The springs of song

Have you ever listened to a song and felt the meaning of the lyrics has escaped you? Have you thought the song writer must have been on some creative level only they could appreciate? A sense of frustration can arise as we try to understand and make sense of what they’re singing. Yet, we know that most songs express the deep or personal motives and emotions of the person moved to write them. With music and song becoming such a powerful component of modern Pentecostal Christian churches, in this month’s On That Note, we look at the motives behind Christian music – the springs of the Lord’s song.

King David wrote in the psalms, ‘Weeping may last for the night, but a shout of joy comes in the morning’. Psa 30:5. ‘Yes, I shall joyfully sing of Thy loving-kindness in the morning.’ Psa 59:16. When the Scripture talks about ‘night’, it is often referring to the seasons in our life when we are travailing to hear or accept God’s word. The way ahead is not clear, the decision is not easy, the burden to find the Lord’s will can weigh heavily on us. David said, ‘I am weary with my sighing; every night I make by bed swim … with my tears’. Psa 6:6. His travails through these bitter ‘night’ seasons in life were full of anguish. And yet, he was able to ‘declare Thy loving-kindness in the morning, and Thy faithfulness by night’. Psa 92:2. It’s a wonderfully comforting thought that even through these periods of waiting patiently for the Lord, He is faithful to us. As sure as the dawning of each new day, His word will meet us and become the source of joy that inspires us to sing and rejoice in the morning.

The spring that feeds our inspiration and motivation to write the songs of the Lord is His word which teaches and instructs us. All Christian music should be expressing the truth of His word and life, as it becomes reality in the lives of those writing songs. ‘Your statutes are my songs in the house of my pilgrimage.’ Psa 119:54. This is why a viable worship program is an essential element of church life. The culture of singing to the Lord and singing to one another helps us articulate and express the word of God as He speaks into our lives. In a sense, we have to fully understand and believe such a word before we can sing it. And at the same time, if our heart’s desire is to participate in the song of the Lord, then our praise and worship fosters personal development in Christ. This is particularly so for teenagers who are beginning to emerge in their faith and godly identity. If they are encouraged to participate in the song of the Lord, it helps them negotiate and communicate the opening of their spiritual eyes.

What a tremendous testimony we have, if our joy in life and provocation to sing is founded in declaring His mercy, word and life. ‘Then those who sing shall say, “All my springs of joy are in You”.’ Psa 87:7.

Lachlan Perrin

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Feature Articles
April 2009

How does faith grow?

Behold the Lamb

Pray without ceasing

The springs of song

Holy to the Lord

Supporting identity

Why do we fast?

Making vows

Watch over your soul

Learning patience

God is. Great!