As I was riding in the car with my husband and singing we began discussing the power of music, the type of music we listen to and why. Have you given thought to why you listen to the music you listen to and how it affects your mood? For a while now I've been listening to music that command me to praise and worship the Lord. In praising God I am encouraged to continue to be who He created me to be...bold, a motivator, a hope dealer...and the growing pains of living life are no longer my focus. I immediately become focused on God, His holiness, power and authority! I quickly remember that I am a King's kid. My life belongs to Him not to me.

I will be honest, I am intentional about the music my ears hear on a daily basis way more than last year and wayyyy more than the year before.

You may ask why. Because music has the power to transfer emotions and influence you to act on what the lyrics are saying. If I am listening to Mary J. Blige "I'm going down" when I'm feeling down, guess what I'm going to sulk in those feelings and remain down for a while most likely because Mary gets me. She knows where I am. By the way that use to be my jam. But what about being lifted out of that dark place, depressive state, I would need to listen to music that encourages me to put my trust in the Lord and not lean to my own understanding.

Why? Because God has a greater purpose for me and it's not to get stuck thinking about how I don't like my boss, a failed relationship, a unresponsive landlord or a broke down vehicle. God has the power to change all of that. Give Him your attention.

You have to ask yourself why am I listening to this song? How does it make me feel? What does listening to this music encourage me to do?

Elevate yourself today and your future self will thank you later!

Bianca Cotton is the Founder of Behind the Confident Smile, a lover of Christ, wife, and mom who enjoys dealing hope to women all over the world.

What are you listening to?