Daily devotional, Dec 30, 2023 Theme song
"I will sing of the Lord’s great love forever; with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations”
Psalm 89:1
Filipino women who grew up in the 1990s are mostly familiar with the concept of a “theme song.” It is the song a person associates with someone dear to them — a crush, a boyfriend,or a husband. And back when listening to FM radio was still a daily thing, hearing one’s theme song played in the airwaves, could bring out a happy beat in one’s heart. Fast forward 20 to 30 years ago, I am so sure, that these same women sing their theme song whenever asked to sing in a videoke.
Today, the second to the last day of the year, let us deviate a bit from our usual devotional format. I will be sharing some of my theme songs to Jesus Christ — my one Greatest Love whom I will have no qualms of sharing with anyone and everyone!
“Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts” Psalm 105:2
My list does not only contain praise and worship songs, but will also include mainstream songs that are both old and new. I am sharing this not just for the sake of sharing but to give you more possible songs to add on your Jesus Playlist 🙂
So without further ado, here goes:
1. Have I told you lately by Van Morrison. When I was much younger, I thought this song was an ordinary love song until I focused on its lyrics and tried to understand its message. “Have I told you lately that I love you | Have I told you there’s no one else above you? | You fill my heart with gladness | Take away all my sadness | Ease my troubles, that’s what you do.”
And now that I did a bit of research about this song since I am writing this blog post, I have discovered that the song is indeed originally written by its writer as a prayer. Now my favorite cover for this song is this one rendered by Music.Travel.Love. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=imaJ0wBbmHs
2. Jesus. This song by Chris Tomlin is one of my all-time favorite praise and worship songs. I think that most people though already have this on their Jesus playlist. If this is the first time you are hearing this, then here’s my favorite stanza:
You walk on the waters
You speak to the sea
You stand in the fire beside me
You roar like a lion
You bled as the Lamb
You carry my healing in Your hands
You can listen to the song here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cEbQswNB6Wc
3. Hesus ng aking buhay by Himig Heswita. I have loved this song even as a teenager, and that was a long time ago! Usually played during communion, I have found this song so comforting to here, and reassuring of God’s mercy and patience. If you like OPM too, add this in your playlist:
“Saan man ako bumaling
Ika’y naroon tumalikod man sayo
Dakilang pag-ibig mo sa akin tatawag
At magpapaalalang ako’y iyong ginigiliw
At siyang itatapat sa puso.”
4. You are Mine by David Haas. This is another comforting song that is on my playlist. My eldest child already knows how to play this on her guitar, and I am just so happy to sing it with her whenever she is playing this song.
“I am the Word that leads all to freedom
I am the peace the world cannot give
I will call your name, embracing all your pain
Stand up, now, walk, and live.”
5. In Christ Alone by Brian Littrell. This is one of my favorite praise and worship songs. It is moving, it is heartwarming, and very reassuring. A song you can sing whether you are in the best season of your life, or you are in the darkest one.
“Oh, I could stop and count successes like diamonds in my hands
But those trophies could not equal to the grace by which I stand
In Christ alone
I place my trust
And find my glory in the power of the cross
In every victory
Let it be said of me
My source of strength
My source of hope
Is Christ alone”
6. My heart’s thanksgiving. This is another Himig Heswita song that I love to sing. I taught my children how to sing it too, and it is usually sung by the church choir during the recessional.
“As I marvel at your moonrise
I’m in awe yet I ask
‘What am I that you should love me
and held me as your dearest love of all.”
7. Goodness of God by Bethel Music. Another super favorite praise and worship song that is on my playlist. If you do not have it yet on your playlist, here is my favorite stanza, that could hopefully convince you to include it in yours:
“‘Cause all my life You have been faithful
And all my life You have been so, so good
With every breath that I am able
Oh, I will sing of the goodness of God”
8. Christ is enough by Hillsong Worship. Here is another praise music that I play in the morning, sing to as I wash the dishes or clean our house, and teach to my children. Check out the lyrics, and hopefully you’ll add it to your playlist to:
“Through every storm
My soul will sing
Jesus is here
To God be the gloryChrist is enough for me
Christ is enough for me
Everything I need is in You
Everything I need”
9. You say I am your treasure by: Jana Alayra. I first heard this song from my middle child. She was humming it and she told me that this was their exercise music. When I searched the video for this song, I found it to be a happy song to sing in the morning. This is part of our morning playlist that I blast in our home as we prepare for school.
“You say that I am your treasure. You say that I am yours forever. You have changed me forever Lord.”
10. King Jesus by Exalt Worship. If you want an upbeat praise and worship song to listen to first thing in the morning, this is the song for you. Singing it actually makes me want to dance a bit, as I prepare the bento boxes of my children in the morning. I am super happy to hear my kids sing to it too as they get dressed and prepare for the school day.
“Creation shouts Your name
With voices we proclaim
King Jesus
You are worthyYour name, we magnify
We sing Your praise on high
King Jesus
You are worthy”
11. Until I found you by Stephen Sanchez. I know this is a love song, and I first heard this song from my eldest daughter. Some of the lines in this song remind me of my relationship with Jesus Christ. I remember His promise that He will not allow anyone to snatch me out of His hands”:
“You fell, I caught you
I’ll never let you go again like I did
Oh, I used to sayI would never fall in love again until I found her
I said, “I would never fall unless it’s you I fall into”
I was lost within the darkness, but then I found her
I found you.”
12. Through the years by Kenny Rogers. This is another old love song, but some of the lines here make a lot of sense for a person abiding by the Lord. Here goes:
“I can’t remember what I used to do
Who I trusted, whom I listened to before
I swear you’ve taught me everything I know
Can’t imagine needing someone so
But through the years, it seems to me I need you more and more.”
I hope you could check out some, if not all of the songs in the list. For me, the best way to start, end, and live each day is to praise Jesus and thank Him for everything that is happening in our lives:
“I will sing to the Lord all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live” Psalm 104:33
And as the year comes to a close, let us try to develop more godly habits in our homes and families. As moms, we should take it upon ourselves to bring our children closer to the Lord, as it is the best gift we can ever give them:
“Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts” Colossians 3:16
Thank you for reading through our devotional today. I invite you to ponder on Acts 16:22-34 and Isaiah 42:10-13 to dig deeper on today’s topic.
Reflection Question: Do you sing to the Lord outside of church?
Conversation with the Lord: Heavenly Father, I praise and thank you for allowing us to praise and worship you. Let our songs of joy bring gladness to you, and be pleasing to your eyes and ears. Amen.
