Singing your way through suffering is not optional for Christians. If you are struggling today, pick any hymn and start singing! It’ll bolster your courage.
Hi, I’m Joni Eareckson Tada, and singing songs of suffering is not an option for followers of Jesus Christ. When the Colossians were struggling under the reign of the madman Nero, Paul ordered them, “Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly. . . singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” And then, when the Ephesians were being persecuted and threatened with torture, Paul commanded them to encourage “one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart.” Paul even took his own advice when he was bruised, and bloodied, and shackled in jail. What’s he doing but boisterously singing hymns at midnight?! And, friend, that’s your example, so today if you are struggling, pick any great hymn of the faith – any of them – and let it bolster your courage. Keep singing your way through suffering.
© Joni and Friends