The Songs of Hope

Music touches the emotions in a way that almost nothing else can match. Here are several of my favorite podcasts that connect the dots between God’s message of hope and the power of music.

Isaac Watts

The “father of English hymns” set out to be a preacher. Persecution, poverty, and poor health derailed his plans. They also opened the door to his God-given destiny, because he refused to give in to despair.

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Randy Stonehill

One of the forefathers of Jesus rock. His influence kept me tethered to God for years when I otherwise had no interest in Christianity.

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Hillsong

Ever wonder how bands all stay right on beat when they’re playing huge arenas where the sound is echoing off the walls and ceiling? God used a Hillsong concert to teach me an important lesson about staying “in time and on beat” with what He’s doing.

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Hildegard of Bingen

One of the most famous composers of the 12th century was also a mystic and author. And a woman.

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Myra Brooks Welch

Arthritis stole Myra’s ability to play the keyboard, but not her ability to create a lasting reminder about the goodness of God. Her poem, “The Touch of the Master’s Hand ,” is also a contemporary Christian and southern gospel classic thanks to Wayne Watson and The Booth Brothers.

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Matthew Ward

When Matthew Ward was just 10-years-old, his mother died. His father died a short time later. This left Matthew and sister Nelly in the care of older sister Annie and her new husband. They bonded sitting around the piano. God used that time to mold them into one of the greatest contemporary Christian groups of all time, Second Chapter of Acts