The Joy Of A Song

I’ve always known about myself, that music is like a tonic to my inner being. Music renews me, refreshes me, uplifts me. When I am down, the best way up, is through the joy of a song, but not any song; it must be a song of praise to the One I love so much.

I was reminded of this beautiful fact, just this week, while walking down a dusty, broken sidewalk, during my current visit into Central Asia. I took note of the poor conditions around me: two homeless men sleeping by a ditch, children gathering water for their families from pumps by the side of the road, ladies picking through crates of tired looking tomatoes and cucumbers for the freshest ones. I’m very aware of the financial burdens the people face on a daily basis. They are constantly seeking a way to purchase food, medicines, and pay utility bills. Inflation climbs higher while their salaries and pensions remain the same. Everyone, also, keeps their eyes on political tensions. There have been three uprisings in the last ten years that all resulted in bloodshed. There are rumors of another to come.

As the above thoughts were racing through my mind as I walked along the broken sidewalk, something else brought my feet to a stop. It was the singing. Singing, from above. No, not a host of angels appearing, but a flock of sparrows chirping and singing their little hearts out. Oh, what beauty to my ears, and what a tonic to my heart!

Do you remember the example that Jesus gave his disciples in Matthew 6? The example about the birds and the lilies of the fields? Jesus pointed out that, even the birds and the flowers didn’t worry about the troubles around them. Therefore, Jesus encouraged, if you and I are loved more than the flowers and the birds, then why don’t we simply trust our Father, too? If He cares for nature, and He does, how much more does He love and care for you and me?

Beneath the trees, the world is broken, hurting, and suffering deeply; but above, the world is full of rapturous song! It is the song of the Father that lifts our hearts in times of pain and suffering. As the Psalmist wrote in chapter 96:1,11-12, “Sing a new song to the Lord! Let the whole earth sing to the Lord! Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice! Let the sea and everything in it shout His praise! Let the fields and their crops burst forth with joy! Let the trees of the forest rustle with praise before the Lord!”

Never forget — while the world around you may be dismal, to those who know the Father, there is a song of gladness to soothe all wounds. Let us learn from The Creator’s creation, the joy of a song!