Why is it that we can rant to our friends about how hard life has been, but when we go to pray, we have nothing to say? It can be uncomfortable at first–telling God that you’re disappointed, or maybe, even mad at Him. If you’re in that place, here are 7 songs that have helped me have some honest talks with God:
1. TobyMac – “Promised Land”
And I can’t ever seem to get ahead
Always tryin’ to do what’s right
Straight and narrow, it’s gettin’ tight
Don’t know how much longer I can standAnd I’m wonderin’
Yeah, I’m wonderin’
Where’s my promised land?
“Why do bad things happen to good people?” If you’ve ever asked that question or been frustrated that no matter how hard you try, life keeps going sideways, then this song may be for you.
2. Peabod – “Heavenly Father”
I been cynical about the way the world works
Taking it to heart now I’m tired and my soul hurts
I wanna talk to God but I can’t find the words
And if I find ’em I get scared that they might not be heard
My mind is so confusing and the days are getting dark
So tell me that You’re moving
Show me Heaven in the stars
God Your ways are higher than my highs and my lows
Elevate my thoughts to those better than my own
You might know Peabod from his happy bops about summer, but this song dives deep into a fear so many of us have at some point: that God isn’t listening. As you sing along to the catchy chorus from Cochren & Co., I’m hoping it helps you release all the anxieties you’re holding.
3. Sarah Reeves – “Anxious”
I don’t wanna live my life like this
Anxious
I gotta lot of good in me to give
But I’m anxious
If you’ve battled mental illness, you know the frustration of wishing it weren’t in your brain. Let this song be your new prayer on the nights you can’t sleep.
4. Rend Collective – “Weep With Me”
Lord will You weep with me?
I don’t need answers, all I need
Is to know that You care for me
This song is basically a recipe straight out of the Psalms. “God I hurt, and more than anything, I need comfort. But I’m still going to find a way to praise you.”
5. Jason Gray – “Honesty”
I gave You my heart
So, tell me, why is it broken?
If You’re the healer
Why are my wounds still open?
What do You want from me?
Are You sure You want everything?
Even my honesty?
The title is appropriate as this is some gut-level honesty. Jason Gray dives into the things that we may have thought but have always been afraid to admit to God.
6. Tenth Avenue North – “Worn”
I know I need
To lift my eyes up
But I’m too weak
Life just won’t let up
And I know that You can give me rest
So I cry out with all that I have left
This is an older one, but it stands the test of time for when you’re just exhausted from all life throws your way.
7. Tori Kelly – “Soul’s Anthem (It Is Well)”
Every time there’s hope, it seems to die
And the voices all around me feed that lie
Everything I see tells me to let go
Yet it is well with my soul
This modernized version of an old hymn may actually help you truly mean, “It is well with my soul.” And if you start crying when the choir comes in….you’re not the only one.
