Until last week when we sang it at church, ‘Made me Glad,’ was a song I had never heard and certainly hadn’t sung. But after singing it, I found an interesting thing happened. This week that song stayed with me, the lyrics imbedded in my head appearing at various times of the day and night.
Throughout a busy week those words under girded each day. Some examples were:
When I had to do something I had not attempted before
When I had to stand up for what I believed against a number of others
When I was sad because plans did not work out as I expected.
At times when I started to feel agitated or hassled, the words calmed me and when I felt happy they became a hymn of praise welling up inside. Each time the words and tune echoed in my head they became like a prayer.
The Lord indeed became, ‘my shield, my strength,’ as well as ‘my deliverer, my shelter, strong tower’ and especially ‘my very present help in time of need.’
Recently I was talking to someone at church that admitted she never sang the hymns. ‘It distracts me,’ she said. ‘I like to listen to the words and meditate on them and not have to try and sing.’ I remember a woman from my own old church saying something similar. For me, that would be almost an impossibility. Part of the joy of music for me is being able to sing it.
Music has a great power, which is why music is often used as therapy. Music is also a great way to help us remember bible truths. Often in the bible study group I used to go to, there were times when the answers I found in scripture had been incorporated into a hymn or song of praise. I found it easy to remember the words when set to music. Similarly years ago at a Kids Club my husband and I taught the children ‘John 3:16’ a song by Jenny Flack. Our daughter still says she never hears that verse without hearing it set to music.
For those involved in a children’s ministry, music is a valuable tool. Come to think of it, for anyone involved in ministry and serving God, music is a valuable tool. I’d love to hear other people’s favorite hymns and church songs. We could make a list. It might help broaden our musical outlook to hear what others are singing in church and in times with the Lord.
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A heart filled with thankfulness