There is no doubt that men’s lives are often times captivated and motivated by music. Music has the ability to capture emotions and situations and connect to its listeners. Music can be very intimate, to both the artist performing or writing and the one enjoying and connecting to the song. God made men this way. There is something about a beat, a rhythm, and words that mesmerize and enthrall the soul.

Some artists have performed songs and epitomize and encapsulate the song, they became synonymous with the song. Their rendition of the song has been immortalized and forever etched in history. This author is thinking of Lee Greenwood’s, “God Bless The U.S.A” or Whitney Houston’s Super Bowl XXV performance of “The Star-Spangled Banner”, in 1991. The essence of the song was captured in a masterful way by the singers, and these moments were special- instant legends of musical history. Their performance of the songs were more than words and notes, but an embodiment of the song. This has happened with many artists, so these examples aren’t meant to be anything more than examples. When this kind of musical magic happens, it is breathtaking.

What about when someone lives the Christian life? This writer has been fortunate, as many of you have also, to have witnessed people live the Christian life. A Christian life, well lived, is one of endurance, steadfastness, and devotion. These characteristics propel a person through a life of hardship and struggle, gain and loss, laughter and tears. Once a person has lived through all the ups and downs of life, they have gained an experience and tempered their faith into something like a masterpiece, a life that’s like a beautiful song.

The Christian life is the most beautiful life anyone could lead. It is full of grace, so it is graceful. It is compassionate, so it is full of love in every way. This kind of life is breathtaking, just like the artist rendition of a beautiful song. All will struggle, and this writer is not suggesting the Christian life is easy, but he is suggesting that those who have devoted themselves to the Lord and live consecrated lives are often known as, “Gentlemen, humble, helpful, graceful, meek, generous, loving, empathetic, etc.”

It is that kind of life, propelled by a godly disposition, that moves along the rugged waves of a volatile existence and traverses this vale as in a graceful song. The highs and lows of their lives are gracefully woven together, like the harmonious notes of a beautiful melody. What a blessing it is to witness this kind of grace and life- the Christian life as in a song.

Songs do many different things. They are for enjoyment, yes, but they are much more than that. The Bible informs its readers that songs 1) teach (Colossians 3:16) 2) encourage (Colossians 3:16) 3) tell stories (Psalm 137:3) 4) express emotions (Psalm 6:6-7) 5) convey a belief in faith (Psalm 23, 27, 62, 63, 91) 6) Can make repetitive work less tiresome.

Songs teach

Songs, namely Christian hymns, teach moral and ethical lessons of how to live the Christian life. They deal with temptations and trials, doctrinal matters, and many other topics that help reinforce sound principles by which those singing them gain strength and wisdom to continue on the right path. The psalms were the “Jewish hymnal”, and many of the psalms teach very deep theological lessons. If a Christian will sing songs that remind them of the awesome God they serve, maybe they will be equipped to face the torrential rains of life. If a Christian will sing words that become sound doctrine (Titus 2:1), maybe they will be better equipped to recognize false doctrine and earnestly contend for the faith (Jude 1:3). There is no doubt that songs teach and their teaching can be very beneficial to those who engage in their message.

Songs encourage

Songs encourage their singers to live the life and express their faith. This writer thinks of the song, Sing and You’ll Be Happy.” This particular song recognizes that skies are grey and people can feel blue. It also encourages them to see the silver lining that shines in the heavenly land. It encourages them to “lift your voice and praise Him in song, sing and be happy today.” This is important encouragement that helps to direct the thoughts of the suffering to the savior.

Songs tell stories

Songs are powerful in their ability to tell a story. Think of the song, “The Old Rugged Cross” or “Tell Me the Story of Jesus”. How long has it been since you contemplated the words of, “10 Thousand Angels?” Songs tell stories of God bringing a promise to the world (God Put a Rainbow In the Cloud) or victory for His people in battle (The Walls Came Tumbling Down). These stories are rich and influential as singers raise these anthems in praise to God.

Songs express emotions

God made mankind emotional beings. The human family experience a myriad of emotions, and some are extremely strong. The Bible teaches the need for self-control, which is mastering, to an extent, the human range of emotions. Songs convey emotions. Christian’s sing, “I Love the Lord” or “When I Survey the Wonderous Cross” that pull at the heart strings. They teach, encourage, motivate, and tell beautiful stories of Jesus and His love. The Psalms are full of human emotions. God knew men would struggle with the gauntlet of emotions they deal with, so He gave us a book, full of men and women, who like us, struggle with emotions. This allows folks like this author, and you, to identify with the biblical narrative.

Songs convey a belief in faith

As Christians, we adhere to a system of faith. Our faith is expressed by the way we live and what we hope in. Songs convey this belief. Maybe consider the song, “Living By Faith” or “My Hope is Built.” These rich anthems solidify the bedrock truth that His children are not alone here in the world. God has not left His people down in this mess alone. “I Know the Lord Will Make A Way For Me” comes to mind. Gods’ family does not doubt His control of destiny or His power to bring about victory. Thus, they sing “I Know Whom I Have Believed” and “Victory in Jesus”.

Songs make repetitive work less tiresome

Songs have the uncanny ability to put “wind” back into sails. Songs can make the tiresome day pass with a sense of joy and accomplishment, and they should. When one spends their day with a song on their lips, they are working constantly to direct their thought process. They are truly “thinking on things which are above” (Colossians 3:1-4). It can help the weary soul to make another pass, if through his lips will slip a song, “Sing Me A Song About Him”. These tunes will fit your mind to the task and put pep in your step. How helpful a song can be!

It is through song that God has saw fit to bring about many blessings. And it is amazing to see how much a song can accomplish. A life lived in praise through song will soon be like itself a song, sweet and graceful. Worthy of repeating and emulating. A life that recognizes the value of blessing the Lord, “Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless His holy name” (Psalm 103:1) will soon be a blessing to those about them. “And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them” (Acts 16:25). It is a life lived in song that begins to immolate the beauty of one.

God wants your life to be beautiful like a song. Your song may accompany trial and heartache, but with Jesus, it will always end in victory. “For greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world” and “this is the victory that overcomes the world, even our faith” (1 John 4:4; 5:4).

If the church at Eastside can help you in any way, if we can study the Bible with you, reach out to us below. God bless you.