Singing I go

Last week, at a party, a friend and I discovered that we both go around humming or singing as we go through each day. We laughed as we noted that one word said by someone in conversation is all that is needed to trigger emergence of another song. Although I enjoy some secular music and most musical genre, gospel songs have been food for my soul from the time I was a young child. In addition to learning great theology, the words of the music and the emotions they evoke have helped me develop a relationship with God, led me into worship of Him and given me hope and strength in times of struggle. Often, songs help me recall life lessons I’ve learned along the way and encourage me to continue trusting God.

For example, the song “God Will Take Care of You” brings me back to when I was just 5 years old. My dad was out of work and although, as a young child, I was unaware of it, the family food supply was getting low. One day, we came home to find bags of groceries in our enclosed porch. Initially, we did not know where the provision had come from, other than from God in answer to my parents’ prayer. Later, we learned that members of the church where my future father-in-law served as pastor had donated the groceries. Other than their awareness of my father’s unemployment, they had no idea of our pressing need, but God did.

When I hear the song “Consider the Lilies,” I remember another incident from my childhood that took place a few years later. Once again, our family experienced financial difficulty when my father had to stop working, for health reasons, and food was needed for our next meal. I was riding in the car with my parents and, just as we crossed a little bridge, Dad pulled over to the side of the road, stopped the car and took his fishing pole out of the trunk. As Mom prayed, Dad fished from shore. After only a few casts, a large fish struck the hook. It fought ferociously against the pull on the line, but Dad eventually landed the fish on shore. It thrashed back and forth trying to escape, but he jumped on top of it and was able to somehow get the fish into a pail. That night, we had a fish dinner, courtesy of God.

Then there is the song, “Higher Ground.” I vividly recall sitting on the floor at a women’s missionary council meeting I attended with my mother and listening as the ladies sang:

“I’m pressing on the upward way. New heights I’m gaining every day. Still praying as I onward bound, Lord, plant my feet on higher ground. Lord, lift me up and let me stand by faith on heaven’s tableland. A higher plane than I have found, Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.

“My heart has no desire to stay where doubts arise and fears dismay. Tho’ some may dwell where these abound, my prayer, my aim, is higher ground. I want to live above the world, tho’ Satan’s darts at me are hurled. For faith has caught the joyful sound, the song of saints on higher ground.”

The words planted a desire in my little heart to know God better, which has remained.

From early childhood, songs have motivated me to keep the faith during times of lack, challenged me to pursue difficult tasks and make right choices, and inspired me to draw closer to God. Music is a powerful influence that can and should be used to teach children about God and bring them into personal relationship with Him. Children will never forget the lyrics, melodies and lessons they learn. It will help empower them to navigate life successfully.

Photo by Tom Curtis

Copyright © 2012

The strength of the Lord

My mother died at the age of 91. She experienced much hardship, pain and sorrow in her long life but had learned how to live above the fray. During her later years, the song "The Strength of the Lord," sung by Larnelle Harris, was one of Mom’s favorites. I believe it was because its words divulged the secret she had discovered on how to live victoriously.  

Sometimes life seems like words and music

That can’t quite become a song.
So we cry inside, and we try it again
And wonder what could be wrong.
But, when we turn to the Lord at the end of ourselves
Like we’ve done a time or two before
We find His truth is the same
As it has always been.
We never will need more.


Chorus (two times):
It’s not in trying but in trusting
It’s not in running but in resting
Not in wondering but in praying
That we find the strength of the Lord

He’s all we need
For our every need.
We never need be alone.
Still He’ll let us go if we choose to
To live life on our own.
Then the only good
That will ever be said
Of the pains we find ourselves in
They are places to gain
The wisdom to say
I’ll never leave Him again. 


Chorus (two times) 
It’s not in trying but in trusting
It’s not in running but in resting
Not in wondering but in praying
That we find the strength of the Lord

Copyright © 2012