The writer of the 96th Psalm implores us to “sing a new song to the Lord” (Isaiah 42:10), and if you’ve been through any type of valley or desert, deep in your heart, you know well the songs that have tracked each step.

Perhaps your experience of the year we are saying goodbye to, was a valley, a mountaintop, or a lot of both. For me, the 365-day journey came with dreams coming to reality (Made to Shine tour, for example) and yet, the learning and growth that this welcomed was not always easy-in fact, God uses new opportunities to deepen our identity in Him and root out things in us that are not pleasing to Him. It’s all for His glory. The more you and I are like Him, the greater the evidence to the world.

God is faithful, this you can count on.

One thing that kept this voyage of 2014 alive with hope-filled melody is fresh music discovered. Among the dozens of albums I purchased this year (yes…purchased…!), here are my TOP 5:

5. Ellie Holcomb – As Sure As The Sun

4. Needtobreathe – Rivers In The Wasteland

3. Bethel – You Make Me Brave

2. Worship Central – Set Apart

1. Kari Jobe – Majestic

As sure as the sun, God, You are making rivers in our wastelands. Your majestic Name has set us apart to be brave, for we are Yours.

What will your soundtrack of 2015 be?

-Becca