So Much More Than Mere Words Continued!

   While gospel songs can introduce the unsaved heart to the gift of God’s love and salvation, they have much to offer the heart that already belongs to Him as well. I am sure I do not need to remind gospel song lovers of this but; perhaps, it is helpful to remind gospel songwriters why we pursue this calling, for those days when we feel discouraged about what we do.    Gospel songs are wonderful vehicles for teaching God’s Word.  In Deuteronomy 31:19 God, Himself, acknowledged this as He instructed Moses to warn His people against a time when they would stray from Him:  “Now therefore, write down this song for yourselves, and teach it to the children of Israel; put it in their mouths, that this song may be a witness for Me against the children of Israel.” In Psalm 119:54 the author tells us,’ Your statutes have been my songs In the house of my pilgrimage.” We recognize this value of gospel music in the songs and choruses we teach children, but it is equally effective with adults; however, adults must practice spiritual discernment when listening to gospel songs.  We must listen, examine and question. Not all “gospel” songs are Scriptural and no gospel song should ever be given pre-eminence over God’s Word! Gospel songs do not supersede the gospel and they are not God’s inerrant Word.

   Throughout history, pillars of our Christian faith have recognized this higher purpose of gospel music. Martin Luther, the leader of the Protestant Reformation, who penned hymns such as “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God” (1529), wrote:  “I wish to compose sacred hymns so that the Word of God may dwell among the people also by means of songs.”  (Robert D. Harrell, Martin Luther, His Music, His Message, p. 36)  It can be intimidating for a gospel songwriter to think about undertaking song writing in those terms! That is why it should be approached with much prayer.    Besides being an effective teacher of God’s Word, gospel songs can also used to admonish those who stray from His will. We are told in Colossians 3:16: “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” (NKJV) Through the help of the Holy Spirit, paths of disobedient Christians can be corrected.

   Besides being an effective teacher of God’s Word, gospel songs can also used to admonish those who stray from His will. We are told in Colossians 3:16: “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” (NKJV) Through the help of the Holy Spirit, paths of disobedient Christians can be corrected.

   Most Christians who have faced trials can attest to the power of gospel songs to bring a touch of encouragement to their situation. Scripture reminds us to praise the Lord in song and remember this during troubled times: “The Lord is my strength and my shield; My heart trusted in Him, and I am helped; Therefore my heart greatly rejoices, And with my song I will praise Him.” (Psalm 28:7, NKJV). “The Lord is my strength and song, And He has become my salvation.” (Psalm 118:14, NKJV). Scripture also exhorts us to encourage each other with song:   “...be filled with the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, 20 giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ...” (Ephesians 5:18-20, NKJV)

    Personally, the Lord called me to gospel song writing during a very dark trial in my life which lasted for years. I am grateful to Him for this and for the encouragement of gospel songs written by others that helped me through this time.

   Gospel songs can also be a reminder of God’s promises to us in His Word. Psalm 77:6 tells us, “I call to remembrance my song in the night; I meditate within my heart, And my spirit makes diligent search” (NKJV). They can reaffirm these promises at times when reaffirmation is most needed. Comfort can also be brought to a down-cast or discouraged heart as God uses gospel songs to minister to them.  “The Lord will command His loving kindness in the daytime, And in the night His song shall be with me— A prayer to the God of my life” (Psalm 42:8, NKJV).