Worship Songs
Stop.
Close your eyes and think of the incredible things God has done in your life. How do they make you feel? What song comes to mind as you think about God’s power in your life?
Listen.
Then Moses and the Israelites sang this song to the Lord: “I will sing to the Lord, for he has triumphed gloriously; horse and rider he has thrown into the sea. The Lord is my strength and my might, and he has become my salvation; this is my God, and I will praise him, my father’s God, and I will exalt him.” – Exodus 15:1-2
Reflect.
Singing has always been part of how believers worship and praise our God. Sometimes it’s planned and choreographed, as we often see in psalms. Sometimes it’s spontaneous and organic, like in this passage from Exodus. In this part of the story, God’s people have just been freed from slavery and cannot help but rejoice and sing to God, celebrating God’s actions, and praising God for these powerful acts.
It’s possible you’re a more creative person than I am, but I’m going to guess you don’t make up a lot of songs on the spot. That’s okay! Your ability to praise, sing, and rejoice in what God does doesn’t have to be any less authentic and jubilant. If it feels meaningful to your faith and life to have something that can be your go-to song, you can try memorizing something.
It can be surprisingly meaningful to have a few favorite worship songs ready in your head. Whether it’s something that expresses hope and joy, sadness and lament, or celebration and praise, it feels good to have something to sing. Even if you’re not much of a singer, these songs can act like devotions or meditations, helping you to center your life in praise and trust, bringing you always back to what God has done for you and all people.
Whether they are your words or someone else’s, try having something to which you can always return. You’ll never be without a way to connect what’s happening in your life with a voice raised to your Creator.
Pray.
I thank you, God, for the gift of music and those who create it. May these songs speak to my heart so that everything I do and say can remain centered in your story of mercy and love. Amen.
Carry On.
Having a few things memorized can be a useful tool in your faith life. If it’s not a hymn or praise song, what about a Bible verse, prayer, or quote? How might you use them daily and weekly to help you stay centered in your faith?