Where’s all the music?
When I fill in as host for Moody Radio’s morning show, we do a feature called “Breakfast for the Soul.” Essentially, it’s a brief devotional that I try to follow up with a song that fits the reading. But I’m often stumped. Example?
Where is the chorus that reminds us fasting is the expected behavior of a normal Christian life? Ever heard a song about the persecuted church? Or loving people living a homosexual lifestyle? Good luck finding that kind of stuff.
So I’ve taken the liberty of crafting an opening verse or chorus on some real life subjects that probably should be addressed in a song. Like this one about sharing Christ with my neighbors:
Now that winter's come and gone
I'm more concerned about my lawn
Than the lost folks living right across the street.
I spend hours picking weeds
When I should be planting seeds:
Acts of kindness, prayers and times to meet and greet.
Now let’s be honest. Most of us struggle at some point when we give our tithes or gifts on Sunday. But nobody has yet to write a song about that. Here’s a suggested opening:
Lord, in my heart, I know that tithing's good.
But I'd keep it all for me if I thought I could.
So overcome my greed
With the sense of a greater need.
Teach me what it means to really give.
Honestly, we need a song that speaks transparently of our struggle with fasting. Example?
We’re not so big on fasting.
We much prefer to eat.
Deny ourselves and skip a meal—
To pray? That’s such a feat!
And for those of us who are addicted to anxiety…how ‘bout a prayerful chorus like this:
Forgive me for my worry—it's the sin that just won't quit.
Sometimes it feels like praying doesn't help the slightest bit.
I've memorized the verses and I try to meditate.
But worry has been winning the upper hand of late.
So how ‘bout it song writers out there?
Isn’t it time our choruses got more honest? More real?
I think so.
Psalms 9:11 Sing praises to the LORD, who dwells in Zion; Declare among the peoples His deeds.