Every morning my lovely wife reads for us from one of two hymnals we have that contain songs from the eighteen hundreds and earlier. Yes, I said read, for neither of us can read music, and our singing talents, so to speak, are best reflected in this verse.
“Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;” (Eph. 5:19)
Many, if not most of the songs in those books, are about release, release from the burdens of life, the struggles that were in those days, and to tell the truth, all the days before them. They contain phrases of desire to be gone, removed, from the day-to-day struggle just for survival, and the rest awaiting all who have been born again in heaven that they speak of is a real need, for life was difficult.
“And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.” (1st Tim. 6:8)
Of the few songs written by those who profess to serve the Living God over the last two or three decades that I have heard, those desires seem to be missing, instead they seem to focus mainly on praise. Some of them, not all of course, but many of them seem to be designed, specifically for those who want to stand together, hands raised in the air, and sway back and forth while basically just repeating the same words essentially over and over.
Seeking for an emotionally charged moment, attempting to be enraptured by a deep feeling, instead of a great desire.
Such is the subtly of Satan my friends.
A moment of an emotional state of exaltation that fades away over time, a very short period of time, that needs refreshing continuously, instead of a true heartfelt desire to remain where those who are hid in Christ should be. Serving in joy no matter the circumstances, desiring to be removed from this most evil world, but patiently going about what He would have us to do until our own appointed time.
“For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you.” (Phil. 1:23-24)
I bring all of that to your attention for this reason. When life begins to be more difficult, when the struggles start to become real, the songs of our heart changes. And really, it seems to be so simple for that to occur in many when it should not even be noticed.
Fuel prices, food prices, shelves in the stores becoming empty, everything costing more, yet wages continue to lag far behind. And the songs change from praise and thanksgiving to those desiring to be released.
When life is going fairly well, as expected, items of expectations still within our means, we lift our hands in the air and sway back and forth, relishing in those emotionally uplifting moments.
When a simple trip to the grocery store costs twice as much as it did just a few months ago, the songs are altered from praise to a desire to be at home with our Savior. And many seem to have forgotten this verse.
“But he said unto her, Thou speakest as one of the foolish women speaketh. What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil? (Job 2:10a)
Downturned faces and lowered hands, not praise and thankfulness for His provisions, care and love for us in tumultuous times.
It really does not take much more than a mild breeze to separate some of the chaff from the wheat.
“In your patience possess ye your souls.” (Luke 21:19)
If you do not feel like singing, at least keep making that joyful noise in your heart.