Greg Chandler
09/22/19
Just before the turn of the 20th century, Carrie E. Breck penned the words of the beautiful hymn entitled “Nailed to the Cross”. After two stanzas entailing the horror of the cross and the love Jesus displayed in going to His death for mankind, Breck wrote:
I will cling to my Savior and never depart,
I will joyfully journey each day,
With a song on my lips and a song in my heart,
That my sins have been taken away.
As the final stanza of her song so eloquently illustrates, true appreciation for the sacrifice of Jesus changes the believer; the beauty of forgiveness places a song of eternal proportion within the heart.
Singing is a blessing from God. Even in secular pursuits, singing is often used to help one remember. How many children learn their “ABC’s” because of putting the letters to a tune? Singing is used to remember history; for instance, a battle from long ago would have been destined for historical obscurity had Francis Scott Key not written a poem that was later set to music heralding the survival of the “Star Spangled Banner.” Singing is used to commemorate and appreciate nations, heroes, and events that are deemed worthy of glory. Simply stated, singing is an important gift given to mankind.
When attention is turned to the spiritual realm, singing takes on a much more important role. Through singing, the worshiper pours out praise and thanksgiving to God. For examples of this, the book of Psalms provides generously. In the 150 “snapshots” into the lives of various worshipers, the psalmists cry out for God’s help, delight in His comfort, beseech His wisdom, and seek a relationship with Him. Like these ancient hymnists, every child of God should delight in similar ideas and allow worship to flow freely.
Singing is also used to encourage others in their walk with God. To the Ephesians, Paul wrote, “Addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart” (5:19). From a heart overflowing with love, the psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs sung to one another encourage and admonish one to live a life that demonstrates love for God.
Is there a song in your heart? Take time this week to contemplate this question. As you do, take the following challenge by choosing one hymn each day on which to meditate that corresponds to the ideas that follow. Like Carrie Breck, your lips and heart will have a song to draw you closer to God.
Sunday: Salvation from your sins
Monday: God’s eternal love
Tuesday: The blessings of being God’s child
Wednesday: The blessings of having a spiritual family
Thursday: An admonition to be spiritually mature
Friday: An admonition to teach those who do not know Jesus
Saturday: Heaven
Photo by Mick Haupt on Unsplash