In today's culture, detached from God, the idea of love is a bit sad. It's a train wreck in slow motion, a subtle destruction. The worst part is how all the bystanders celebrate and elevate this cataclysmic attempt at "feeling good" and "doing what's best for you," only to ditch victims for the next best romantic hype. It's flighty, unstable, and unable to withstand the test of time.
This is most easily represented in today's film and music industries, where scenes and lyrics are saturated with self-centered pursuits, whether for sex, fame, or both, but calling it all love.
We need more, we're made for more. This soul satisfaction, the kind that stays, is only found in Christ's outrageous, unconditional love. So if you need to keep your focus on authentic, wholesome love this Valentine's Day, consider adding these ten songs to your playlist:
1. Reckless Love by Cory Asbury
"Reckless Love" was released when I was battling undiagnosed Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. This song was such a lifeline for me, a powerful reminder that amid my most brutal battles, even the unseen, unnameable ones, God's love prevails. It fights when I'm too fired to fight, defends when I am defenseless, and stands in the gap when I find it easier to give in to the world's lies.
As the bridge affirms, "There's no shadow You won't light up, Mountain You won't climb up, Coming after me, There's no wall You won't kick down, Lie You won't tear down, Coming after me."
His love is victorious, always.
2. How Great Thou Art
This beloved hymn always brings down the house, spiritually, of course. It's an unstoppable reminder that God's loving sacrifice compels us to live in awe of who He is. We have no choice but to be amazed by His beauty and the glory He invites us to share in.
Verse three especially speaks to this: "And when I think that God, His Son not sparing, Sent Him to die, I scarcely can take it in, That on the Cross, my burden gladly bearing, He bled and died to take away my sin."
Radical love leaves us no choice but to say, "How great Thou art."
3. Out of Hiding by Steffany Gretzinger
Steffany Gretzinger is, easily, my favorite Christian songwriter and singer. Her song, "Out of Hiding," is a balm for a sinner who, though saved by grace, still wrestles with shame.
Consider these lyrics: "'Cause I loved you before you knew it was love, And I saw it all, still, I chose the cross, And you were the one that I was thinking of when I rose from the grave, Now rid of the shackles, my victory is yours, I tore the veil for you to come close, There's no reason to stand at a distance anymore, you're not far from home."
Each part of this song offers listeners a beautiful, gentle, and valid message of God's freely given forgiveness, no matter what someone has done.
4. Promises by Maverick City Music
The live version of this song is glorious, as a choir of everyday people gathers to praise God with these words spontaneously:
"I put my faith in Jesus, my anchor to the ground, my hope and firm foundation. He'll never let me down."
God's love is the only thing that will ever bring purpose to our hearts, whether happy or heavy. What a promise to know that His love will keep us anchored, come what may.
5. How Deep the Father's Love for Us
My church sings this hymn often, and it's nothing short of a peaceful medicine for a heart that's weary from trying:
"I will not boast in anything, No gifts, no power, no wisdom, But I will boast in Jesus Christ, His death and resurrection, Why should I gain from His reward?, I cannot answer, but this I know with all my heart, His wounds have paid my ransom."
What a lovely reminder to rest in God's sacrifice, as nothing we do or don't do will change His love for us.
6. The Blessing, Kari Jobe
I do not doubt that God knew His people needed this song just as the world was experiencing a global pandemic. It was such a calm for my anxious soul, leaving me in complete awe of God's presence, even in impossible situations.
One of my favorite parts sings: "May His presence go before you, And behind you, and beside you, All around you, and within you, He is with you, He is with you, In the morning, in the evening, In your coming, and your going, In your weeping, and rejoicing, He is for you."
The only response to such a loving truth? Well, as the song says, "Amen."
7. You're Beautiful by Phil Wickham
"You're Beautiful" was the song that sustained me after I lost my grandfather. He was my world, the one I named my firstborn son after. Phil Wickham's words were my reminder that God's love restores all that's lost, even if in another life. And this restoration is so rich, powerful, and glorious that it's worth the heartbreaking wait.
"When we arrive at eternity's shore, where death is just a memory and tears are no more, we'll enter in as the wedding bells ring, your bride will come together, and we'll sing, You're beautiful."
One day, when God restores all that has been lost, we will have no choice but to humbly, joyfully exclaim, "You're beautiful."
8. Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing
I was first drawn to this song when I heard it sung in the Christian Hallmark film, Love Comes Softly. Its words have resonated in my heart and mind ever since, especially the final verse, which reads:
"O to grace how great a debtor, daily I'm constrained to be! Let that grace now, like a fetter, bind my wandering heart to thee. Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it, prone to leave the God I love; here's my heart; O take and seal it, seal it for thy courts above."
There are hard times in my life when I recognize my faith is wavering, and this hymn is such an encouraging reminder that no matter how far I wander, no matter the deceit my heart pursues, Christ's love has sealed me to Him forever.
9. My Jesus, I Love Thee
This old hymn is a faithful reminder that Christ loved us first. Though He knew we would rebel against and resist His love, He chose the cross. His love compelled Him to death, and in that, we find the fulfillment and peace our souls desperately long for.
Notice verse two: "I love Thee because Thou hast first loved me, And purchased my pardon on Calvary's tree; I love Thee for wearing the thorns on Thy brow; If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, 'tis now."
Jesus has forever chosen to love us, and we are drawn to do the same!
10. Defender, Francesca Battistelli
Francesca Battistelli's music was just what my college-girl heart needed, and even today, her lyrics from "Defender" ring true:
"You go before I know, That You've even gone to win my war, You come back with the head of my enemy, You come back, and You call it my victory…When I thought I lost myself, you knew where I left myself. You reintroduced me to Your love, You picked up all my pieces. Put me back together. You are the defender of my heart."
Praise God for His love, which never leaves us where we are, but always challenges and grows us, defending us from Satan's attacks along the way. Truly, our God is the ultimate warrior.
Singing Your Way through the Holiday
Valentine's Day isn't always red roses and chocolates. Sometimes, it's heartbreak, grief, and dashed expectations. Sometimes it's a harsh reality check: the world's idea of love never leaves you satisfied. So whether your holiday is heavy or lovely, I pray the words to these songs keep you tethered to Love Himself.
