Today’s Verse:
I am speaking in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs (Ephesians 5:19).
In Context:
So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like
those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days.
Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do. Don’t be
drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the
Holy Spirit, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and
making music to the Lord in your hearts. And give thanks for everything
to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ (Ephesians 5: 15-20,
NLT)
Sound familiar, well it should. This is the same set of
context verses as from my Day 8 RTM blog post.
The difference this time is the verse number. In Day 8, it was verse 18,
now it’s verse 19, and there is much to gain from each verse in this powerful,
yet concise 5 verses written by Paul to the church in Ephesus.
In terms of how we can renew our minds when considering
these verses, particularly verse 19 (singing psalms and hymns and spiritual
songs…), I think this one is the most straightforward of them all so far. Let me explain why. My son and I just
recently finished watching the last season of American Idol together on TV. It
was a very emotional season, and more than once the judges of the show
(Jennifer Lopez, Keith Urban, and Harry Connick Jr.) explore with the contestants what they
believe/think the purpose of music is including things like to make others feel
what you feel and to connect with others through what you sing. I can’t remember the exact words by one of
the judges, but I do remember how powerful it was because her comment
emphasized the idea that although music is not what many would consider a
“service type” industry, it still serves an important purpose in touching
people and often moving them to action, either to better themselves or help one
another.
I agree wholeheartedly with the judges’ thoughts on music’s
purpose. I know the purpose it has served for me….to get me through hard times,
to calm my fears, to bring me joy, to remind me that I am not alone in this
world or my experiences, and to express my own emotions in a healthy manner. Singing has always been my favorite part of
church services, my favorite thing to do in the car on long rides, and a way to
share my thoughts and feelings (similar to writing-it can be a therapeutic experience
for me). So, what can we learn about
ways to renew your mind through this verse? Simple, when you need a pick me up
on a rough day, put on your favorite song and jam away! Music has always been
able to bring me out of a funk. How ‘bout you?
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