A New Song
May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer. Psalm 19:14
He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear the Lord and put their trust in him. Psalm 40:3
INSIGHT
Songs bring us to places. We hear a tune, and instantly we're transported back to our childhood, high school years, or a significant event of the past. Songs provide us with information. It's why we know that Jenny's phone number is 867-5309 and that the mode of transportation for that small-town girl who was living in a lonely world was a midnight train.
Songs also lead us into situations where our hearts are exposed. When we're down in the dumps, some tunes pick us back up. When we're nervous or unsure of ourselves, we cling to lyrics that inspire us to reach new heights. When we find that special someone, a song defines that relationship. Anger, worry, love, laughter - all the emotions under the sun have a piece describing them.
For many of us, music serves as an escape. There's a place inside each of us where the rats dwell, and fear resides. It may be subtle. Sometimes it's obvious. Or, we've become an expert at concealing and containing it. When these thoughts and feelings creep to the surface, we turn the music up.
Yet, regardless of the volume of the song, those places don't go away. Because of these places of insecurity, fear, and restlessness, we can't be still. The stillness reminds us of restlessness. The turmoil makes us wonder but in the wrong direction. We wonder what's wrong with me, what did I do, and if things could ever be different. There is no freedom in living this way. There is no fullness - except for the chaos, pain, anger, and insecurities that clog our hearts.
How does God tell us to respond to this madness? Quite simply, He tells us to learn a new song. God invites us to be still, wonder, and reflect on His love. Worship is a weapon that pushes the darkness back to help us see beyond our circumstances and the emotion of our current situation. Christ's love puts a new song in our hearts.
Throughout the book of Psalm, we witness the writers pour out their hearts to God. Yet, amid their pain, worry, anger, and anxiety, worship springs up to refocus their eyes and refuel their hearts. We don't get filled with His love by working harder, promising more, or trying to earn it. We get filled by grasping not with our hands, but our hearts.
The way to be loved is to be still. We take in His love so it takes over our hearts. Love doesn't politely invite fear to leave. Through singing a better song, love comes in full force to drive it out. Yet, resting in His love does so much more. It enables us to not view stillness as a potentially scary proposition, but rather an invitation to align our hearts with what it has been searching for all along. Love always overflows in a creative expression. His love for us empowers us to love and awakens us to see.
REFLECTION
Where do you need to use worship as a weapon? What would worship be battling against in this situation?
PRAYER
God, allow a new song to arise in my heart. When I'm worried, let me worship. When I feel restless, let me rest. When I struggle, let me be still. Help me to trust in Your love and let this security guide my steps. In Your name, Jesus. Amen.
