Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. (Colossians 3:16 ESV)
Fear Not...Then Sing
I do not enjoy drinking water. I am not sure if it is a personally quirk, a genetic irregularity, an environmental oddity, or just personal choice. But I do not enjoy drinking water.
But I still drink water. I drink it in Diet Coke, I drink it in iced tea, I drink it in coffee, I drink it in fruit juice, and I drink a tiny bit of it in alcohol. I understand that without water, my body would die. I consume it, even in mixed forms, because it is necessary.
Lately, on days of particular weather, at times when it is convenient, or when for some reason, it simply sounds good, I have chosen to drink water, and I have smiled. It is not so bad, maybe.
I know some folk who do not enjoy music. I am not sure if it is a personality quirk, a genetic irregularity, an environmental oddity, or just personal choice. But they do not enjoy music.
Paul urges them to partake anyway. Because it is good for us. Maybe even because it is necessary. Sometimes we whistle when we are afraid. Sometimes we hum along with the radio in a moment of crises. Sometimes we remember songs when we are emotionally struggling. And all of those are good music options.
But Paul urges us particularly to use music after the struggles, problems, pains, worries, and fears are gone. He instructs us to use music to give thanks to God.
Music does sooth our passions, righteous and unrighteous. Music does inspire us to continue the good fight. Music does help us find strength, and hope, and maybe even faith.
But music is also a great way to express our gratitude. The disciples sang a hymn when leaving the first Lord’s Supper. (Matthew 26:30) Miriam led the Israelites in singing after the crossing of the Red Sea. (Exodus 15:21) And Paul breaks out in song when he is overwhelmed by a fresh understanding of God’s Grace. (Romans 11:33-36)
I do not really understand it. But God uses music to speak to us, and for us to speak to Him. Particularly in the calm after the storm. Stop and sing today!
Fear not, then sing