By: dawn trimble
Christian, Inspirational, , , , , , , , , , , ,

that which resonates

13 November 2014

 

“Oh come, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation!” – Psalm 95:1

I will admit it – I used to think all contemporary Christian music was cheesy.  

I felt that it was devoid of the complex and melodic layering present in any good musical selections belonging to the categories of R&B, classic rock, rap or alternative music.  It should be noted that I felt this way about christian music during the times I would only hear references of “Moses”, “Abraham”,  Noah” and other characters.  I had heard of their names, but could not link the importance of their names to their place in Biblical history.  Moreover, I didn’t get that it was never really about them, the characters, but that it was always a way to point the focus back to God, His greatness and His immeasurable love for us.

Today I have a different opinion about Christian music.  

There have been moments in my life where I have been so completely overwhelmed with feelings of  joy, sadness, anxiousness or happiness that my own words can not begin to express my inner most feelings.  Songs sung in support of our Saviour have spirit filled and composed lyrics that offer prayers and praises to express our sometimes vague and unformed thoughts – even the thoughts we did not realize we had. Over the past two years I have learned to become comfortable in allowing specific lyrics to speak to me and for me when I did not have words.

A few of my favorite lyrics:

Sometimes I forget that I have given Him my life and that I don’t own it – I am not in the lead:

Maybe this time You can take the lead,
and I won’t try to pull You by the sleeve.
Because every time I think that I know better I lose my way.
So God, what You wanna do Today?

“What You Wanna Do Today? by New World Son

A song that beautifully expresses how deep I want for my faith to be:

Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders
Let me walk upon the waters
Wherever You would call me
Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander
And my faith will be made stronger
In the presence of my Savior

“Oceans” by Hillsong United

 One of my all-time favorite songs, a particular verse always gets me.  It speaks about how we get smaller as we grow in Him – and how that is a very good thing!

The high and lofty, they see me as weak
But I won’t live and die for the power they seek

“Jesus Freak” by D.C. Talk

This song seemed to miraculously filter just to me during difficult moments in my marriage :

Standing on a road I didn’t plan
Wondering how I got to where I am
I’m trying to hear that still small voice
I’m trying to hear above the noise

“Need you Now” by Plumb

The first few notes of this song are enough to bring tears to my eyes.  I love this one – it is so beautiful about the hopes and dreams we have for our children and a reminder to keep our lives in perspective:

She spins and she sways to whatever song plays
Without a care in the world
And I’m sitting here wearing the weight of the world on my shoulders
It’s been a long day and there’s still work to do
She’s pulling at me saying “Dad I need you!
There’s a ball at the castle and I’ve been invited
and I need to practice my dancin’
Oh please, Daddy, please!”

“Cinderella” by Steven Curtis Chapman

While this is a famous Christian hymn, there is something about the humble manner in which C.C. Winans sings it.  There is a moment in the chorus that is bone chilling – you hear the cries and yells of surrender to our Lord. Awesome!

All to Jesus I surrender;
All to Him I freely give;
I will ever love and trust Him,
In His presence daily live.

 

“My lips will shout for joy, when I sing praises to you; my soul also, which you have redeemed.”  – Psalm 71:23