Psalms, Hymns, & Spiritual Songs
Updated: Sep 6, 2023
NKJV
"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with
Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs,
Singing with Grace in your Heart to the Lord."
***
I am sitting on my swing in my backyard gently swaying pushing off the patio with my toes. Forward and back...toe then heal..then back again.The sway is so soothing as I enjoy the beauty of the summer garden. It is a warm summer morning, the heat of the day is still comfortable at this hour. The soft pinks and purples of the flower baskets so pretty amidst the green backdrop of the meadow. The thin arching leaves of the day-lilies awaiting the arrival of their blooms. Mottled sunshine is gently dancing through the tear-shaped leaves of the birch trees. I sit upon that little swing and smile to myself. I am in my happy little garden so content and filled with such peace. I am charmed by the beauty of the garden God has given me to tend to on this side of paradise.
I've watered those pretty little flowers and refreshed the birdbath. I watch the birds at the feeder who are unafraid of my presence; and for a moment or two imagining myself in an enchanted garden of folklore...nay...paradise!
I ask The Lord ...
"Do the songbirds of the morning, who bring me such joy, sound just as sweet in heaven?"
I feel what the psalmist may have been trying to say to me:
"Burst into Jubilant Song with Music"
Psalm 98
(NIV)
4 Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth, Burst into Jubilant Song with Music; 5 make music to the Lord with the harp, with the harp and the sound of singing, 6 with trumpets and the blast of the ram’s horn— Shout for joy before the Lord, the King.
7 Let the sea resound, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it. 8 Let the rivers clap their hands, let the mountains Sing together for joy;
God, creator of all heaven and earth, did He not also create music and song? Is He not indeed the Maestro of all maestros! With but only the breath of His word He created the heavens and the earth; the sun and the moon; the seas and the ground; every plant and every animal!! "Then God said 'let there be light'...and there was light!" Did He not in fact make man in His image..."male and female he created them." (Genesis1:1 // 1:27) I marvel that God knows me for He in fact created me..."He knit me together in my mother's womb." (Psalm 139:13)
I try to imagine what the Garden of Eden must have looked like...its beautiful and lush vegetation newly created by God. Imagining the sounds of the songbirds high above the ground in the canopy of the trees; imagining the gentleness of all God's creatures upon the earth unafraid to come near me. I imagine walking and talking with God Himself "in the cool of the day". I am filled with such joy on this most spectacular of summer mornings! The earth does indeed shout for joy on this glorious summer morning. As all the earth is compelled to sing and to praise God with joy, I too am compelled to join with all of creation in song. I sing quietly at first, then gradually my voice is full and bold...I am lost in that glorious moment with all of creation worshiping God!!
"Perfect Love Casts Out Fear"
1John 4:18
ESV
A diagnosis of cancer brings with it a certain amount of fear. Fear can be such an intense emotion. Cancer is a real and known threat to our health and wellbeing, both physical and emotional. Emotions can vary in its intensity at different times on our cancer journey. Fear of the unknown...fear of the disease itself... and fear of the treatment with its own side effects.
Only a few brave souls will touch on the subject of your mortality with you. I am fortunate enough to have been blessed by God with a few of those brave enough to allow me to express myself. I share about the life I've lived and dreams both realized and unrealized...saving my deepest and most private thoughts for God alone. To express my belief in God...and as Jesus Christ as my Savior...and if I do leave this world...the promise that I claim through Jesus Christ...His gift and promise of eternal life. I have gained wisdom from other Christians who have had cancer before me...
"If I stay in this world, I am blessed;
or if I enter into God's Kingdom I am blessed.
I win either way!!"
I look to the Holy Scriptures for direction and encouragement. I feel like Jacob of the Bible who wrestled with God throughout the night. (Genesis 32:22-32) At times I was so sick with the cancer itself or its treatment. So often I hadn't the strength to pick up my bible to read. However, God had placed in my life others who would teach and share scripture and song early in the morning to start my day. Jacob would not let God go until God blessed him. I too will not let God go, for in faith I do not know what my blessing will look like. Will I continue to see many more glorious mornings?...or will I be crowned in eternity at Jesus' feet? Whatever the outcome, it's all a part of His amazing grace.
I lie on my couch, my laptop computer open on the coffee table. I listen to the much needed messages of God's promises piercing my heart. At times songs and their lyrics touching my heart, in places so deep and so hidden, my soul so overwhelmed... I burst into uncontrollable tears. Laying on that couch with my eyes closed, assured that wherever I am on this journey Jesus is right there beside me, even in the midst of this cancer.
***
Lord God, Our Heavenly Father
We thank you for
the Life
You
Have Breathed
Into Each One of
Us
When our Journey on this difficult road
Overwhelms us
We are assured of
Your Presence
Lord God
May
Your Spirit
Touch our Hearts
With
Your Grace
When we Arise each Morning
Seeking the Face of
Jesus
Amen
