Soundtrack

Every year, around my birthday, I tend to notice a recurring song on my speakers. Every year, a new song(s).

I actually don’t set out to choose it or them, they just quietly become the song. It’s one repeat in the kitchen, in the car, when I pray, at work in the office and sometimes in the quiet of my mind when I wake or I am about to fall asleep.

Looking back, I think I can almost trace my life by these songs.

When I turned 40, my song was The Story I’ll Tell by Naomi Raine. It was a season where I found myself trusting God with chapters I couldn’t yet understand. I didn’t have all the answers, but I believed one day I’d look back and see His fingerprints all over my life. I didn’t have these words back then. They just flow now as I look back and realise that’s what that song was helping me do.

At 41, it was Dependable God by Victor Thompson. That year reminded me that God’s faithfulness isn’t measured by how easy life feels. He’s dependable because that’s His nature. He doesn’t change.

At 42, Joy Is Coming by Todd Galberth became my anthem. I mean… Anthem. It didn’t cancel the difficult days but it simply reminded me that they don’t have the final word. Joy was on its way, even when I couldn’t yet see it.

Then came 43, and if I had to describe that year in one name, it would be Brandon Lake. His songs filled my days with worship. They drew my attention away from what was happening around me and back to the One who never changes. When my Spotify wrapped at the end of the year, I wasn’t surprised to find him up there as my artist of the year. He beat Morgan Wallen by a long long slide. My favourite song was Heartfelt Hallelujah. I even got the merch.

Now, as I prepare to turn 44, two songs won’t leave me alone: What a God by Seu Worship and Made for More by Bethel Music.

One fills me with awe while other fills me with expectation.

One reminds me of who God is and the other reminds me of who He created me to become.

Maybe that’s what this new year is about. Not striving for more, but responding to the God who has always been more than enough.

When I look back, I don’t remember these years by birthdays or calendars. I remember them by songs.

#23august1982
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Author: Emaistace

wife, mom, sister, daughter, aunty, friend. writing my everyday thoughts as they pop up.

19 thoughts on “Soundtrack”

  3. This was so beautiful and I knew most of the songs! Happy birthday (or belated) and I like how God gives you these songs and they are special to your bday
    I have songs that bring me right back to certain highs and lows! For example -when TobyMac song called get back up again was popular I was going through a hard season and I pulled into my driveway and when that song came on it was like God was telling me, yes you will get back up and be stronger and it’s all part of my plan!
    And even right now TobyMac song is playing, I’ve got heaven on my mind, and I think years from now I will always remember summer 2026 because of that song.
    Also when you mentioned Brandon Lake I thought you were going to mention the song gratitude. The gratitude song is a top song for me this year.
    Anyhow wishing you a great rest of the week take care

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    1. Thank so much Yvette. I will look up the TobyMac songs you mentioned. Oh Gratitude was on repeat a lot. Beautiful song.
      Thank you again Yvette. I had a beautiful birthday

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      1. So glad your birthday was great and this post – connecting to songs God gives you- was so enjoyable
        And right now “yes I will” is playing – not sure if you know it – but have loved it this year

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