March 13, 2014.

I apologize that this post is later than usual, as I have been working on a lyric songbook for the student center all day. I thought I would make today’s post short and sweet, though it is one of my favorite subjects: singing.

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.”
(Colossians 3:16)

Music has been heralded since ancient times as a powerful force that reaches the inner soul. I believe God gave this force to us to express things we cannot fully express without. When the children of Israel were lead out of Egypt, what did Moses do? He wrote a song. When David was in times of trouble or prosperity, what did he do? He wrote songs. When Mary was told that she was to mother the Messiah, what did she do? She broke out in song. Singing is a unique was to worship God that no other thing we have even compares. This is why I think it is important to keep it up, and spend large amounts of time so that we can have a book where we can sing without borders (as most of our songs are just on powerpoint).

When we worship God in song, let’s be sure that we are doing it for the right reasons. We are here to express our undying love and devotion to the Almighty. We are not here to impress our neighbor or entertain crowds. Let us focus on the words and what we mean when we say these words.

What is your favorite hymn? Mine is “It is well.” Here are the lyrics (it also has a great backstory, you should look it up):

1. When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
when sorrows like sea billows roll;
whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say,
It is well, it is well with my soul.
[Chorus]
It is well with my soul,
it is well, it is well with my soul.

2. My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!
[Chorus]

3. And, Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
the clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
the trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
even so, it is well with my soul.
[Chorus]

May the Lord bless you and may you return the blessing in jubilant song!

Suggested Daily Reading: Psalm 95, 100, 110, Colossians 3.

Let us all rejoice and sing!

-Walter