Tip of My Iceberg

We have the unique privilege of having the Central Florida Community Arts in our area, with the largest community choir and orchestra in the country. They have a plethora of programs for every segment of society, from choirs to theater groups to particular programs for special needs individuals.

When several friends performed in a concert with CFCArts, I went with a group of friends to watch “Jukebox Jam!” performed by a remarkable band and a 250-person choir. Holly and Brittni were dressed for singing and jamming with their friends.

It was spectacular.

They did songs from the last five decades, performing numbers from the Beatles to Elton John to Kelly Clarkson to Justin Timberlake. The audience was singing their hearts out, waving flashlights from their phones.

Music does that to people. It moves us in ways that simple words often can’t. When thoughts are put to music, it elicits emotions that seem to flow more freely than simple conversation.

King David, who began life as a shepherd, was a writer of many songs. The psalms were deeply emotive as he poured out his feelings to God when he felt he was being treated unjustly, when he felt grateful for God’s provision, or when he was confronted with challenges too big to handle. The songs he wrote were prayers from his heart.

God heard. And He sings back to us.

“For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty Savior. he will take delight in you with gladness. With His love, He will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs,” Zephaniah 3:17

Songs are musical markings of life, what we sing to help us through hard times, and what we hum to focus on what’s more hopeful and positive. Singing is as old as life itself. The oldest musical instruments found are flutes made of bones and mammoth ivory. Even in the Bible, in Genesis 4:21, Jubal, the son of Lamech, was “the first of all who play the harp and flute.”

The oldest known musical composition was discovered on a clay tablet from Ugarit, which is in modern-day Syria. It was known as the Hymn to Nikkal, and it’s dated about 1400 BC. It also included directions for playing a nine-stringed lyre.

We need music to fill our souls and thoughts, for comfort and inspiration, for strength and truth. There are other reasons for music, less honorable and helpful.

One beautiful use for music is in praise and worship to the Lord.

“Sing a new song to the LORD! Let the whole earth sing to the LORD! Sing to the LORD; praise His name. Each day, proclaim the good news that He saves.” Psalm 96:1-2

My two friends sang with great joy and energy. They did it to entertain many, and with those who were part of the choir, the melding of the many voices was wonderful. The music gave me a pause from a hectic schedule, a gentle lift for my heart and soul.

God gives us that every time we turn to Him. A song sung over us of love and joy. His song will last forever because He alone loves us through our mess and down times, our sadness and grief, our anger and frustration.

It’s a song worth listening to.