| Ash Wednesday, February 26 |
Kalynn Blum |
Welcome to our 2020 Lenten Devotional.
While I am not one to have one favorite hymn, song, verse, I do consider music an important part of my connection with God.
The words to a hymn can hit deep within you one time, but months later may not have the same impact as we go through different seasons in life whether that be a time of difficulty, joy, sadness, thankfulness, etc. Sometimes a certain hymn provides a memory such as Rock of Ages, which was sung at all of my grandparents’ funerals, so I get choked up on this particular hymn. I want to march when Onward Christian Soldiers is sung, and I want to shout with joy when singing Go Tell It on the Mountain. Sometimes the simplest song from childhood can enter our memory but still holds true as an adult such as Jesus Loves Me.
On some days, all the sudden I will be singing a hymn or parts of the Holden Evening Prayer service, and I will ask myself, “where did that come from?” I find it usually gives me a peaceful feeling—like God placed that particular tune in my heart because God knew I needed it.
What songs or tunes pop into your head? During this Lenten season, may you become aware of what hymns are placed in your heart, and may it give you peace and joy.
Thank you for all the wonderful musicians, lyricists, and composers who share their gifts so that we may sing praises to You. Amen
For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:
a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;
a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;
a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
a time to throw away stones, and a time to gather stones together;
a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; a time to seek, and a time to lose;
a time to keep, and a time to throw away; a time to tear, and a time to sew;
a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; a time to love, and a time to hate;
a time for war, and a time for peace. Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
For a link to a playlist of songs featured in our devotionals, click on the Spotify link below.
[Lenten Index | Tomorrow]