In today’s culture, so disconnected from God, the concept of love is a bit sad. It’s a train wreck in slow motion, subtle destruction. The worst part is that everyone on the sidelines celebrates and exalts this disastrous attempt to “feel better” and “do what’s best for yourself,” only to ignore the victims for the sake of suboptimal romantic hype. It is capricious, unstable and cannot stand the test of time.
This is most evident in today’s film and music industries, where scenes and lyrics are saturated with selfish pursuits, whether it’s for sex or fame or both, calling it all love.
We need more and are built to do more. This soul-satisfaction, lasting, is found only in the extravagant, unconditional love of Christ. So if you need to stay focused on real, healthy love this Valentine’s Day, consider adding these 10 songs to your playlist.
1. Reckless Love Corey Asbury
“Reckless Love” was released at a time when I was struggling with undiagnosed OCD. This song has been such a lifeline to me and a powerful reminder that even in my toughest battles, even the invisible and nameless ones, God’s love will prevail. You fight when I’m too burned to fight, protect me when I’m defenseless, and stand in the gap when I’m susceptible to the world’s lies.
As the bridge asserts, “There are no shadows, you don’t lighten up, mountains you don’t climb, come after me, no walls you don’t kick down, lie, you don’t break down, come after me.”
His love always wins.
2. How wonderful you are
This beloved hymn always brings the house down, spiritually, of course. It is an irresistible reminder that God’s loving sacrifice compels us to live in awe of who He is. We can’t help but marvel at the beauty of God and the glory he calls us to share.
Verse 3 specifically talks about this. “And it is almost impossible to accept that God, his Son, mercilessly sent him to die. That the same God who was willing to bear my burden on the cross bled and died to take away my sins.”
Radical love has no choice but to say to us, “How wonderful you are.”
3. Out of Hiding by Stephanie Gretzinger
Stephanie Gretzinger is definitely my favorite Christian songwriter and singer. Her song “Out of Hiding” is a painkiller for sinners who have been saved by grace but still struggle with shame.
Consider these lyrics. “For I loved you before you knew it was love, and I saw everything, yet I chose the cross, and you were the one I was thinking of when I rose from the grave, now the shackles are removed, my victory is yours, I have torn the veil so that you may come near, there is no reason to stand far away anymore, you are not far from home.”
Each part of this song provides listeners with a beautiful, tender, and justifiable message about God’s freely given forgiveness, no matter what someone has done.
4. Promises by Maverick City Music
The live version of this song is amazing, with a choir of everyday people coming together to spontaneously praise God with words like:
“I put my faith in Jesus, my anchor in the ground, my hope and my solid foundation. Jesus will never let me down.”
God’s love is the only thing that brings purpose to our hearts, whether happy or serious. What a promise that no matter what happens, His love will hold us steady.
5. How deep is the Father’s love for us?
My church often sings this hymn, and it is truly a soothing medicine for a tired soul.
“I will boast of nothing. I have no gifts, no power, no wisdom. But I will boast in Jesus Christ, His death and resurrection. Why should I profit from His reward? I cannot answer this, but I know this in my heart: His wounds paid my ransom.”
What a lovely reminder to rest in God’s sacrifice because no matter what we do or don’t do, God’s love for us remains the same.
6. Blessings, Kali Job
There is no doubt that God knew His people needed this song just as the world was experiencing a global pandemic. It was such a calming thing for my anxious soul, and I was in complete awe of God’s presence, even in impossible circumstances.
One of my favorite parts sings: “May the presence of the Lord be before you, behind you, beside you, around you, and in you, the Lord is with you in the morning and in the evening, in your coming and going, in your weeping and in your rejoicing.”
What is the only answer to such a loving truth? Well, as the song says, “Amen.”
7. You’re Beautiful Phil Wickham
“You’re Beautiful” was the song that supported me after my grandfather passed away. He was my world, the world I named my first son after. Phil Wickham’s words reminded me that God’s love can restore all that is lost, even in another life. And this restoration is so rich, powerful, and glorious that it is worth the heartbreaking wait.
“When we reach the shores of eternity, where death will be but a memory and there will be no more tears. We will enter as the wedding bells ring, your bride will come with us, and we will sing, You are beautiful.”
One day, when God restores all that has been lost, we will be forced to humbly and joyfully exclaim, “You are beautiful!”
8. Come, fountain of all blessings.
I first fell in love with this song when I heard it performed in the Christian Hallmark movie Love Comes Softly. Those words, especially the last verse, have resonated in my heart and mind ever since.
“Oh, what a great debtor, I am daily constrained. Let that grace now bind my wandering heart to You like fetters. Lord, I feel it, prone to wandering, prone to leave my loving God. This is my heart. O take it and seal it, seal it for your court.”
There are difficult times in my life when I realize that my faith is wavering. This hymn is such an encouraging reminder that no matter how far I wander, no matter what deceptions my heart pursues, the love of Christ is what binds me to Him forever.
9. My Jesus, I love you
This old hymn faithfully reminds us that Christ first loved us. God chose the cross even though He knew we would rebel and resist His love. The love of Jesus brought Him to death, but in it we find the fulfillment and peace that our souls longed for.
Notice verse 2. “I love you because you first loved me and bought my forgiveness on Calvary’s tree. I love you with the thorn in your forehead. If ever I have loved you, my Jesus, it is now.”
Because Jesus chose to love us forever, we are drawn to do the same.
10. Defender Francesca Battistelli
Francesca Battistelli’s music was exactly what I needed as a female college student. And even now, her lyrics to “Defender” ring true.
“You were gone before I knew it, you went to win my war, you came back with the head of my enemy, you came back and call it my victory… I lost myself. When I thought you knew where I left, you reintroduced me to your love and you picked up all the pieces of me. You are the defender of my heart.
Praise God for the love that never leaves us, always challenges us, makes us grow, and protects us from Satan’s attacks along the way. Indeed, our God is the ultimate warrior.
Let’s sing and get through the holidays
Valentine’s Day isn’t always red roses and chocolates. Sometimes it’s heartbreak, sadness, and dashed expectations. Sometimes it can be a harsh reality check. Worldly concepts of love will never satisfy you. So, whether your vacation is fulfilling or wonderful, I hope the words of these songs inspire you to love yourself.
Peyton Garland is a writer, editor, and mom of a boy who lives in the beautiful foothills of East Tennessee. For more encouragement, subscribe to her blog Uncured+OK.
