I have been playing guitar and singing for about fifty years now. As a young lad growing up my favorite entertainers were Johnny Cash, Elvis, and The Beatles. Pretty much anyone my age would play guitar because of these three and a few more. We enjoy the music of our youth, and we learn to play because of the songs and the way they make us feel or think. I even had aspirations of being an entertainer, and actually co-fronted a local band for about twenty years. Then a change came about when I had my own epiphany almost twenty years ago.
I was introduced to something called worship music.
Something grabbed me by the soul one Sunday morning at a chance attendance at a
church service. There was a feel, a vibe, a washing, or something stronger than
I had felt in a long time just come over me. Songs about God were presented in
a way I had never experienced, and I was immediately hooked. Eventually I found
myself discovering songs I never knew could make grown men weak, and everyone
else raise their hands without hesitation. I was suddenly soaking up lyrics,
and melodies that took me to a place I didn’t know existed. A place of total
peace was given to me when I needed it the most.
I never knew so many songs were written about one man,
Jesus. Each one unique, yet familiar, calming, yet fresh. I am the worship
leader for Master’s Hand Ministry, and I never tire of presenting songs about
our Lord. Like many people, I have certain songs that get me to the core, where
I weep inside. I’m sure we all have those. Maybe it’s the melody, and maybe
it’s the lyrics, or both. The point is they touch us. Dr. Spencer Barclay, who
is with our worship group, is quite knowledgeable regarding the origin and
background of many songs. When he brings the details out in his “something to
think about” segments, we all leave with a greater appreciation for what we
sing than when we started. Many songs like Amazing Grace, I Can Only Imagine,
and Lord Of The Dance are deeper than most people realize. We just need to pay
attention to the messages to be amazed at what we can learn. For example, Lord
Of The Dance, a Maritime favorite by John Allan Cameron, has been around
forever, and regardless of the venue, he would have everyone clapping and
singing along. I wonder just how many knew it was about Jesus’ birth, death,
and resurrection? I could go on and on, but perhaps the reader could look into
a few of their own favorites and maybe they will discover why they are touched
the way they are.
Currently, we are not able to gather in person, but our
service messages are on-line. For now, myself, my wife, son, our pastor and her
husband sit around our kitchen table each week, singing to stay plugged in.
We’re preparing for the day when we will be able to safely gather and share
with our friends in service. We are all still amazed how sitting around with a
guitar and a coffee and a few songs of praise, can elevate our day and our
mood. This in not by chance, but by design. Only God could inspire so many songwriters
and musicians to keep His name and message alive and relevant. He never goes
out of style, and His Word is never dated. He knew what our world would be
going though these past couple of years, and He also knows what He has planned
for us Jeremiah 29:11. He knew when to grab me, and He knows what He is doing
to keep us plugged in and connected to each other, and Him. He is using this
wonderful tool known as music and song to carry us. So what’s in a song? It
could very well be the gateway to breaking a chain that’s been hold you down.
If it’s the melody, fine, and if it’s the words, even better. Either way the
rest of your life will be better by having a listen, or singing along. After
all, He loves it when we sing.
Mike Shindruk,
Master’s Hand Ministry
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