I'm a firm believer that in God's iPod there are quite a few songs from the secular world and some noticeable absences from the Christian music world. There is music in the secular charts that speak to me of God's love and goodness and the (healthy) fear and trembling that we ought to have for him.

This conviction led me some time ago to declare that Alanis Morresette is my favorite theologian, that statement still stands true for me but she's got some competition from Josh Groben.

My wife downloaded Josh Grobe's "You are loved (don't give up)" from iTunes last night and I've enjoyed listening too it countless times since. It speaks to me about the nature of God and the fact that in our relationship with him he doesn't often take us around times of trouble but he will be there through it.

Here are the full lyrics.

Don't give up
It's just the weight of the world
When your heart's heavy
I...I will lift it for you

Don't give up
Because you want to be heard
If silence keeps you
I...I will break it for you

Everybody wants to be understood
Well I can hear you
Everybody wants to be loved
Don't give up
Because you are loved

Don't give up
It's just the hurt that you hide
When you're lost inside
I...I will be there to find you

Don't give up
Because you want to burn bright
If darkness blinds you
I...I will shine to guide you

Everybody wants to be understood
Well I can hear you
Everybody wants to be loved
Don't give up
Because you are loved

You are loved
Don't give up
It's just the weight of the world
Don't give up
Every one needs to be heard
You are loved

(source)