Psalms and Hymns and Spiritual Songs
In 1926, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, then a physician in Wales, went to London with friends to a theater performance. He later said, "I have no idea what the play was about at all, but they were very excited about it. What I remember is this: as we came out of the theater to the blare and glare of Leicester Square, suddenly, a Salvation Army band came along playing some hymn tunes and I knew these were my people. I have never forgotten it" (Iain H. Murray, D.M. Lloyd-Jones: The First Forty Years). Music in general, and hymns in particular, can deeply touch the soul.
When we gather each Lord's Day for corporate worship, do the hymns touch your soul? Do you join the singing, or stand silently? Our true worship leader, the Lord Jesus, who is present by his Spirit, invites us to enter in.
Why sing? First, singing activates our spirits, instructs our souls, and speaks truth to our minds. Hymns are short sermons or prayers in melody and verse, and they stick with us. Second, singing encourages the faith of others around us, creating a "lift" for the entire congregation. It says, "I believe and trust these things."
Finally, and most importantly, singing expresses honor to God. "O clap your hands, all peoples; shout to God with the voice of joy. For the LORD Most High is to be feared, a great King over all the earth" (Psalm 47:1). He commands that we sing!
What if I don't like the style of music? Work at developing a taste for it - as you once did for a new food or drink.
Don't recognize the tunes or know the words? Check the Order of Worship on the website or church app the night before worship, and look up the hymns. Listen to the tunes on free websites, such as
www.songsandhymns.org. Read the behind-the-scene stories of the authors and musicians who wrote them on sites such as
www.challies.com or in books such as “Amazing Grace: 366 Inspiring Hymn Stories for Daily Devotions” by Kenneth W. Osbeck. You may be amazed how richly this enhances the worship experience.
Want to grow in your knowledge and love of hymns and spiritual songs? There are so many ways! Volunteer to help with one of the many children's, youth, or adult choirs, or join the Summer Choir for all ages and skill levels. Enjoy a relaxing, beautiful week at
the annual music conference at Bonclarken the week of July 14-19. Sing hymns at home alone, or in the shower, or in the car. Take voice or music lessons (attempting a new skill stimulates the brain, with both cognitive and spiritual benefits).
Psalms and hymns and spiritual songs are soul food. They keep us growing in the grace and knowledge of our Lord, who is worthy to praised.
Ken Wingate
Elder
