Thankful for Music

It is good to praise the Lord and make music to your name, O Most High, proclaiming your love in the morning and your faithfulness at night, to the music of the ten stringed lyre and the melody of the harp. Psalm 92: 1-3

In April, we traveled with friends to Tennessee, spending most of our time in Nashville. I remember going to Nashville, Chattanooga, and Memphis as a child in my grandparents giant Winnebago. Stopping to see the “tourist” attractions. 

Two of our days this trip were spent on “Broadway”. Going from restaurant to bar to store. Every place that was open offered live music. If a restaurant or bar had multiple floors there were musicians playing throughout. We heard covers of other people’s music and some original songs. We heard songs that were familiar that were played by the people who wrote them, even if another artist had taken them to the top of charts. I don’t really listen to country music so I was a bit nervous, but we heard every type of music. Old bluegrass, new country, folk, pop, rock, gospel, even heavy metal. Many of these musicians were introduced with a bit of their story, they had toured opening for big name acts, they had been on “The Voice” or “American Idol” or “America’s Got Talent”. 

It was quite an experience to spend two days listening to so many different voices, instruments and artists. To think about the ways that we rely on music; to worship, to relax, to celebrate, to express love or pain. I also thought about the passion of a musician. To leave their home, to follow a path that allows them to do what they want. To sacrifice. To work multiple jobs to allow them the basic necessities so that they can follow their heart. Jesus was a carpenter, and a speaker, and a teacher. He sacrificed long before his time on the cross for the people of God. 

Prayer: God of sound, thank you for music. Thank you for giving us cause to celebrate, and reasons to sacrifice. Thank you for sending your son to show us that in times of suffering and in times of celebration you are with us. Amen. 

Christi Moock