On Sunday, I made a joke about how seriously I take my role of teaching the next generation about church music from the 80s and 90s. My daughter, Shay, was my latest victim, being forced to listen to "Thank You" by Ray Boltz while she ate her dinner. And, while I do love to share my love for decades-old Christian music, the theme of music came up a lot while I was on vacation in June.
I realized that I had gotten into the habit of only listening to talking: podcasts, audiobooks, and tv shows. In the car, going for walks, or making dinner, it was either silence or talking. I don't know when this started happening, but I decided to be intentional about discovering and rediscovering great music. It was like reconnecting with an old friend.
There is something so special about music. It's both universal and unique to each person. It has the ability to articulate (with or without words) what the heart needs to communicate. Great songs give voice to things that are buried deep inside of us. Sometimes that's pain, but often that's joy. I kept finding little pockets of joy bubbling up in me when I filled my kitchen, car, or headphones with music.
It's no coincidence that the Bible tells us to sing and make music. (See Ephesians 5:19, Psalm 95:12, Colossians 3:16, Psalm 68:4, Acts 16:25) Praise and worship are the ultimate expression of the power of songs in our lives. They can change the atmosphere in the room, and they can (will!) change the posture of our hearts towards God.
So, what are you listening to? I encourage you not to neglect the incredible gift of worship in song. Fill your life with music that points your heart toward God whenever you can.
I'd love to hear what you're listening to that is meaningful to you right now. Let me know! And I will share with you the nostalgic, potentially cheesy, lists from the 80s and 90s that I've been loving lately:
80s Christian Essentials: Apple Music
90s Christian Essentials: Apple Music
(Spotify has similar playlists if you search for them!)
See you on Sunday, Pastor Tracy
THIS SUNDAY
SUNDAY, July 13 @ 10am
PEOPLE GET READY
A Model for Steadiness
Tracy Dunham
Join us for our IN-PERSON SERVICES OR
LIVESTREAM on Sunday!
10:00 - Live Service & Kids Church (+Church Online)