GOD’S SONGBOOK

GOD’S SONGBOOK

A devotion looking at the God’s Songbook in the Bible the book of Psalms 

Scripture:

…. speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing
and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for
everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. – Ephesians 5:19-20 –

Thought:

Recently, I have started reading a book about the Psalms. It seems as if there are so many purposes for the psalms. One aspect that really affects my spirit is the fact that the Psalms are really “songs “of poetry about God and our lives. In fact, the Psalms are poetry that were originally sung by the Israelites in worship. The very word “psalm” comes from the Greek “psalmos” – “the sound emanating from plucking or twanging with the hands or fingers, usually from musical strings.” Psalms were never meant to be read like prose but sung as songs. Many Christians only hear the Psalms read, or so they think. Just a few of the song titles that are derived from Psalms are:

Psalm 46:1-11 – A Mighty Fortress Is Our God
Psalm 90:1-17 – O God, Our Help in Ages Past
Psalm 126:1-6 – Bringing in the Sheaves

I realized that today, October 1, is National Poetry Day. In the psalms or “poetry” of the Bible, real persons write words that come from their heart. They speak of their “experiences” from their hearts. They use their real-life feelings and situations to delve into their souls. For example, excerpts from Psalm 46 (A Mighty Fortress is Our God) mentioned above:

God is our refuge and strength,
    an ever-present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
    and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
The LORD Almighty is with us;
    the God of Jacob is our fortress.

The song, based on Psalm 46, was composed by Martin Luther during a time of hiding (in a castle with a “fortress”) away from the authorities who meant to harm him for his thoughts and concepts of The Reformation. 

WOW! Gods’ Words from the Bible are brought to Luther’s mind as he was fearful of a real-life situation. He was so grateful that God saved him, that he penned one of the most popular hymns of the Christian church.

It shows us that Gods’ Word is not just words on a page, but something we can rely on when needed. So, if in fear of something or someone, His Word can comfort us and protect us. When the words are put to music in a hymn, it becomes ALIVE with Gods’ Love! Who would have thought that words that were written down thousands of years ago, would be utilized for a beautiful hymn by a Protestant reformer at least 1500 years later!

Gods’ Word, whether through the psalms, poetry, or song, is timeless. Our human experience is personal, yes. Yet, when God gets involved, His Love transcends time and place, and covers every human emotion or experience. So, if I pick up a bedraggled, old Bible from my grandmother, dust it off and open it to the Psalms, I can not only understand what David experienced, but translate it to my present circumstances. The musical notes can dance upon the page and transform a prayer about fear into a tune that comforts me. The “experience” of someone thousands of years ago can metamorphosize into a song of protection. God’s Word, nay, God’s Songs are forever in our hearts and souls.

Prayer:

Hear my song O God. Take your Word and place it upon my heart to comfort me. Let me sing your praises aloud! Help me to carry your Word with me at all times in the songbook of the Bible. Listen not to my humanly weak voice but instead let the song of my spirit fall softy upon your ears. Help me to sing of You boldly and beautifully! As I sing of your Love, please allow the notes to change someone’s heart and bring them closer to You. AMEN.