There are times when I feel like, and find myself, singing. But less so in lockdown in my household of one (unless I have the radio on).
One of the highlights of the past few months was sitting at home, on Zoom, in a meet up walking through Ephesians together with friends. We were invited to come with songs and hymns and songs from the Spirit, reflecting Paul's encouragement:
"... be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."
Ephesians 5:18-20
What followed was the joy of joined voices giving thanks, using songs we knew from our past walk with Christ. I sang those songs well after the Zoom call closed.
Songs for New Seasons
I find that new experiences also spark new songs, and I love the new songs we hear on a Sunday and through YouTube links we've been sent. God does something new in us during every new season, and this season is no different.
Some of these songs have tunes, some do not. Some are upbeat, some are not. However each song is true, because it's born from a true experience in God's presence.
I encourage you to sing spirit-penned songs, both old and new. Some will only be heard by you and the Lord in your shower, while some can be shared with family and friends. But we're all called to sing.
A New Song
Oh Lord, grant me a new song.
A start-again-afresh-with-no-regrets song.
One with a bridge to new accord,
a song with which I can get on board.
Something that strikes a stronger chord
with those, who like me,
long to be fully factory restored.
A song with a fresher melody
(and I definitely need a different harmony),
something that's part of a wider symphony
maybe with an occasional solo part
for me.
A song that I get to sing with gusto,
maybe to a slightly quicker tempo,
a step up from my imposed Adagio,
closer to a brisker Allegretto.
Oh Lord, you see me.
You see that I long to sing.
Lord, please wipe me clean
and write a new song in me.
Amen.
Poet’s Corner is arranged each month by our resident poet, Steve Page. In addition to being a poet, Steve is a deacon at Redeemer, a true friend, a trusted advisor, and a giver of great hugs. You can find more of his poetry at hellopoetry.com and follow him on Instagram.
