What's playing in your head?
You know how you get a song stuck on your mind.
Or the words someone said to you.
Well, I had a revelation that really hit home with me this week. I've mentioned before that we have a clock tower in our neighborhood that chimes the hour, quarter hour, half hour, and three quarter hour. Sometimes I hear it. Sometimes I don't. The funny thing is that sometimes I hear it even when it hasn't tolled.
Also, we've been keeping our radio tuned to our local Christian radio station which plays all Christmas music these days. Strangely, I've found myself "hearing" some of the songs even when it wasn't on.
The things we hear in our minds can be uplifting or can push us toward despair...whether music or words.
In this season where we're told, "It's the most wonderful time of the year," let's face it. It just isn't for everybody. Some folks face great struggles, hurt, loss, and sadness. I know. I've been there.
In those circumstances, the only source of true joy and hope comes from the Lord. In Nehemiah 8:10, we are reminded that "the joy of the LORD is [our] strength." Psalm 19:8 tells us that "The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart." And 1 Thessalonians 1:6 encourages us to do as the church at Thessalonica did as they "in spite of severe suffering...welcomed the message with the joy given by the Holy Spirit."
Uplifting music helps. Especially that which comes directly from God's Word. And most importantly spending time reading His Word. His words are the ones we need to hear repeating in our minds. He loves us unfailingly. He loved us so much that He sent His one and only Son to earth where He experienced the struggles, hurt, loss, and sadnesses that we face. And He endured it for a purpose that was only accomplished through more suffering...on the cross.
To bring us victory. To bring us joy. To bring us peace.
He came "to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners...to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve...to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair."
Whether you find yourself wrapped up in the joys of Christmas or in a tangled mess, I pray that you will seek the One who can brings light into the darkness. And may you find yourself repeating the sounding joy.
6 comments:
My little sister (10 years younger than I) educated me last year that those over and over songs we can't get out of our heads are called "ear worms." It's an appropriate title - especially when it's a true worm...messages that irritate, aggitate, annoy, and tear us down. Back in MY day, we called them "broken records." Broken, indeed.
Loved this post today - a wonderful reminder to fix our eyes (and MINDS) on what and who truly matters. May our brains offer praise and our hearts experience true joy, regardless of our circumstances today!
Love, Jeannette
Kristi,
This is beautifully said. I love the verses you incorporated to - those really hit home for me to see examples lived out. And, funny thing I've been repeating songs in my head too. Maybe this is how we "dwell" on lovely, pure, noble and right things & "set our hearts on things above." Thank you for sharing with me today. God bless you dear one, Love, Hester ;)
Yes, regardless how difficult things seem, as long as I can remember that He is indeed in control, the easier it is to handle. Of course, the reminders must be repeated frequently!
Jeannette, it's so funny, I heard that phrase (ear worms) for the first time last week...and couldn't remember it! Thank you for your sweet words.
Hester, don't you just love how God sends just the right verses??? He is so good!
Vonda,what would we do without the Prince of Peace on our side?
Love to you all!!
Hey girl, I am LATE LATE LATE but when I saw our sweet Chris Tomlin... had to come. Hope your days are filled with FABULOUS grandbaby fun!
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