Admittedly, I was not in church of my own accord in middle school and high school and my presence there was not primarily to learn about Jesus. I thought I was miserable sitting down front, “dressing up,” missing the start of my beloved Cowboys’ noon games, and enduring seemingly endless prayers from our associate pastor. It wasn’t all bad though. There was music that spoke to me even when the message did not, igniting my passion, misguided as it may have been. Music was my worship then and is still a big part of it today, though I now know there is much more to worship than just music.
This past November we sang How Great Thou Art in church and at the men’s conference in consecutive weeks; I was blindsided by emotion. I can’t really say if it was nostalgia or God speaking or Rian’s sweet vocals, but the words overtook me: “And when I think that God, His son not sparing, sent him to die, I scarce can take it in.” Also, “When Christ shall come, with shout of acclamation, and take me home, what joy shall fill my heart.” And of course, “Then sings my soul, my savior God to thee, how great Thou art, how great Thou art.” Sometimes the realization of Jesus paying my debt with His life so I could be redeemed is too much to bear. The anticipation of the day we are called home and our soul can really sing is exciting and daunting all at the same time.
Another song I turn to is It is Well. While I’ve never endured the tragedy of the writer, Horatio Spafford, his peaceful confidence amid tragedy is amazing. Horatio’s wife survived the shipwreck that took his four daughters after his son had died of scarlet fever. The song was written after crossing over the exact spot of the wreck as he was on his way to being reunited with his wife. I don’t know about you, but I do not think that I yet have that kind of peace – the peace of God that surpasses all understanding. I want it and am praying for it but am not there yet. “It is well, with my soul, it is well, it is well, with my soul.” And again, in this song we are reminded of the gift of salvation that we certainly do not deserve: “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, oh my soul.”
Amazing Grace is another song that speaks to me on so many levels. Even when there were many other things in college that I put ahead of my relationship with Jesus, He always used Amazing Grace to reach out to me. The whole story speaks to me and reminds me of what God has done and will do for me. “Amazing Grace … that saved a wretch like me. I once was lost, but now am found, was blind, but now I see.” Then the fourth verse: “The Lord has promised good to me, His Word my hope secures, He will my shield and portion be, as long as life endures.” God is our protector and sustainer and wants nothing more than to have a relationship with us now and in Heaven.
While not a substitute for God’s Word, hymns and worship songs can play an integral part in our walk with Christ when paired with His Word. I use my “playlist” to remind me of God’s love and faithfulness, His gift of salvation, and His joy and peace, with songs that work for the good days, bad days, down days, and everything in between. We are called to praise the Lord enthusiastically (extol) at all times and I believe that having a great playlist you can turn to is a good start.
