"Songs from the Psalms"

 

“Songs from the Psalms”

 

In Colossians 3:16 Paul says, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly…as you sing, psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.” (Similar words are found in Ephesians 5:19.) Commentators have suggested that psalms refers to setting Scripture to music, hymns to those melodies that express our belief in the great doctrines of our faith and spiritual songs tell of our experiences of living out our commitment to Christ. A Men’s Bible Study I led in our New Hampshire church once took the musical numbers we used in our services and discussed how they fit into these categories which helped us to better understand our worship and praise in song.

In the hymnal (remember those?) we made available in the pews for use in our traditionally formatted service each of the 800+ selections gave its scriptural basis under the title. Of these many came from the Psalms, Israel’s hymnbook (or as someone once said, “Himbook”). Here are a few examples—please look up the references and read the entire Psalm along with the songs’ words:

*”As the Deer” (42:1). Karen once saw a deer drinking  from a pond while she was on a walk which touched her in a way she needed at that moment (she called in a “God hug”).

*”Surely Goodness and Mercy” (23:6). Many have been comforted by these words over the 3000 years since David wrote them.

*”Cleanse Me” (139:23-24). This is a prayer of David asking God to search his heart, forgive his sin and renew his relationship with Him.

*”I Exalt Thee” (97:9). Only God is worthy of our worship and praise.

*”Sing unto the Lord” (96:1-4). All creation cries out in praise whether He’s recognized or not (see Psalm 19:1-6).

*”This Is the Day.” (118:24). I usually sing this to myself at the start of each new day. Try it—it may set the tone for what lies ahead.

Music is a great way to worship and praise our Lord. And no source could be better than His Word. So lift up your voice to Him even if it’s a “joyful noise” (Psalm 100:1, KJV).

 

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan