Speaking With Psalms
Scripture Reading — Ephesians 5:15-20
[Speak] to one another with psalms, hymns and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord.
—Ephesians 5:19
When our children were little, we used to distract them in the car by singing songs. If music soothes the savage beast, we figured it was worth trying with cranky toddlers! Singing together in the car brought unity to the vehicle that had been in chaos before the music started. We still love to play music in our home and to praise God as we go about the activities of the day.
There is a unity in joining our voices together to praise God. Though we may have experienced conflict with fellow church members, we can join together in worship and be united in bringing praise to God. At the foot of the cross, we speak with a shared voice. Joining in worship is a way for us to draw closer to God and each other.
What music is your heart making today? There are days when the songs of our hearts are heavy and discouraged and we struggle to see how God is working in our lives. The book of Psalms has songs expressing all types of emotions—from anger and sorrow to joy and triumph. (See, for example, Psalms 3-9; 22-24; 98-104.)
Whatever music your heart is playing today, let the Lord hear it. He wants to hear songs from our hearts even when we want to hide them because they seem too painful. Share with each other the songs of your heart!
Lord, help us to join in song to you in all the times of our life, both good and bad. May we join with those around us and glorify your name. In Jesus, Amen.
About the author — Steven and Deb Koster
Steven and Deb Koster have a passion for marriages, families, and spiritual growth in the home. Both are ordained ministers in the Christian Reformed Church in North America. Steven formerly served as editor of Today and director of ReFrame's English-language outreach. Deb leads Family Fire, ReFrame’s family ministry at FamilyFire.com and on Facebook. The Kosters have three children.
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