Music, a Healing Balm
Today has been one of those days. If you are a parent, you know what I mean. Not that the kids were difficult or disobedient at all. In fact, Charis is reading to her sisters right now, and I love her all the more for it. No, it was one of those days because the worries of this world threatened to overwhelm me. In my first week of seminary, reading hundreds of pages (and still only half way done with one class for the week), dealing with potty training, early dismissal from school, bringing treats, working from home, a tornado watch, etc... It all got to me today.
This is an unusual thing for me. Typically I am able to role with just about anything. I have a high capacity for stressful situations. So why was today so difficult? I don't know. Some days are just harder than others I guess. The important thing is how we respond to them. So, how did I respond? I went to the thing that heals my soul more than almost anything else, scriptural music.
As I began to prepare dinner, I needed to refocus my mind on the promises of God. Reading the Bible and making tomato sauce can be tricky, so I put on my worship "encouragement" playlist and let scripture be preached to my soul, married with sweet melodies and encouraging words. It is no surprise that many of the songs I heard came right from the Psalms and puritan prayers. As songs like Psalm 62, In the Valley, Be Still, and Yet I Will Praise washed over me, the Spirit brought peace. I was able to rest, even while making dinner. I think that is the essence of Philippians 4: 6-7 - "...do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (ESV)
So now, as I wait for dinner to cool and prepare for more reading and study in the evening ahead, I can rest on the promises of God, that He is my God, that sorrows may last for the night, but joy comes with the morning (Ps. 30:5).
This is an unusual thing for me. Typically I am able to role with just about anything. I have a high capacity for stressful situations. So why was today so difficult? I don't know. Some days are just harder than others I guess. The important thing is how we respond to them. So, how did I respond? I went to the thing that heals my soul more than almost anything else, scriptural music.
As I began to prepare dinner, I needed to refocus my mind on the promises of God. Reading the Bible and making tomato sauce can be tricky, so I put on my worship "encouragement" playlist and let scripture be preached to my soul, married with sweet melodies and encouraging words. It is no surprise that many of the songs I heard came right from the Psalms and puritan prayers. As songs like Psalm 62, In the Valley, Be Still, and Yet I Will Praise washed over me, the Spirit brought peace. I was able to rest, even while making dinner. I think that is the essence of Philippians 4: 6-7 - "...do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (ESV)
So now, as I wait for dinner to cool and prepare for more reading and study in the evening ahead, I can rest on the promises of God, that He is my God, that sorrows may last for the night, but joy comes with the morning (Ps. 30:5).
You are such an amazing husband to take care of EVERYTHING while I am away. I am so glad you gound your rock in worshipping God. I love you.
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