"...speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ" Ephesians 5:19-20 (NIV)
There is nothing like an atmosphere of faith! When the church of Jesus Christ gathers in unity, there is a supernatural stirring of hope through songs that exalt God and encourages one another. One of the greatest characteristics of our Renew Worship Nights is the atmosphere of worship, faith, and miracles. Sometimes people just need to be reminded and encouraged that God is still with them! Their is a manifestation of courage that rises in people as they are reminded of God's love towards them. Our teams focus is to point people back to the One that guarantees "Times of Refreshing". I've found that in my lowest moments of life, a song of victory and hope refocused my attention to God and His word, and brought me through the circumstance stronger than I was before, and helped me experience personal revival!
Our world is inundated with songs! Song’s of hope, faith, heartbreak, rebellion, sin and confusion. The power of a song can transform ways of thinking and living. Many of life's major moments can be drenched in the aroma of a song that was present in that season. A song can be powerful! We must also realize that God loves song’s, He gave us this creative expression for the purpose of communicating life in beautiful melodies. In fact, Zephaniah 3:17 says…”He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.” Many different songs can exalt either good or bad, however, we as the church have been instructed to use songs for the purpose of worship, encouragement, love and joy. We're also encouraged to use our songs to communicate the realities of life, loss and fear (as David did), and to encourage and strengthen each other, but more importantly, to give our gratitude and worship to our Creator. Our songs need to be filled with victory, hope and expectancy, knowing that God is our Strong Tower! Psalm 96 says... "Sing to the Lord a new song; Sing to the Lord, all the earth. Sing to the Lord, bless His name. Proclaim good tidings of His salvation from day to day".
We are all singing something. There are songs resonating in all of us! So my question is this... "What songs are you singing today?" Are you singing songs of defeat and sorrow? Or are you singing songs of life and hope?
Let me encourage you...
Remain in the place of intimacy with God. That is the place where God will exchange your song of defeat and sorry with His songs of life and joy. Sing a prophetic song that speaks of God's destiny for you, and let that song be filled with melodies that exalt Jesus while promoting hope and trust in God.
Lastly, Sing songs to others that encourage, strengthen and push them into greatness. You are an overcomer, you are victorious, you are redeemed, you are loved!! This is your new SONG today!
Greg Armstrong is the Director Renew Movement, a community of worship leaders and creatives who desire revival in our nation and who's mission is to lead people into encounters with God. www.renewmovement.org I www.gregarmstrong.net