A PLAYLIST FOR EVERY NEED // MY WORSHIP

I stopped (generally) listening to secular music at the end of 2018, because I realized, for me, the only music that genuinely made me feel better, when I was needing to feel better, was Christian music. I, however, could not handle only listening to contemporary Christian music and gospel. I knew I’d get tired, give up, and go back to not being filled the way to which I was desiring. So I worked hard to find Christian music in different genres like R&B, hip-hop, alternative, country, rock, etc. 

During this searching, I learned what kind of songs really spoke to me and encouraged me based on how I was feeling at the time. I noticed that one day a specific song would hit me differently than it did the day before, so I began to delegate these songs based on what I got from them and what they were about. I made playlists, not just based on the genre or “the vibe” but specifically what I was needing. 

For example, I gathered all the songs I listened to about love into a playlist called “Love” for the times I would really need to feel God’s love or want to express mine to Him. I gathered another set of songs that gave me any kind of hope or encouragement into a playlist called “Hope” for the times I’d feel hopeless or downcast. I made another playlist called “Purpose/Mission” for the times I’d forget that I was here for a reason, another called “Identity” for the times I’d forget my value, another called “Courage & Confidence” for the times I’d feel like I wasn’t capable, and another called “No Shame/Guilt” for the times I’d struggle to forgive myself. 

These playlists (and the process of making them) have not only helped me battle negative emotions, but they’ve also helped me identify how I am feeling and what I am lacking, something I find difficult after many years of ignoring painful emotions. When I’m struggling to know what to say in prayer or how to identify my doubts, insecurities, or heartache, I scroll through the playlists to help me decide what my deeper issue is at that moment.

These playlists have also brought a new purpose to listening to music for me that go beyond wanting to dance or sing or have a nice bop to bob my head to in the car. They’ve shown me how powerful the lyrics of a song can be, and the playlists have shown me how singing to Christ and about Christ can allow my worship to be truly healing, fulfilling, and heart-lifting. 

What are YOUR playlists?

- Coty Miller, Worship Director