Many years ago, the principal of the theological college where I worked asked me if the music department could ‘do something’ with the “Songs of Ascent” for the forthcoming Feast of Tabernacles. “What,” I queried, “are the Songs of Ascent?” He smiled. “Psalms 120-134,” was the reply. “All of them?” I gasped. “Have a look,” he said, kindly. “They’re not long ones. See what you can do.”
I learned these fifteen psalms were traditionally known as ‘Pilgrim Songs’ because Jewish worshippers would sing them as they made their way to Jerusalem for the annual feasts. Armed with this information, I gathered some songwriters together to share with them and to ask for ‘new songs’ from this resource for the choir to sing at the Feast! Inspired by the Holy Spirit, we were able to assemble a wonderful presentation of ‘The Songs of Ascent’. It has been used many times, whilst some of the songs have been sung repeatedly.
These memories flooded back recently as my daily Bible reading brought me to Psalm 120, and they kept me turning the pages with delight. Psalm 126 reminded me of a visit to Israel in 1965. The land was blooming apace: an abundance of fruit trees and flowers, fields devoted to cereal crops, or vegetables, and new buildings were everywhere. The atmosphere was electrifying. The entire country seemed throbbing with new life, and I was filled with wonder. This people had ‘sown’ in the tears and grief of the aftermath of WW2 and the holocaust, and now were reaping with great joy.
We’re not the only people to have made music from the Psalms. They’re so full of power, praise, prophecy, worship, comfort and the reality of life experiences. They’ve captivated the heart of poets and songwriters for centuries. The book of Psalms is a place to escape to if you want to feel nourished or understood, if you feel heartsore or weary, if you’re hiding from life, or if you want to be inspired, thrilled and blessed. It can be a place to go when you simply want to sing!
Have you been there lately? Try it - there’s power in music!
Image by Van3ssa ???????? Desiré ???? Dazzy ???? from Pixabay
https://pixabay.com/photos/sheet-music-music-notes-scrolls-7875782/
This Is My Friend!Blessed is the person who places his confidence in Yahweh and does not rely on arrogant people or those who follow lies.
Psalm 40:4, Names of God Bible
No matter what happens to us in this life, the word of [Yahweh] tells us that [Yahweh] is for us, not against us.
Donna Kazenske
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