Casandra Martin

Psalm 119:49-56

Psalms is a book of songs placed right in the middle of the Bible. God knows how important music is to our hearts. He understands what lifts our moods, changes our steps, refocuses our minds, and re-energizes our souls. Music has tremendous power. It engages the heart, as well as both sides of the brain. Music creates memories, cements emotions, rekindles determination, and inspires us to take the next step.

In the seventh stanza of Psalm 119, there is a line that makes me smile. “Your statutes have been my songs in the house of my sojourning.” (Psalm 119:54) The writer of the psalm knows that the way is long. It is often dark, must sometimes be traveled alone, and has rough patches and hidden dangers. Songs change our journey. The best songs don’t encourage us to wallow in the darkness, but kindle a desire to keep our eyes on the Light.

What is your favorite hymn? Why does it speak your soul? Singing God’s words has a way of planting them deep inside of us like nothing else can do. It allows them to bubble up and become a source of strength when we feel like we are falling apart. They become an anthem of joy when our smiles explode. They become tools to help us experience God’s nearness, His power, and His promises in the ordinary, step-by-step responsibilities of the everyday.

My Jesus Resolution today is to sing. The psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs that God gives us are more than melodies of the moment. They are encouragers, supports, fuel, and kindling for the anthem of praise that my life is supposed to proclaim. Today I am going to turn off the radio and sing. I’m going to sing out loud. I’m going to sing unashamed. I’m going to let the words of God’s songs draw me deeper into His presence. I want the songs I sing on my journey to be the songs that transform me into the image of Jesus.