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“I will sing the Lord’s praise, for he has been good to me.” Psalm 13:6

I love music. Throughout my youth, I saw countless concerts. From Jimmy Buffet and Bruce Springsteen to the Rolling Stones and U2. I have ticket stubs from all my ‘80s favorites. (I realize I’m dating myself here.) My album collection was countless as well…music speaks to my mind and heart with significant power. Once I became a Christian, the Lord slowly altered my music tastes as my walk with Him deepened. Today, my ears pine for passionate praise and worship.

Until recently, whenever I drove around town, I cranked the radio and sang along (not caring who may be seeing me from across the yellow line). And my headphones filled my mind with praise to help make my workouts go faster. Like all of us, I don’t get in my car much anymore. And gym doors are locked. My days are marked by time in the Word, work (praise God!), eating, a little mindless TV, and (fitful) sleep. And repeat.

But a dear friend of mine texted me a link to a beautiful Christian folksy song I’ve never heard before. And I actually stopped what I was doing to listen to it. The soothing melody, a rich tenor voice, and violin harmonies struck the chords of my soul that had been so silent. So did the message of hope.

Sisters, although so much has changed—and continues to change—let’s hold fast to the things that bring us joy and glorify the God of wonder. I still love digging into the Bible. I pray for family, friends, and leaders daily…I give thanks for my innumerable blessings. But I’m not filling my ears with music anymore at all. And this absence has parched my soul.

What did you used to do (way back a couple of months ago) to put you in tune with the Lord (pun intended)? Consider this question, and then take action.

As for me, I’m going to reconnect with familiar melodies of praise that I’ve let this crisis silence. I will join the chorus of trees in a song of joy.

“Thank You, Lord, that heaven is filled with the songs of angels. And thank You for the reminder that I can sing along.”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Ministry