Words of Worship: Heart

heart (noun) - the emotional or moral nature as distinguished from the intellectual nature: such as generous disposition, love, affection, courage or enthusiasm especially when maintained during a difficult situation; one's innermost character, feelings, or inclinations

Synonyms: compassion, kindliness, mercy, sympathy

Antonyms: coldheartedness, inhumanity, mercilessness, pitilessness

Physically, our hearts are, as we learn early on in science lessons, a vital organ responsible for pumping our blood through our body to keep us alive. Symbolically, our hearts are the seat of our emotions, where we feel love, pain, joy, loneliness, and so many other things right in the center of our chest so it's impossible to ignore. As Christians, we often use the term "invite the Lord into your heart" to describe salvation, and it honestly makes sense - if the heart is the center of our feelings, it's the perfect place for Jesus to set up camp when He comes to dwell within us. Our hearts can be hardened wwhen we experience pain, loss, or devastation; they can also be softened when we experience forgiveness, compassion, and tenderness. The Lord's own heart is mentioned many times within scripture as well, and we as His children are called to the things that make Him glad (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control).

This week's post includes seven songs that discuss the heart along with Scripture references that inspired them and that I was led to with each entry. All Scripture passages are from the New Living Translation of the Holy Bible.

King of My Heart (Live) by Bethel Music, Steffany Gretzinger & Jeremy Riddle (written by J. McMillan, S. McMillan)

Featured on Bethel's 2017 album Starlight with vocals from worship leaders Steffany Gretzinger and Jeremy Riddle, this personal favorite of mine speaks to the Lord being the sovereign of our hearts, coming before anything and everything else. Jesus is our defender, our provision, and gave His life for us despite of everything we have done. His goodness and mercy trump anything we could ever do.

Let the King of my heart be the mountain where I run/The fountain I drink from, oh, He is my song/And let the King of my heart be the shadow where I hide/The ransom for my life, oh, He is my song/Yes, You are good, good, oh/You are good, You’re good, oh/You are good, You’re good, oh/You are good, You’re good, oh

Psalm 100:5 For the Lord is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation.

Into the Deep (Live) by Citipointe Worship & Chardon Lewis (written by J. Lewis)

Featured on Citipointe's 2016 live album Into the Deep and featuring vocals from worship leader Chardon Lewis, this song speaks to our hearts and how they are made new through our salvation in Christ Jesus. He is the Living Water that our dirty hearts are washed in, cleaning and purifying them in ways we can't do on our own. These are waters we don't have to worry about drowning in, because they bring nothing but life.

When my hands stretch out towards the sky/You never let me run dry/When I dive into the depths of You/My heart is made anew, Jesus, in You/When my hands stretch out towards the sky/You never let me run dry/When I dive into the depths of You/My heart is made anew, Jesus, in You/Your love is a flood and I’m caught in the current/Of Your living waters, it’s Your love, it’s Your love/Your presence is a flood, and I’m caught in the wonder/You have taken me over, You have won my heart, yeah

I Peter 3:3-4 Don’t be concerned about the outward beauty of fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry, or beautiful clothes. You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God.

Here's My Heart by Lauren Daigle (written by C. Tomlin, J. Ingram, L. Giglio)

Featured on Daigle's 2015 album How Can It Be, this song speaks to the surrenderance of our hearts to the truth of God's grace and mercy. When we yield to Him completely, our burden becomes so much lighter. We are healed of our past hurts and free from our sins.

Here’s my heart, Lord/Here’s my heart, Lord/Here’s my heart, Lord/Speak what is true/Here’s my heart, Lord/Here’s my heart, Lord/Here’s my heart, Lord/Speak what is true/I am found, I am Yours/I am loved, I’m made pure/I have life, I can breathe/I am healed, I am free

Psalm 25:5 Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you.

This Girl by Lauren Daigle (written by L. Daigle, J. Ingram, P. Duncan, P. Mabury)

Featured on Daigle's 2018 album Look Up Child, this song feels like it could be about anyone who's gone through difficult times and come out stronger on the other side. The Lord is our strength and our shield, and even when times are tough He carries us through. He is for us, so who could ever be against us?

I been a winding road, oh, I know You know/Sometimes, a stranger in my home/Keep going back and forth through the open door/I’m still learning to be still/This girl ain’t going anywhere/This girl ain’t going anywhere/I can promise You this, now I know for sure/This girl ain’t going anywhere

Joshua 1:9 This is my command - be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.

Never Leave by Maverick City Music & Naomi Raine (written by N. Moore, C. Moore, A. Buggs, C. House)

Featured on Maverick City's 2020 album Maverick City Music, Vol. 3: Pt. 2 and featuring vocals from worship leaders Naomi Raine and Alton Eugene, this song speaks to our hearts and knowing how deep our Father's love is for us. His love is all encompassing and bigger than anything we could ever imagine. For those of us who have welcomed Him into our hearts, we know that we are never truly alone, for our hearts are where He dwells.

I see the face of the Father, I feel the love in His eyes/And everything in my heart knows that I’m His joy and His pride/I feel the peace in His whisper, that His intentions are pure/And never have I felt more safe and secure/You said that You would never leave/And I know that You are here with me/You said that You would never leave, mm/And I know that You are here with me

Hebrews 13:5 Don’t love money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, “I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.”

Promises by Maverick City Music & Naomi Raine ft. Joe L Barnes (written by C. Gaines, K. Alvarado, L. Marín, A. Moses, D. Bowe)

Featured on Maverick City's 2020 album Maverick City Music, Vol. 3: Pt. 1 with vocals from worship laeders Naomi Raine and Joe L Barnes, this song speaks to the faithfulness of our God and His heart for His children. He has kept every promise He has made, so we can feel peace in our hearts that He will never go back on His word. He will care for us in ways we can't even perceive.

God of Abraham, You’re the God of covenant and of faithful promises/Time and time again, You have proven You’ll do just what you said/Though the storms may come and the winds may blow, I’ll remain steadfast/And let my heart learn when You speak a word, it will come to pass/Great is Your faithfulness to me/Great is Your faithfulness to me/From the rising sun to the setting same, I will praise Your name/Great is Your faithfulness to me

I Chronicles 16:34 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever.

Dreams (Live) by Mosaic MSC (written by J. Goss, R. Aholoka, C. Pimentel)

Featured on Mosaic's 2020 live album HUMAN, this song speaks to the deep, true love God has for us as His children. He doesn't need us to do anything fancy or extreme to impress Him; He just needs us, as we are, to give our lives over to Him and worship Him. His grace is free, and for that we're forever thankful.

Jesus, I’m grateful/You take me simply as I am/Jesus, I’m grateful/You take me simply as I am/Jesus, I’m grateful/You take me simply as I am/Jesus, I’m grateful/You take me simply as I am/All the blessings I’ve received/You gave me more than I could dream/You didn’t stop where I could see/I don’t deserve this love/I don’t deserve this love, Jesus

Psalm 51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me.

I hope these songs and scriptures were a blessing to your own heart today. Happy listening, and see ya'll next week!