Day 12- Singing in Fellowship

10/9- Thursday- Colossians 2:2; 3:16 My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ…16Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.

Bonhoeffer Quote: “Where the heart is not singing there is no melody, there is only the dreadful medley of human self-praise.”

Thoughts: This passage makes the claim that we can know God- in all His mystery- more fully when we are united in love and encouraged in heart. Singing is a visible sign of seeking encouragement.  The deeply discouraged are paralyzed from seeking the hope of God and usually cannot even sing the blues.  But those who are encouraged in heart believe it is possible to know God and to look to Him in song.  Of course God is fully revealed when He came to earth in Christ- the mystery touched this earth in Him.  Many times we will allow our past problems/griefs/sins to paralyze us.  But the person who has learned to believe God heals/comforts/forgives can pursue- and find God.  Divisions and disappointments may keep us from being united in love.  But it is when the fellowship is united in love that we experience the full riches of fellowship- including a more complete understanding.  A Christian has a song to sing and someone to sing to and others to sing with.  It is no accident that some of the greatest secular singers began singing in church.  

     Our songs teach us the message of Christ so that His truth lives/abides/dwells richly and fully in the fellowship.  Singing has a true teaching element.  Songs may encourage us; unite our voices in harmony or single note;  allow us to experience the Holy Spirit who moves us often in song; brings gratitude to our hearts.  So this passage teaches us the importance of music, of being encouraged, of being united in heart. 

Something to do: So today- pray for our choir and its director (Walter Cuttino), our organist/musician (Sara Beardsley), and our Children’s Choir Director (Janet Roberts).  If you can send them an email or note to thank them for leading us in pslams, hymns, and spiritual songs.

Prayer: Lord, take not your Holy Spirit from me, but put a new song in my heart.  Put a song in me that will teach me more about you; that will encourage me; that will unite me together with your people.