Dear family in Christ

Recently, my wife introduced me to a YouTube audio of instrumental music playing hymns on the Chinese Zither (also known as the guzheng). It is a plucked string instrument of 16 or 21 strings with more than 2,500 years of history in China. It was so calming, refreshing and soothing to hear familiar English hymns played so beautifully on the Chinese guzheng. You may like to listen to them by accessing this weblink  https://youtu.be/9RA5X8bLxaE

Music and singing are God’s wonderful gifts to mankind. I find them a blessing in 3 ways:

1. Praise of God

Music occupied an important place in the life of ancient Israel, especially in their worship  of God. The psalmist declared in Psalm 95:2  “Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise!”  Through music and song, let us habitually give thanks to God and sing praises to his wonderful name, for his steadfast love and his gracious faithfulness.

2. Peace of God

In joyous times and especially during sad times, let us allow God to minister to our hearts through music and song. As we do so, may we experience the peace of God and the love of God in a meaningful way. Through the well-composed music and well-written lyrics, the Spirit of God can use them to minister deeply to our soul as we find rest and comfort in the grace and mercy of God, who is our Refuge and our Strength.

3. Presence of God

Through the refreshing sounds of music, we can reflect thoughtfully and rest lovingly in the presence of God. In his presence, there is fullness of joy. Oftentimes, during the singing of praises at the church services, I experienced God’s presence deeply in my heart and in my spirit. I pray the same for you too, both in your personal time with the Lord and also together with the people of God.

“It is good to give thanks to the Lord, to sing praises to your name, O Most High; to declare your steadfast love in the morning, and your faithfulness by night to the music of the lute and the harp, to the melody of the lyre. For you, O Lord, have made me glad by your work; at the works of your hands I sing for joy.”  Psalm 92:1-4 

Blessings
Pastor John