Greetings!

I always seem to have a song on my brain. Lately, it’s been from a list of recent Christian music releases. Don’t get me wrong, I love the traditional favorites, but I figured I would highlight a few songs that have come out in the past year (or at least I first heard about them this year).

One thing I appreciate about current Christian artists and their songs is the clear Gospel messages they offer. The songs on this list help a struggling Christian, a young-in-the-faith Christian, a faithful Christian or an unbeliever. They are beautiful songs, and I’m encouraged to know God is working through songwriters today.

Here’s the list. Tell me what you think, or let me know what other recent Christian songs you have enjoyed and found encouraging.

1. Scars in Heaven—Casting Crowns

If you haven’t heard this song yet, have tissues ready. I heard it the first time this week, and it’s powerful.

This is a great one for someone who has lost a loved one. It definitely made me think of my mom who died on Labor Day in 2019.

From the video below, I discovered this comment on YouTube:

“I don’t listen to much music, but God used this one to help mend my heart. I lost my daughter almost 2 years ago. She was a believer in Christ. For the first time, I got past my hurt and saw her in the arms of her Savior whom she loved. It gave me peace and comfort for the first time since her passing.”

2. Less Like Me—Zach Williams

I have become a Zach Williams fan. He has so many great song, including the duet he does with Dolly Parton singing “There Was Jesus.”

This song is a great encouragement for someone who is struggling with their faith. It gets right to the point. It’s more about emulating Jesus and denying ourselves (Luke 9:23).

3. Truth Be Told—Matthew West

There’s a lot of great songs Matthew West has done. One I’ve heard recently is his song “What If,” but truth be told, his song “Truth Be Told” is pretty powerful.

The song helps us remember that God knows all our failures, falls and sins. And we should be accepting others in spite of their failures, falls and sins—just as God does with us.

4. My Jesus—Anne Wilson

This is a great song with a very direct message—let me tell you about my Jesus, and let my Jesus change your life.

After watching the video below, I had to find out more about the song. I found a site that gives Anne Wilson’s story. He brother died in a car accident, and the song is a tribute to him.

Written by Tiffany Goldstein, the linked article reports, “(Wilson’s) single ‘My Jesus’ is about her intimate relationship with Christ, and she hopes that her loyal community understands that Jesus can be personal for them too and how He could guide them through tough situations if you let Him in.”

5. Help Is On The Way—TobyMac

This is a fun song—like many of TobyMac’s songs are. Other than its fun beat, it’s a great word of encouragement. It reminds me of Psalm 50:15, “Call on Me in a day of trouble; I will rescue you, and you will honor Me.”

6. House of the Lord—Phil Wickham

Phil Wickham is responsible for many great worship songs, and his latest (or at least the most recent one I have heard) is so good.

It’s hard to not want to praise God after hearing this song.