That’s why I sing for a God unchanging

Greetings Dear Reader,

I sing. When I am out and about, walking down the halls at work, or puttering about the house, I sing. Most of what I sing during these times is directed at God. Saint Augustine of Hippo (AD 430) is often attributed with saying "Qui cantat bis orat" or “He who sings prays twice.” Although we cannot find anything that proves he said this, the words are true. He did say "cantare amantis est” meaning "Singing belongs to one who loves."

One of the ways I work out my feelings as they involve my faith is singing. The Ephesians were told to sing to themselves in “Hymns and Psalms and Spiritual Songs, making melody in their hearts to the Lord.” I know that when I do this it impacts me. I know that when my spirit urges me to sing and I refuse it is because I want to hang on to a foul mood.

Music is so much more powerful than we realize. In a conversation with my Son, Bezel the other day we talked about how music influences everyone in our family. My older Son, Maxim and I were also recently discussing his favorite band and as I have delved into their music to know him better I can see why the content flows with who he is. We are a restless lot and I know that music always impacts me.

I just changed up the memory card in my car, replacing the music I have been listening to with a mixture of some new faith centered music and my first salvo of Christmas hymns and songs. I will never say that all music must be faith based to be good. Nor will I give my ear to most “Christian” music. I will say, however, that when I am troubled, angry, or subdued in my pursuit of Christ, that Christ centered music can be the factor that tips the balance in favor of following.

Augustine proposed, “Because God has made us for Himself, our hearts are restless until they rest in Him.” When I sing to God words that are truth I find rest even from my deepest pains. I think of all those who have journeyed through the years with a song on lips and in their hearts and long to learn from their example. Sometimes the song has a minor key and sometimes it is even a dirge.

No matter the tune or the context, when I sing to God the path is easier and the stones in way are smaller. God is constant and when allow truth to make music in my heart and on my lips I inch closer to him with my burdens lightened.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn
Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every scribe who has become a disciple of the kingdom of heaven is like a home owner. He brings new and old things out of his treasure store."