From the darkness into light . . .
Music can do that.
King David seems to have had insomnia just like many of us. Goodness knows, he had a lot to think about. Along with running his kingdom, he had life decisions he regretted, family problems he couldn't make any headway with, and guilt that ravaged his mind.
Sound familiar?
Often, in the dark of night, we can't find a way through the dark alleys of our minds. Good news! Put your earphones in so that you don't disturb anyone, and let the music play. Cry a little. The tears are just our feelings that need to be expressed. Feeling them is healing to us.
Music can help us express our emotions.
Music affects our breathing and heart rate, and even can lower our blood pressure. Studies have shown that young people who were treated with a program which incorporated music therapy had long-lasting positive results; their outcomes were much better than the control group who did not receive the music therapy.
In the dark of the night, when we are feeling low, perhaps we should listen to some uplifting music. Or perhaps it may be just as helpful (and better for going back to sleep) to think on some songs and hymns that we know and love.
The lyrics of some songs are so encouraging and so comforting, that they can place us in the right mood to pray and ask God to pull us from the pit we find ourselves in. They may cause us to remember just the right verse that will comfort us and let us drift off to healing sleep.
By day the LORD directs his love, at night his song is with me-- a
prayer to the God of my life. (Psalm 42:8)
On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches
of the night. (Psalm 63:6)
For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime;
weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the
morning. (Psalm 30:5)
What have you been listening to, lately?
I'm listening hard hoping to hear Him re my lower back pain. I know He hears me as I followed the "Ye have not because ye ask not!" I am asking earnestly for some pain relief. Right now He has sent me to the Dr. who is a Christian by the way and has prayed with me before my surgery, and the Dr. in turn has prescribed therapy which I will hear about shortly and some pain meds which aren't doing much for me. :-) So I asked the Lord for help. BUT He steered me in the right direction to get help on my level here on earth. MY lesson may be patience this time.
ReplyDeleteSince Sunday worship service, I have heard in my head one of the old hymns that we sang.
ReplyDeleteAll hail the power of Jesus name
Let angels prostrate fall!
Bring forth the royal diadem
And crown Him Lord of All!
Bring fort the royal diadem
And crown Him Lord of All!!
I’ve been listening to the music of the group Selah lately. This song is one of my favourites. It celebrates all that it took in our lives to bring us to the point of crying out to the Lord for our salvation.
ReplyDeletehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YPaU7jJvqRc
When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
ReplyDeleteWhen sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,
It is well, it is well with my soul.
It is well with my soul,
It is well, it is well with my soul.
It is something to learn the lesson that in good times and in bad, whatever the circumstances, because of Christ's unique gift, all is well with my soul. The writer of this hymn knew this from deep sorrow. xx