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Disclaimer: My endorsement of the songs below does not mean I fully endorse each artist. I am only listing songs that the Lord has used to lift me from shame and restore joy to my heart.
His Be The Victor's Name - Zac Hicks, Coral Ridge Worship (His Be The Victor's Name)
This has become one of my all-time favorite songs and the most powerful part that brings me to tears is the chorus. What though the vile accuser roar of sins that I have done; I know them well, and thousands more; My God, He knoweth none. The power of God's forgiveness and redemption is so beautifully penned in this modern hymn.
Song of Your Love - Kristine Dimarco (Mighty)
When we are neck deep in shame, we immediately question the love of Christ, but these lyrics communicate the truth. The song of Your love reaching down in the darkness, the song of Your grace lifting me from the ashes....The song of redeeming power shaking off my chains...The song of Your love that saves. Praise God.
The Valley - Ellie Holcomb (As Sure As The Sun)
I can't keep myself from sinking, from drowning down in all this shame....Ellie Holcomb is one of my favorite lyricists, and her song, "The Valley" captures my feelings when I am humiliated and broken. But I love how she gives us the reminder that Jesus is all we need to get out of the valley of shame.
The Hurt and the Healer - Mercy Me (The Hurt & the Healer)
Pain is real. Shame is real. Fear is real. Wounds are real. But the Healer we have is more real than all the hurt we experience on earth. This song has comforted me many times over the years. The healing that comes when the hurt and the Healer collide is unparalleled. May these lyrics push you closer into the arms of God.
Out of Hiding - Steffany Gretzinger (The Undoing)
Come out of hiding, you’re safe here with Me. There’s no need to cover what I already see. Steffany Gretzinger sings this gorgeous song that nudges us out of darkness and reminds us that God's victory is ours as well. He tore the veil for you and I to come close and there’s no reason to stand at a distance anymore. What an beautiful picture of God's goodness and grace, especially to those who hide because of their shame!
Shame Doesn't Live Here Anymore - Building 429 (Live The Journey)
I had a million scars buried in regrets, hidden in the dark, I was filled with emptiness... Haven't we all felt that way at some point? I have enjoyed listening to this song because it brings it all back to the cross. Every broken piece, it belongs to You alone...Oh, Jesus, You paid it all. Yes He did!
Come To The Alter - Elevation (Here As In Heaven)
A beloved classic. Far too often, we assume that God in His holy habitation is looking down on us with disgust and disappointment. His heart breaks over sin, yes, but friend His arms are open wide for you and for me. Are you hurting and broken within? Are you overwhelmed by the weight of your sin? Leave behind your regrets and mistakes and come to the alter where forgiveness was bought with the precious blood of Jesus Christ. The alter is where our sorrows are traded for joy.
When I See You - Audrey Assad (Evergreen)
In this song, Audrey sings, You have loved me well, in a million ways but my wounds are all I know. Many of us are well acquainted with that place in our heart when we look at our life and the mistakes we have made. But Audrey also captures the beauty of God's goodness with the chorus, But all of the doors swing open when I see You. You make my heart unbroken when I see You. When we get a good look at Jesus, shame will vanish. That gives us hope and joy!
Lord Have Mercy - Brady Troops (Brady Troops)
The Bible beckons us to come boldly before the Lord. He is ready and willing to lavish us with love and grace. Brady Troops sings a beautiful song about the undeserved mercy of God with lyrics like, When I come to You in prayer... And when I wonder if You're there... When I cannot find the way... Should my heart my heart begin to stray, Lord Have Mercy. When I falter, when I fail... May Your kindness still prevail, Lord Have Mercy. May we not take His mercy for granted.
His Mercy Is More (Live) - Shane and Shane (Hymns | Live)
Praise the Lord! His mercy is more! As one who has wrestled and struggled and rejected and questioned the deep love and compassion of my Lord, this song resurrects my spirit and breathes so much life into my heart. Matt Papa wrote this song and made it popular but my personal favorite rendition is by Shane and Shane. What love could remember no wrongs we have done? Only the love of the One whose mercy is so much more than we could ever dared hope for! Praise the Lord indeed.
For more on this topic, study: Psalm 3:3; Psalm 34:4-5; Isaiah 1:18; Romans 5:8;
Romans 8:1; Romans 10:11; Hebrews 8:12; Hebrews 10:22; Hebrews 12:2; 1 John 1:9