Charity Autry, Member since 2008, Families in Faith Sunday School Leader, Starting Point Leader, VBS Chair (Children’s Ministry Council)

Psalm 95:1-2 (English Standard Version)
1 Oh come, let us sing to the Lord;
    let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation!
2 Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving;
    let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise!

Reflection:
My family and I just recently returned to in-person worship services. After seven long months, it was just what our souls needed. We have been attending virtual bible studies, virtual Sunday School, and virtual worship. Even though we were doing all these things, something was missing—fellowship. We missed being in a room with our community praising God together. After the worship service, my kids actually thanked me for taking them to church! But I must tell you it was hard not to sing! Out of an abundance of caution, our congregation does not sing to reduce the risk of passing Covid-19 to one another. This is challenging because, for me, singing is as big a part of worship as praying. I invite you to join me in sing/praying with the lyrics I’ve dispersed through this devotional. 

Zach Williams & Dolly Parton -“There was Jesus”
“In the waiting, in the searching, in the healing and the hurting, like a blessing in the broken pieces…there was Jesus”

Did you know “sing” is mentioned in the Bible over 100 times (at least according to my Google search)? it is also said to be mentioned more than “pray.” The first mention of singing is in Exodus 14:1-21, Moses’ song of deliverance and praise after God led Israel out of Egypt. According to my Life Application Study Bible, “this song of Moses is the oldest recorded song in the world”! Historically, when people are sad or want to celebrate, they sing! As Psalm 95 says, we can go to God in songs of forgiveness, thankfulness or just praise.   

Ash Rising (St. Luke’s Contemporary Worship Band) -“Grateful”
“Grateful for the pain and strength in my weakness” 

Psalm 95:1-2 says for us to “make a joyful noise”! It does not say we have to make a joyful noise at church only. We can turn on music at home or in the car! I have created my favorite Christian stations on my music apps. When my mother-in-law died, I immediately turned to music. At 4 a.m. in the morning, leaving the hospital, I searched the Dallas radio stations for a Christian music channel. Once I found one, I listened, I knew Jesus was there with me. I do not listen only in times of struggle, I listen every day for prayer, communion, and worship. There is always a Christian radio station in the car or at home. I catch my kids singing along all the time. Even though they do not know they are praising Jesus, I do.

Mercy Me -“I Can Only Imagine”
“I can only imagine what it will be like when I walk by your side”

Music also helps us to remember that all of those that came before us turned to God in song. The entire book of Psalms is there to prove it. These poems/songs remind us that everyone has troubles and everyone at one point or time will struggle. Singing helps us during these times of struggle and allows us an avenue to reach out to God. So, for now, I will hum along and do everything I can not to belt out a verse at in-person worship. However, if you hear a small eight-year-old voice singing, please know I tried to hush him. He will have a harsh talking too; after church of course.

Casting Crowns -“God of All My Days”
“I look to you drowning in my question, and found the God that holds all wisdom…You are the God of all my days”

Prayer:
God, please hear our songs! Sometimes we don’t know how to come to you with our praise or struggles, please help us use music to praise you. Thank you for the music and hymns you have blessed us with. Amen

Anna Bartlet Warner -“Jesus Loves Me”
“Jesus loves me, this I know”