4 Gospel-Centered Music Resources For Little Hearts & Minds

Of the many gifts that God has given to His creation, music is one of my favorites. Music has great power. It can encourage and uplift. It can bring quiet and calm. It can be used to celebrate our greatest joys as well as console us in our deepest griefs. There have even been studies that show that music can improve our health. But of all the things that music can do, I find myself in awe of one in particular. Music has great power to help us learn and remember. 

​When I worked in a Montessori classroom with three to six-year-olds, I was amazed not only at the amount of information these young minds could retain but also at how quickly they could commit it to memory, and all because it was set to music. These little ones could easily recall the seven continents, the days of the week, the months of the year, all fifty states (in alphabetical order), and more! ​

This experience reinforced the truth of music’s power to teach both academically and, even more importantly, spiritually. ​

​Several months ago, I wrote a post entitled 5 Gospel-Centered Books For Little Hearts & Minds. I believe that introducing our children to Gospel-rich literature at a young age is critical to planting and cultivating truth in their hearts. I believe it is equally important to expose them to theologically sound music that will help them to commit these truths to memory and give those truths the opportunity to take root, blossom, and grow in their hearts and minds. 

Especially over the last year, my daughter’s fascination and enjoyment of music has really flourished. It’s been exciting and amazing to see how the music we listen to is impacting her knowledge and awareness of the world around her, but even more so how it is helping to shape her view and understanding of God, His Word, and the Gospel. 

We don’t often think of children’s music as being meaningful or substantial. But music geared toward children, especially good biblical music, shouldn’t lack weight or dumb down the truth. 

Gospel-centered, theologically deep music for children just presents the truth with simplicity. In fact, I have found that much of the music that we listen to for our daughter Emersyn, has even challenged my thinking and walk with the Lord. Here are our little family’s favorite resources for Gospel-centered music for little hearts and minds. ​​

1. Keith and Kristyn Getty

I’ve been blessed by the music ministry of this couple for decades. Our church sings many of their modern hymns, which are rich with biblical truth. As the Getty’s family has grown to include four daughters, it is not surprising that Keith and Kristyn wanted to pass on God’s truth to their children through music and create a way for their girls, as well as other families, to experience family worship together

To date, they’ve produced five albums entitled Getty Kids Hymnal. Each one includes hymns, both old and new, sung by children. This is one of the things that Emersyn really appreciates about this music. There is something about hearing other children singing in praise to the Lord that resonates with her. Additionally, Emersyn has remarked that she loves that the children are clearly singing with joy! When I asked her why she thinks that is, she said, “Because they love Jesus!” And she is right! When we really know and love the Lord, we cannot help but sing with joy!

“But let all who take refuge in You rejoice; let them ever sing for joy, and spread Your protection over them, that those who love Your name may exult in You.” Psalm 5:11

The Getty Kids Hymnal albums each contain music that focuses on a particular theme - the person and work of Christ (In Christ Alone), missions and evangelism (For The Cause), songs to celebrate and reflect on the Advent season (Family Carol Sing), and two that are focused on music for family worship (Family Hymn Sing and Hymns From Home). We love that Emersyn is learning and finding joy in these theologically profound and essential truths at such a young age.

2. Rain For Roots

My husband and I found Rain For Roots after searching for songs that are geared toward singing the Scriptures. It is a collective of various musicians committed to creating music that helps both children and adults memorize Scripture and understand its meaning.

Their first album “Big Stories For Little Ones” is an overview of the stories of the Bible that focuses on the character of God and the person of Jesus. The songs are simple and repetitive, but in a way that emphasizes truths and allows little ones to easily commit them to memory. 

Their second album “The Kingdom of Heaven Is Like This” introduces children to parables like the wise and foolish builders, the lost items, and the mustard seed. Emersyn’s favorites include “Good Fruit,” a simple yet fun song that teaches the parable of the tree and its fruit. Another song that has really made an impact on her is “Do Not Worry,” which is based on Matthew 6:25-34. I’ve sung the lines of this song back to her many times as she’s been fearful or anxious, reminding her that if God cares for something as simple as a bird or a flower, He will surely care all the more for her, since she is His special creation. ​

“Waiting Songs” is Rain For Roots third album and is focused on Advent reflections. I appreciate that the music of this album helps children to better understand how long God’s people waited for the Savior to come and how hard it was. It is a wonderful resource to use along with advent readings as a family. 

Their newest album is “All Creatures.” The songs all come from Psalms that speak about God as our Creator. We love all the songs, but especially “Tell Me” which answers three questions in Psalm 119 - Can the darkness hide me? Will You always hear me? Will You ever leave me? This song has also helped us guide Emersyn and comfort her in times of fear and uncertainty. 

We love how Rain For Roots has given us simple songs that Emersyn can learn but that are still filled with profound truths that we’ve been able to discuss with her as we instruct, encourage, and correct her. ​

3. Hide ‘Em In Your Heart Volumes 1 & 2

These two albums by Steve Green are another example of teaching children to sing the Scriptures. These albums concentrate on teaching children foundational Bible verses such as:

• Deuteronomy 5:16 - Honor Your Father And Mother
• 2 Corinthians 9:7 - God Loves A Cheerful Giver
• Matthew 6:19-21 - Where Your Treasure Is
• Matthew 7:12 - Do To Others
• Ephesians 6:1 - Children Obey Your Parents
• Psalm 34:13 - Keep Your Tongue
• Philippians 2:14 - Without Complaining
• Proverbs 20:11 - Even A Child

In total, there are 41 songs across two volumes! I grew up listening to these volumes (on cassette tape!) and they definitely helped me to memorize the Bible! I’ve been delighted to pass them on to Emersyn and watch her develop a love for learning the Scriptures!

4. The Ology: Ancient Truths Ever New

“The Ology” is an album by Sovereign Grace Music that aims to teach kids the core doctrines of our faith in a “memorable, creative, fun, and understandable way.” Songs focus on the fundamentals of the members of the Trinity, sin, salvation, sanctification, the church, the return of Christ, and the inerrancy and sufficiency of Scripture. It is also a musical companion to The Ology: Ancient Truths Ever New, a storybook theology by Marty Machowski. Because these songs focus on unchangeable and timeless doctrines, they are always useful and applicable, even for children.

We live in a time when identity is a big buzzword. Our children are inundated with progressive ideologies and erroneous opinions on such issues. So a song like “Just Way God Wanted Us To Be” is a helpful tool since it simply and succinctly encapsulates the truth of creation and God’s perfect plan:

We’re shades of brown, we’re short and tall
But God Himself designed us all unique
So we could see
He wants each one to play a part
To show the world the Father’s heart
To have a family
We are the image of the God of all the world
He made us boys, He made us girls
Different pieces of the puzzle
Joined together perfectly
We are just the way God wanted us to be

Another song we’ve really loved and found useful in instructing our daughter is “God Always Keeps His Promises.” We’ve recently read through the Old Testament in Emersyn’s children’s Bible. This song has been a beneficial tool to refer to as we have consistently reminded her that the Old Testament shows us God’s character and that He is always faithful to His promises!

Oh, God He always keeps His promises
He said the blood upon the door
Would keep the Israelites secure
And so, He stayed His hand
And led them to the Promised Land
Our God is good and true
He cannot lie to me and you
We can be sure of this:
God always keeps His promise

I believe that music first and foremost exists as a means to worship our great God. But it is also a gift that He has given to us for encouragement, instruction, refreshment, and more. As an educator and a parent, I’ve seen how powerful music is to impact and teach young hearts and minds. ​

The older our daughter gets, the more we realize how quickly time is passing and how urgent our call is, as her parents, to teach her the truth while we can. My husband and I want Emersyn to know God — not just know about Him or be able to recite facts. We want to reach her heart with the truth. But that begins with the mind. We are busy planting seeds in these early years that with time and tending will yield fruit in the years to come. Music is one of the tools we are using to do just that! These resources and more are helping us to be faithful gardeners in the soil of Emersyn’s heart. I hope and pray they bless you as they have us!

"We want to reach her heart with the truth. But that begins with the mind. We are busy planting seeds in these early years that with time and tending will yield fruit in the years to come." I love this quote! How are you being a faithful gardener in the soil of your child's heart?

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​You may also be interested in 5 Gospel-Centered Books For Little Hearts & Minds and ​5 Gospel-Centered Podcasts For Little Hearts & Minds.