Sing to the Lord a new song;
sing to the Lord, all the earth.
Sing to the Lord, praise his name;
proclaim his salvation day after day.
Declare his glory among the nations,
his marvelous deeds among all peoples.
-Psalm 96:1-3
I am always amazed at the power of music. A good song has the ability to speak to us in the most profound ways. Often, we hear that music is the “international language.” Without a doubt, music has the ability to transcend language, culture, generational boundaries and so much more.
I remember so well my first time ministering at a local nursing home. I was new to the ministry and had never really been part of a group that went to a nursing home to provide worship. I wanted to make sure I was ready and so I spent some time preparing my message and prayer that I would share. When we arrived, and the nurses and staff brought everyone one to the room where we would be meeting, I quickly realized that this audience was not really focused on what I had to share.
There was little movement and engagement from the residents until our piano player began a hymn. As the chords of the familiar hymn began to ring across the room eyes began to open, heads lifted up and toes began to tap that had not really been active in some time. We sang loudly the beautiful words to the class hymns and you could see the joy on the face of those wonderful residents.
Music has a powerful effect on us. It puts rhythm and words to our faith that embeds itself deep into our memory. When we learn and sing the great songs of our faith (classic or modern) it connects our beliefs to our soul in a way that no other medium really has the ability to do.
What is your favorite hymn or Christian song? Why does it mean so much to you? Did it speak to you at a specific time in your life? I want to encourage you today to look up that favorite song. Listen to the music, read the lyrics and let it bring a new smile to your face and new joy to your soul. Our God is a wonderful God and music is a gift from God that helps us connect with Him in a wonderful way.
This is my story, this is my song
Praising my Savior all the day long
This is my story, this is my song
Praising my Savior all the day long (Fanny Jane Crosby, Blessed Assurance)
Rev. Keith King, Online Campus Pastor
