Waiting Well: A Christian Music Playlist for Trusting God’s Timing

Waiting is hard. Whether we are in the middle of a storm or an answer is a long time coming, it’s easy to get discouraged. The key to waiting well is to keep our eyes on God and not on the circumstances around us. One of the best ways to do this is to not only listen to worship music and hymns, but to also sing along. Here are nine Christian songs that remind us of who God is and that He is always on time.

1. "Time" (Aodhán King and Lauren Daigle)

Sometimes we struggle because we have a plan, but it’s not working out the way we want it to. Ecclesiastes 3:11 tells us that God makes everything beautiful in his time and not ours. This song really brings out this message:

You, You know me better than I do
 You see it from a clearer view in Your time (in Your time)
 And You see it like I wish I could
 All Your plans for me are good in Your time
 In Your time

Time has made a fool of my arrangements
 Traded all my planning for Your patience
 A wine opened in haste would never age well
 So I'll wait on time as long as I am able

2. "Waymaker" (Mandisa)

When we are tempted to think that God has forgotten us in our struggle, we need to remember that like this song says, he is always working for our good (Romans 8:28). Faith is believing even when we can’t see it or feel it. This song reminds us that God is making a way for us.

Even when I don't see it, You're working
 Even when I don't feel it, You're working
 You never stop
 You never stop working
 You never stop
 You never stop working

Way maker
 Miracle worker
 Promise keeper
 Light in the darkness
 My God
 That is who You are
 (That is who You are)

3. "I am Not Alone" (Kari Jobe)

When times are tough, it is easy to believe that we are alone. The enemy wants us to think that God has forgotten us. This song reminds us that God is always with us, fighting our battles, so we have no reason to fear (2 Chronicles 20:15-17). 

In the midst of deep sorrow
 I see your light is breaking through
 The darkest night will not overtake me
 I am pressing into you
 Lord, you fight my every battle
 Oh, and I will not fear

I am not alone
 I am not alone
 You will go before me
 You will never leave me

4. "I trust in God/Firm Foundation" (Bethel Music)

This song reminds us that we can rest in God’s loving arms, knowing that he has ordered our steps, and he will never fail us. He is a firm foundation that we can trust no matter what is going on around us. When we bring our problems to him, he will give us peace (Philippians 4:6-7).

Perfect submission
 All is at rest
 I know the Author of Tomorrow has ordered my steps
 So, this is my story
 And this is my song

I'm praising my risen King and Savior all the day long

I trust in God
 My Savior
 The One who will never fail
 He will never fail

5. "Raise a Hallelujah" (Bethel) 

The opening of this performance tells the story of how the song came to be. In the middle of a child’s fight for his life, the church was praying for a miracle even when things looked bleak. Instead of giving up or giving in, they raised a song of praise (Psalms 42:11). 

I raise a hallelujah, in the presence of my enemies
 I raise a hallelujah, louder than the unbelief
 I raise a hallelujah, my weapon is a melody
 I raise a hallelujah, Heaven comes to fight for me
 
 I'm gonna sing, in the middle of the storm
 Louder and louder, you're gonna hear my praises roar
 Up from the ashes, hope will arise
 Death is defeated, the King is alive! 

6. "Fighter" (Jamie Grace)

Everyone faces difficulties of some kind or another, and this song tells the stories of three different people as they navigate life. The message is that when we get on our knees, God makes us strong (2 Corinthians 12:9).

Seven bucks an hour
 Bills stacked on the counter
 Got a baby on the way, they'll have to feed
 His pride is gettin' torn down
 His confidence is worn out
 This ain't the way he dreamed that it would be

But he won't ever ask why
 'Cause he's made up his mind

He's a fighter, got that fire
 When they thought he'd fade away
 Throws a fist up, as he gets up
 Feelin' stronger everyday
 When he gets down on his knees, he finds
 The courage to believe
 He's a fighter, he's a fighter
 Who inspires me

7. "Even If" (Mercy Me)

True faith doesn’t rest on getting what we want, but on trusting God to go with us whatever comes. It is believing that God is able to deliver us, but even if he doesn’t, it will still be all right because God is with us (Daniel 3:16-18).

It's easy to sing
When there's nothing to bring me down
But what will I say
When I'm held to the flame
Like I am right now
I know You're able and I know You can
Save through the fire with Your mighty hand
But even if You don't
My hope is You alone

8. "How Great is Our God" (Chris Tomlin)

One of the best ways to get our minds off our circumstances is to sing praises to God that remind us who He is. He is great, and he is in control of the world. He will accomplish his purposes (Isaiah 46:9-10).

How great is our God
Sing with me
How great is our God
And all will see
How great, how great is our God

Age to age He stands
And time is in His hands
Beginning and the end
Beginning and the end

9. "Goodness of God" (CeCe Winans and Roman Collins)

Most of all, sometimes we just have to remember all that God has done for us. He has been good to us, and his mercy will follow us all the days of our lives (Psalm 23:6).

I love Your voice
 You have lead me through the fire
 In darkest night
 You are close like no other
 I've known You as a Father
 I've known You as a friend
 And I have lived in the goodness of God (hey)

'Cause all my life, You have been faithful (oh yes, You have)

And all my life, You have been so, so good
 With every breath that I am able
Oh, I will sing of the goodness of God

Linda Lyle is a writer, teacher, knitter, and unintentional collector of cats. She has written articles for the Alabama Baptist, Open Windows, Refresh, as well as multiple novels and novellas. Her newest book, 5-Minute Prayer Plan for When Life Is Overwhelming, is set to release in October. She spins yarns on her blog The End of My Yarn at lindalyle.com.