How Songs Inspire Faith

By Erin Ochocki

Psalm 107:2a “Let the redeemed of the LORD tell their story –” (NIV)

For as long as I can remember, I’ve loved praising the Lord and telling stories through music. Growing up, my church’s youth choir would go on a music mission trip every summer, which I would be excited for all year! After college, I had the opportunity to move to New York City and work for an anti-human trafficking organization. Some friends and I recorded a song and music video to raise awareness, and this season illuminated a joy for songwriting.

Not to be dramatic, but there was another season in life when it felt like many things were crashing to pieces. I was dealing with health issues, including a struggle with environmental, allergic-asthma that directly affects my ability to sing during certain episodes. I also went through the first of more than one miscarriage which ended up being a long journey that the Lord has brought redemption through. My amazing husband and I are now parents to the most wonderful son through adoption. We had felt a call to adoption long before these losses (which is a beautiful story for another time). There were also other events happening in life and in the world that were causing me to reconsider the goals I was chasing.

It was during this time that I started studying Scripture and the grace of God in a new way. It was like something flipped and it became more than just a “very good choice” but rather a lifeline! There was one stormy night during the covid lockdowns (we lived in Washington D.C. at the time) when my husband was out working the night shift and our power went out. I happened to be in the Psalms and sat on the couch in our one-bedroom apartment reading by flashlight for hours. One of my favorite Psalms is Psalm 42. “The Lord will command His lovingkindness in the daytime, And in the night His song shall be with me—A prayer to the God of my life” (Psalm 42:8 NKJV). New songs started coming in this both literal and metaphorical night. I started to think that even if it would reach just one person then it would be worth it.

It’s my prayer that this music will point to the truth of the Gospel and my hope in Jesus. He has saved me and changed my life! I also hope that the songs will relate to those who are going through their own personal trials and experiences. I love 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 which says, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God” (NKJV). It is my goal that this music will point to the reason for the hope that we can have in the midst of a very real life!

About the Author

Erin Ochocki is a Jesus follower and currently lives with her husband and son in Houston, Texas. She shares many of her songs through her music project “Rorie”

(roriemusic.com).