What is it about music that sticks? Have you walked through a grocery store and heard a song that you haven't heard for years and the words are still ripe on your tongue? How many of us still sing the “ABC Song” when we are searching for the right letter ..??? How many of us can repeat word for word, our favorite sermon, but we can sing our favorite song ... maybe even from 10 years ago. I don't think this is an accident.

I have this theory, that we are each created as instruments of worship in God's orchestra, but more than that. I think that music is a primary vehicle of communication between God's heart and ours.

For many of us, music is a key that unlocks our response to God ... both positive and negative. Since God is after our total surrender, our daily responses are important to us and to God. This is confirmed by two important sections of Scripture

1. Ephesians 5: 17 - 20 17 Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 18 And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, 20 giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,
   
   
2. Colossians 3: 12 - 17 12 Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; 13 bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. 14 But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. 15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

Both of these scriptures present an interesting picture. They indicate that we are to allow the WORD of God “dwell in us in hymns, psalms, and spiritual songs. I asked once what the difference in those three is and the answer I received from the teacher at that time was this:

• spiritual songs: an ode, the song of Moses is given as an example(Exodus 15: 1 - 21)
  
  
• hymns: literally means, “sing praises” i.e. “Let’s just praise the Lord...”
  
  
• psalms: indicates the use of instruments either alone or with lyrics
  
  

Now the interesting thing to me is that in both of these Scripture passages, we are told to speak or teach one another with our songs, hymns, and psalms. We study to show ourselves approved of God( 2 Tim 2: 15 ), rightly dividing the Word of God and then we let that WORD take root and return to God in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs.

So here's my theory: that God has put His song into each Believers heart via His Word. It may not be for anyone's ears but God, but I believe that we each have a song. We know that David wrote many of the Psalms in our Bible, but not all of them. Many of the Psalms have phrases in them like “He has put a new song in my mouth” (Ps 40:3), “I will praise the name of God with a song” (Ps 69:30), “Oh, sing to the Lord a new song” (Ps 96:1), or “I will sing a new song to You, O God; On a harp of ten strings I will sing praises to You”

I believe God uses the songs He puts in our hearts to:

• Confirm His Word to our hearts
  
• Share with other believers what God has taught us
  
• And most importantly, to Bless the heart of God!
  
  

There has been an explosion of new songs and styles of music within the Body of Christ of late. I think it's only a beginning. As God's people begin to release the "song" He has put in them, I believe we will see a new strength and power arise within us. God makes His throne on our praise. He indwells us individually, and longs to unite us under the banner of His love. I am not talking about mushy, weak, sentimental love, but God's perfect unswerving but compassionate love. I think music can be a huge and vital "uniter."

So, be encouraged! Make a joyful noise to the Lord ... you never know who else you might bless in the meantime!

Your Love, oh God shed abroad in my heart,
Brings forth a melody.
Its a Word of life for me to impart,
A love song from Your heart.

Now the song is planted deep down in my heart,
Down where no one sees,
Till I sing it forth as a gift to You,
And release it where You please!

Lord, Your love's amazing,
It never, ever fails,
No matter what I do,
It draws me back to You
To sing another song,
to sing another song ...

*NOTE: As you go about your business this month, remember those around the world, but even in this country whose circumstances aren't as pleasant as yours. God loves them too!

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