Then I was introduced to Christian music stations like Radio Maria, Secret Place, LifeOnline and Live365 by someone I met at a UTM Catholic club praise and worship event during a stressful period at school. 

I doubt I will ever be able to thank her enough.

I have been Catholic all my life, yet this was the first time I had heard of these.

LifeOnline has a variety of music genres. It is more of a conventional station, with on-air hosts, speakers who talk about faith and opportunities to get Christian concert tickets at reasonable rates (or sometimes at no cost).

Radio Maria has music and prayers and a more religious undertone. The Secret Place has a limited playlist (about 100-odd songs) and although I have yet to try downloading songs, the station advertises that service is a feature of its web site.

Live365 is a continuous stream of online music that lets you select the genres you wish to listen to. It has a much more subtle referencing to God — but that can depend on what genres you select.

In music, God has become for me what the Psalms were for David.

I am renewed in strength and humbled in my struggles, safe in the knowledge that nothing I will face will ever be too much for God to help me.

Armed with my music, I confront that homework pile and finish it in what seems like seconds compared to what I used to endure.

Now, my prayer and my music no longer need to be separate. The music expresses exactly how I feel as I choose genres in accordance with my moods. Yet, God is still communicating through music to me.

Most times, Christian music is expected to be slow and soft, but there are genres to satisfy  young listeners. The important thing is to find the genres that suit you. That’s what I’ve done and I’ve found a new passion.

It has helped me during some of the most stressful periods of my university career. Perhaps it will help you, too.

(Chigbo is a first-year communication, culture and information technology student at the University of Toronto Mississauga.)