A Singing Heart

Ephesians 5:19 – “Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;”

From my earliest childhood memories, I recall that my parents were always singing. There were no radios, or tv sets in those days, and we could not afford a phonograph, so our lives revolved around the Lord, the Bible, and our big upright mahogany piano.

We loved to gather in the parlor, as it was then called, to lift our voices in praise and adoration of the Lord. Those old hymns were so full of meaning and they still thrill my soul today. In fact, almost every morning when I awaken, one of those dear sacred songs begins ringing in my soul. What comfort and inspiration they bring, in spite of the trials that often cross my pathway. Yes, “Just when I need Him most, Jesus is near to comfort and cheer”, therefore, amid trouble and pain I can still sing with an overflowing heart, “It is glory just to walk with Him!”

I suppose the hymns touch me so very deeply because most of the great ones were born out of real-life situations. Just the other morning upon rising, the words of the Gospel song “He’s a Wonderful Savior to Me” began running through my mind. It was penned by Virgil P. Brock after hearing a former alcoholic repeat that phrase over and over during a testimony meeting. The poor man had known the dreadful pangs of being lost and at the same time having to grapple with the terrible hold that liquor had gained over his mind and body. Then he met Jesus. No wonder he exclaimed as peace and victory flooded his soul, “He’s a wonderful Savior to me!”

As I hummed that tune, I thrilled again with the joy of the Lord which only a redeemed sinner can know. Are you a happy, rejoicing, singing Christian?