Songs for the Soul

Living in the Spirit
August 17, 2018

Scripture Reading: Ephesians 5:15-20

Be careful then how you live, not as unwise people but as wise, making the most of the time, because the days are evil. So do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. Do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery; but be filled with the Spirit, as you sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, singing and making melody to the Lord in your hearts, giving thanks to God the Father at all times and for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

 My Dad played the guitar and sang most evenings. I went to sleep to the sound of country blues. I think it soothed his soul. On probably my first sleepover with a friend, as we laid side by side in her bed and everything was quiet, I asked her when her dad was going to sing. She had no idea what I was talking about. I guess I inherited my love of music from my Dad.

David played the harp and sang to the sheep. He also sang to King Saul to soothe his soul. The Israelites sang to celebrate the laying of the temple foundation after their return from Exile. Jesus and the Disciples sang a hymn at the close of their Last Supper together before leaving for the Mount of Olives. Paul and Silas sang in prison.

The scripture above is the source of one of my favorite childhood songs, I Have a Song that Jesus Gave Me.

I have a song that Jesus gave me,
It was sent from Heav’n above;
There never was a sweeter melody,
’Tis the melody of love.
Refrain
In my heart there rings a melody,
There rings a melody with Heaven’s harmony;
In my heart there rings a melody,
There rings a melody of love*.

 The Book of Psalms is a great source of soul-soothing messages. Let us all sing God’s songs to prepare us for our work in his love.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for the gift of music that enlightens us about your love. Amen.

*First verse and refrain of I Have a Song that Jesus Gave Me by Elton M. Roth. See at http://www.hymntime.com/tch/htm/i/h/a/ihavsong.htm

All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights are reserved.