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“Oh come, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation! Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise!” Psalm 95:1-2
Whenever I’m stressed, singing a song can help cheer me on my way. As I stood in the middle of my living room, belting out songs this week, I remembered just how much music has seen me through. From a young age I can remember loving music. I’d sing and hum and have the biggest smile on my face when music was playing. Anytime a rough patch came my way, I’d find a few Christian songs and cling to them to help see me through. I can still look back and tell you a song for every hard time of my life and when I hear those songs today, it’s a reminder and testament to how God has seen me through.
Lately, when my mind begins swirling with varied emotions, I sing. Whether it’s talk about racial injustice, COVID-19, or uncertainty for the future, I turn up the radio, find a song on my phone, or recall a song I love and belt it out. Music is powerful. It can change how you feel, cause you to move, and impact your thought process. Just like what we eat and drink effects how we think, the words we listen to impact us as well, for better or worse. With that in mind, I’d like to encourage each of you to listen to music that will speak hope and life into you during this time. Christian music especially is what I would suggest because grounding ourselves in God is the ultimate anchor for our souls. Whether you like to belt it like me or listen and contemplate, music can be a powerful tool at any stage of life to lift our heads and our hearts and I think now is especially a great time to try this.
Before being called to full-time pastoral ministry, I was set on being a music teacher. I knew music could change the world because music had changed me. When I met Someone (Jesus) who did change the world and was changing my life, I then realized I could use music to praise His name and the idea of everlasting change became a possibility.
I know things aren’t easy right now but we will make it through with God. Here’s the song I’m singing today:
Why should I feel discouraged, Why should the shadows come Why should my heart feel lonely, And long for heaven and home When Jesus is my portion, A constant friend is He His eye is on the sparrow, And I know He watches me
So I sing because I'm happy, I sing because I'm free His eye is on the sparrow, And I know He watches me
Civilla D. Martin 1905
I’d love to know what song brings joy to your soul. Share this post on your social media and, for the caption, tell us a song you’re singing or listening to so we can too. Include the hashtag #stonemountainworship so we can see what song you sing to refocus your mind on Jesus. We don’t just worship on Sabbath, we worship every day of the week. So, when things become overwhelming this week, sing it out!