Originally posted 9/26/2020
I have always been very focused on music. I started singing in my church choir when I was in third grade, and I continued singing at school and church through college and into adulthood. Worship times at summer camp, singing choruses with my peers were moments of true beauty. Singing hymns, Requiem masses, and other sacred music with my choirs in high school and college brought me chills.
When my kids were born, I was continuously singing to, then with them. We have jokingly said time and again that we live in a musical. Songs were the easiest way to teach Scripture verses, the books of the Bible, and elements of God’s character—thanks to both VeggieTales and Bible Songs tapes & CDs. If they were asked, my kids would probably both say that they remember more songs than spoken memory verses. While I will grant that one must dig below the surface to find the positive life lesson in “I Love My Lips” or “Where is My Hairbrush?”, it is there and it is important. God’s character is evident in the silly life lessons as much as the serious.
My deepest interactions with God have often involved songs, whether listening to praise music, singing in the shower, or worshiping at church, it is not uncommon for me to be overwhelmed to tears. Music reminds me how big, how good, how powerful, and how merciful God is, even when I’m struggling to hear Him in other ways. In the most difficult seasons of my life, I have relied on music for those reminders. God is my refuge & strength, He makes me brave, He is a good, good Father, my soul longs for Him, and He loves me. The connection with music has often encouraged me to search Scripture for the verses in the songs I love. My time in prayer is often deepened by music as well. Sometimes songs say what I can’t put into words.
Now that I travel so much for work (pre-pandemic more than currently, of course), taking my drive time for worship, prayer, and a reminder of God’s sovereignty in the midst of the chaos of life helps me to keep my focus on Him rather than the difficulties of day to day life and work. I find myself thankful for the drive time rather than dreading it because it gives me time to connect with Him.
If you are feeling distant from God, struggling to connect with Him or understand what He has for you, try music. Some of my favorites are Casting Crowns, Mercy Me, Hillsong, Meredith Andrews, and Lauren Daigle. Skillet, Newsboys, Third Day, Kutless & Switchfoot are also good. Whatever you listen to, listen for the lyrics…listen for God’s voice.
Thanks for reading! 😊 EW