Songs Of The Soul!

When it comes to music, I am fairly eclectic. I have a broad appreciation for a variety of music styles. I suppose that is one reason that of all the instruments I can play I enjoy the violin the most. With the violin I can play anything from symphony and chamber music to Celtic and fiddle tunes and anything in between, depending on the mood I might be in.

Songs sung can share the same variation of mood as well. Perhaps we would quickly acknowledge the difference between prison songs, bar tunes, folk songs, soul music, etc. Each one of these might convey contrasting life focuses and moods. Those moods can be clearly understood from the words or the style of the melody itself. We might note these differing types of songs as being an indication of the mood of the place. Such being the case we would probably consider some songs not appropriate for all occasions or places. Some would just not reflect the proper mood. However, there are songs that reveal the MOOD OF THE LIFE centered on its most significant relationship wherever one might be.

When Paul and Silas were arrested and placed in a Philippian jail, we read. . .
"(25) About midnight Paul and Silas were PRAYING AND SINGING HYMNS TO GOD, and the prisoners were listening to them," ( Acts 16:25 ESV)

Such a prison would not have been as comfortable and humane as ones in our country today. These were generally cold, damp, and dark, with prisoners not only behind locked doors, but also fastened in bonds, chains, or stocks. ( Acts 16:26). Nevertheless, here were Paul and Silas -- with their feet in the stocks ( Acts 16:24) -- "praying and singing hymns" in the midst of a captive (literally speaking) audience. Not reflective of the normally expected mood for such a place.

How could they have kept from their mood being brought down by the coldness and dampness of that inner prison? The focus of Paul and Silas was much higher than their circumstances or place. God was their audience. They were "singing Hymns to God"! Thus their focus based on the MOOD OF THEIR HEART seems to have touched the mood of their fellow prisoners and ultimately led to the opportunity to share the Gospel message with the Philippian jailer and his family. ( Acts 16:30-34)

Can not that same power be exhibited in our life when we recognize all of life is experienced in full view of the God Who cares deeply for us and has provided eternal assurances through Christ? Though others around us are observing our reaction to varied circumstances of life, it is ultimately God Who is our audience! May our relationship with God through Jesus well up within us by the power of His Spirit that we will be sustained at all times and in every place by a song or hymn to God. In this way others around us will be able to glimpse a life-impacting faith they too will want to come to know the secret of, providing us -- like Paul -- with the opportunity to share the message of salvation in Christ.

Have a great day SUSTAINED BY HYMNS OF THE HEART'S FOCUS ON GOD!
Carl

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