“If cares and worries and fears and discouragement have gained ascendancy in your mind, then you need to open the windows of your soul and let a strong fresh current of hope come surging through.” Norman Vincent Peale “Good morning. How are you?” “I’m great, thanks," I lied, "How you doin’?” as I accepted a bulletin on my way into church. Sometimes I can hardly drag myself to church. My quiet times seem especially quiet, like God forgot to show up. I find a seat in church and join the singing. Knowing the words allows me to not engage, I just people watch. Then something happens…we sing the second or third verse and I have to pay attention to the words. Worship breaks through my fog and the song speaks to my situation. I see myself in the lyrics. The realization that I’m not the only one strikes me. The writer of the song understands. The chorus comes and a tear escapes the corner of my eye. My voice increases a few decibels as my singing becomes my cry to God for help:
The song ends. I open my eyes, my cheeks wet with tears. The room is filled with light as if the sun came out from behind the clouds and illuminated the stained glass windows into my soul. God met me in worship. I am not alone.
Are your quiet times too quiet? Are you weighed down by burdens, without answers? What music will you turn on now to open the windows to your soul? Lord, thank You for blessing the musicians who write the songs that in turn bless me with truth, and remind me of Your love and care. Amen “Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth! Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing!” Psalm 100:1-2 What are your thoughts? Libby Note: Norman Vincent Peale (1898-1993), an American minister and author, most notable for his book The Power of Positive Thinking. He began a radio ministry that ran for 54 years and included television when it became available. He also co-founded Guideposts magazine, which today is one of the largest circulation Christian publications in the world.
6 Comments
Linda Owens
2/13/2017 11:47:29 am
I agree, music is the window to the soul for me quite often. Most of the times it is the words in particular, sometimes it can be the actual music itself.
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2/13/2017 09:40:19 pm
Thank you for testing out the comment feature. I'm so glad it's working again. And, I'm very glad you are finding a connection to the lessons God has been teaching me.
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2/13/2017 12:11:04 pm
I've had this same thing happen. I attend church in one mood and when I concentrate on the worship lyrics, my attitude changes. I especially love Casting Crowns.
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2/13/2017 09:45:47 pm
I am so pleased that you are connecting with the lessons God has been teaching me. God is so good.
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Joyce Kearney
2/13/2017 04:22:52 pm
There have been times when the worship service was the only part of the morning that touched me, and I'm always thankful for it. I love all the songs you sited and have been ministered to by them all. And sometimes, when even those are too hard for me to call up, I go back to a very simple chorus I learned 40 years ago as a baby Christian. I know you know it, we've sing it together.
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2/13/2017 09:49:48 pm
Thank you for your support. God has a way of reaching us through music. I'm glad you are sharing the inspiration I get from God's lessons.
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WelcomeI love the wisdom of the ages gleaned from relevant quotes. In them there is a connection to the human experience that crosses all borders. Join me as I relate my personal experiences, and link the wisdom of the quote to the Source of all wisdom: God's Word, the Bible. Enjoy, Libby Categories
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