Sometimes I wish life were like a musical. I grew up with a mom who taught music. Singing was a part of our daily life. There were many times we’d break out into song, often dancing and making up our own lyrics (many of which came from our favorite broadway show, Les Miserables). I loved watching musicals like Oklahoma where the characters burst into song in the midst of the street and in doing daily tasks!
Music has the power to set the precedence for our lives. Have you ever woken up with a tune in your head? Or heard a song that you can’t get out of your mind? A simple melody can overtake your heart, fill you with joy, drive your thoughts, and influence your decisions. Not only can a tune sweep you away, but sung words have a powerful effect on your soul. This was by no accident; God created music and HE even delights in singing over us! (Zephaniah 3:17)
There’s great power in singing (whether you can carry a tune or not:). After Moses led the Israelites on dry land through the midst of the Red Sea, he sang a song of praise to the LORD. (Exodus 15:1) David spoke the words of a song to the LORD to praise Him for His deliverance. (2 Samuel 22:1) Even the morning stars sing for joy to God (Job 38:7). And most importantly, Jesus said that if we don’t praise Him, the rocks will cry out! (Luke 19:40) Before Jesus took on the unbearable weight of our sin, and before He held a rugged, splintered manmade cross just for us, He sung a hymn with His disciples. (Matthew 26:30)
I’ve always wondered what He sang that night. Although I don’t know the words, I do know His heart. And I know that before, during, and after His excurciating death on the cross, He had one purpose- to magnify the glory and love of God!
The beauty in music is that we glorify God when we praise Him. Countless times in the Psalms, we are given one simple command: “Sing praises,” “shout for joy”, “sing a new song”, “sing aloud”, “sing for joy,” and the list goes on. This is so simple and beautiful. All the Lord tells us is to just sing. Try it. You’ll be blessed because what He says is always for our good.
Here are my Top Five Songs I’ve loved lately!
1. “How Great is Our God“-World Edition-a glimpse of Heaven on Earth
2. “To You Be The Glory” by Kari Jobe and Matt Maher-incredibly powerful words
3. “Who You Are” by Kristian Stanfill-”…You hold the orphan in Your loving arms; this is who You are…”
4. “Isaiah 55” by Leigh Nash- “we will bless the Lord, and we will be led forth, there’s NOTHING You can’t do!
5. “Like Incense/Step by Step” by Brooke Fraser- “oh God, You are my God, and I will ever praise You!”
It doesn’t matter if you can stay on pitch or the tune in which the melody is sung. All that matters is that we sing a song of praise to our God.
All my Love,
Gretchen
