27Apr16

Psalm 24
3 Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord?
And who shall stand in his holy place?
4 He who has clean hands and a pure heart,
who does not lift up his soul to what is false
and does not swear deceitfully.
5 He will receive blessing from the Lord
and righteousness from the God of his salvation.
6 Such is the generation of those who seek him,
who seek the face of the God of Jacob.

I love the song "Give Us Clean Hands" (especially the Kutless version). It's an older song that I grew up singing in the church. It's got a catchy tune but, more than that it is pure Scripture from Psalm 24. Singing Scripture can be a really powerful practice. I don't have to worry about whether I am asking the right questions or seeking after the right course of action. I am also reinforcing the memorization of Scripture in my heart. For me this is about the only way that I memorize things. Song. Isn't amazing how music has the ability to completely alter our mood, change our day, and define moments in our lives? I don't think this is an accident. I also don't think that it's an accident that the largest book of the Bible is full of... music. Music written mostly by a man that is said to be a "man after God's own heart," David. How long has it been since you listened to the promises of God in song? How long has it been since you sang the praises of the Lord from your own lips with everything you have inside you? It will change you "from the inside out" (which is also the title to a fantastic song by Hillsong that you should check out).

I still really enjoy listening to all different kinds of music that is out there. But, when I was young my mom used to always say, "garbage in, garbage out." Music grips our hearts. It changes us. What are you letting it change you into? What are you allowing to influence you? Need some examples of great music that focuses on God? Are you part of the generation that seeks Him, seeks His face, and will stand in His holy place? Let the praises of God forever be in your heart, on your lips, and in your ears.