my deliverer

I was on trial for everything I did

And there’s no way I could make a stand and win

When you realize the verdict is already in

You let go of the brokenness within

Well there’s only One who can ever stand and win

Oh God, You’re my deliverer

The One, the One who carries us

Oh God, You’re my deliverer

The One, the One who carries us

And now I’m like a child at night

Who never has to think of why

We’re free to love and live and die

And there’s no need to justify

The sinner that’s inside of me

Has lost all his control of me

My God, from the flood and from the fire

You brought me out, I am alive

With a faith, just like a child

I’m not afraid, I’m running wild

For everything that will be done

I am yours and you are my

Deliverer

The One, the One who carries us

God, You’re my deliverer

The One, the One who carries us

Oh God, You’re my deliverer

The One, the One who carries us

Oh God, You’re my deliverer

The One, the One who carries us

God, You’re my deliverer

I was hanging by threads of dust and bone