It’s happened to you, hasn’t it? Out of the blue, a song you haven’t heard in years pops into your mind. It’s funny how that happens. And when it’s a God-centered song, it usually starts ministering to your soul.
What is our hope in life and death?
Christ alone, Christ alone.
What is our only confidence?
That our souls to Him belong.
“Psalms and hymns and spirituals songs” serve as faithful friends to declare who God is, who we are, and the hope we have in the blood of the Lamb. They proclaim the glorious gospel to the lost and serve as trustworthy teachers to each generation.
What truth can calm the troubled soul?
God is good, God is good.
Where is His grace and goodness known?
In our great Redeemer’s blood.
Songs of the faith, empowered by the Holy Spirit, lift us high above our cheerless condition. They bring a welcomed clarity allowing us to see things as our Father sees them. Hope returns to the weary soul. “I shall again praise Him, my salvation and my God" (Psalm 42:11).
Who holds our days within His hand?
What comes, apart from His command?
And what will keep us to the end?
The love of Christ, in which we stand.
With the Spirit’s assistance, biblical lyrics preach to us, refresh us, and give us hearts that long for that day when we will see our King face to face.
Unto the grave, what shall we sing?
“Christ, He lives; Christ, He lives!”
And what reward will heaven bring?
Everlasting life with Him.
Paul urged the Ephesian followers of Jesus Christ to make certain that songs were a part of their lives for their sake and the sake of others. You and I are called to do the same, and it all begins with a Spirit-filled heart:
Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time because the days are evil. …but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ (Ephesians 5:15-21).
Who hasn’t felt the weight of the evil of the times we live in? It can bring a tiresome burden that can serve to silence our song if we’re not careful. But we must not “hang our harps upon the willows” (Psalm 137:2) as the Israelites did during the Babylonian exile.
For those who belong to Christ, there is reason after reason to have a song in our hearts. Wonder of wonders, this holy God stooped down to rescue a sinful people like us. And have you not found Him to be a faithful Father? Consider the assurance you and I have from His Word that He will keep us to the end - no matter the foes. “If God is for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31). The list of reasons to sing to our King is pretty much endless.
O sing hallelujah!
Our hope springs eternal;
O sing hallelujah!
Now and ever, we confess,
Christ our hope in life and death.
Perhaps David’s prayer should be our prayer today: “O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise" (Psalm 51:15).
May God stir our hearts to look away from the troubles of the day and sing to Him!
--
As I write this blog, a colleague walked past my door humming “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing.” It’s funny how that happens.
(“Christ Our Hope in Life or Death” was written by Keith Getty, Matt Boswell, Jordan Kauflin, Matt Merker, and Matt Papa.)
