Music Worth Remembering

It's amazing how much music can have an effect on us. All it takes is a couple of notes that immediately bring the words to your memory and before you know it, you're singing along with a song you haven't heard in years. I love all kinds of music but growing up in the 80s the songs from high school days seem to stick with me the most. Sometimes it isn't until years later that we actually pay attention to the words and realize that some of them may not have been the best to be singing along with.

I was saddened to hear about the recent death of 47-year-old Christian Singer, Mandisa. She had many struggles in her life and spoke transparently about her battle with depression. Although struggling herself at times, she used her talent to help others through her singing. Songs like Overcomer, Stronger, Unfinished and Way Maker will long be remembered.

When my dad was in the hospital during his last days, my friend, Vicki, sent several songs to my phone. Some were downloads by popular Christian artists and some were recordings of her playing hymns on the piano. They helped take my mind off of what was going on around me and focus on the Lord and the peace we find in Him. I remember laying my phone on Dad's pillow one night and playing a song she had sent. It was Holy Forever by Chris Tomlin. Dad wasn't very responsive at that time, but I want to believe that it brought just as much comfort to him as it did to me.

KLOVE proudly advertises that they're the Positive & Encouraging radio station. You won't hear any songs about cheating spouses or drunken parties there. Instead, you'll hear ones that praise Jesus and remind us that He’s our comfort in times of need.

If positive and encouraging songs can glorify our Lord and ease our minds in times of trouble, what do other songs do for us? Are they drawing us closer to God or pushing us farther away from Him? It's important to pay attention to what we're listening to. If something we heard years ago can remain in our memories decades later, we should probably make sure it's something worth remembering.

He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the Lord. -Psalm 40:3

I will praise the Lord as long as I live; I will sing praises to my God while I have my being. -Psalm 146:2

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. -Colossians 3:16

HOLY FOREVER - CHRIS TOMLIN