Crying or Singing to God?

Have you ever seen a small child upset but when distracted with a toy, cookie, or even a voice on the TV they stop crying?  After a little happy distraction they may have even forgotten what they were upset about?

Years ago I was told, “You cannot sing and cry at the same time.” I’ve tried to prove this statement wrong on several occasions. But have found time after time its truth. When things get tough, if we feel like crying, losing it, or giving up, how about singing instead?  If we sing praises, hymns, prayers, or even rants against the devilish temptations of despair, our songs can bring us up above the storms and into clear thoughts and better days.

After many years I have gained several songs I like to turn to in trying moments. I cannot sing on tune for the most part. But that doesn’t stop me from singing hymns in my head or belting them out when I’m alone (who am I going to scare?).

Sadly this is a blog spot without audio. But here are some verses from hymns I turn to for a sense of calm and peace.
“O'er waiting harpstrings of the mind
There sweeps a strain,
Low, sad, and sweet, whose measures bind
The power of pain,

And wake a white-winged angel throng
Of thoughts, illumed
By faith, and breathed in raptured song,
With love perfumed.

Then His unveiled, sweet mercies show
Life's burdens light.
I kiss the cross, and wake to know
A world more bright.

And o'er earth's troubled, angry sea
I see Christ walk,
And come to me, and tenderly,
Divinely talk.

Thus Truth engrounds me on the rock,
Upon Life's shore,
'Gainst which the winds and waves can shock,
Oh, nevermore!

From tired joy and grief afar,
And nearer Thee, —
Father, where Thine own children are,
I love to be.

My prayer, some daily good to do
To Thine, for Thee;
An offering pure of Love, whereto
God leadeth me.”¹

This hymn is actually a poem by Mary Baker Eddy called “Christ my Refuge”. There are several other songs I turn to for reassurance. But I’ll share just one more…it also is a poem by Mrs. Eddy called “Satisfied”.  It reads,

“It matters not what be thy lot,
So Love doth guide;
For storm or shine, pure peace is thine,
Whate'er betide.

And of these stones, or tyrants' thrones,
God able is
To raise up seed — in thought and deed —
To faithful His.

Aye, darkling sense, arise, go hence!
Our God is good.
False fears are foes — truth tatters those,
When understood.

Love looseth thee, and lifteth me,
Ayont hate's thrall:
There Life is light, and wisdom might,
And God is All.

The centuries break, the earth-bound wake,
God's glorified!
Who doth His will — His likeness still —
Is satisfied.”²

Music can help us lift our thoughts to Spirit, Love. By turning to God, listening for His hymn of hymns, the Truth about who and what we are, we can quickly regain our freedom. Music is used as lullabies, background, celebrations, and prayers. We can use these ‘heavenly strains’ to help us turn our thoughts back to Him. We can use these to regain our composure and receive directions and solutions to any problem. 

It is said, ‘whistle while you work’. Let us whistle a happy tune throughout our day.  It just may be the turning point to our healing.

Gentle hug

1 Christian Science Hymnal Nos. 253-257
2 ibid Nos. 160-162