Sing to the Lord

One o the most frustrating things for Christians during the lockdowns has been the restrictions to our being able to meet together. Not only have there been restrictions on how many can meet, where and how, but what we can do if and when we meet. Singing was one of the first things that was canceled in these situations. 

And as congregations went online we realized that we could not sing together. Anyone who has tried to sing with others via Zoom or Skype has learned very quickly that it is simply frustrating. And within a very short time it felt like we had been cut off from our lifeline, our heart moved from our lives in the Lord. Does that sound too dramatic? 

Perhaps for some. Sermons were still available. As a matter of fact, it has become even simpler to access sermons from all over the world. Thankfully, this crisis is being used mightily to reach people with the word of the Lord. But the elements that hold us together, that are the very heart of fellowship - and fellowship is the very heart of our faith, for we are a body - all of these elements were crippled. 

Even before corona times we had been working on strengthening singing in our congregations in Belgium and the Netherlands. Song Workshops were held to help members learn how to sing and become comfortable with singing. Members were encouraged to learn new songs and even write songs themselves. As corona time hit, these efforts became even more important. 

So now we have been doing our utmost to make songs available. Scott and Luk Brazle have been making lyric video's and placing them online. These video's not only help members learn the songs, they can be used during digital worship times as singing. Sitting at home and singing with one of these videos is like singing with your congregation, though not nearly as good. No matter how poorly your congregation sings, being able to be in the same room together singing is immensely better than sitting behind a computer screen singing with a video. 

Now, in several places on Youtube and on a dedicated website, members can find these songs. 

There are songs that members themselves have written during one of the singing workshops. These are most often scriptures put to melody. Ik ben verzekerd

There are songs written more than 30 years ago by evangelists and used for camp which are still sung every year during Bible camp. Elk van God

There are songs translated into Dutch which are better known by all members. 

Mijn Jezus, mijn Redder

There are children's songs so that the kids are not left out. Eens was er een jongen David

These are tools which will be used outside of corona times, when we are able to join together again. That is why we will keep working on getting even more done. It has been good to experience the working together to make these songs and this effort available. We are so thankful for the song that Jesus has put in our hearts for Him and for each other in this life. 

Would you like to hear these songs and sing along? Visit the Youtube site. 

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:15-17

A different perspective

M.C. Escher, Belvedere, 1958

The last two days I have had a few conversations that have struck a chord. I have to admit that I have been struggling to see how to plan my days and activities because it has become very hard to plan anything. Every week there is a possibility of new rules and changing realities. 

Don’t get me wrong, in some ways things are busier than ever. We are meeting with more members than before corona in our mid-week study and are enjoying the studies together immensely. We have been looking at “Is Genesis History” and talking about the beauty and truth that we see in God’s amazing creation. As mentioned last time, the study on Thursday mornings in Luke has been exciting. It is always a thrill to see someone discover who Jesus is - even if we are only seeing it through a screen on the computer. And there have been many more conversations. 

I have also been recording songs with others so that these songs are available to more members of the church. I have even had the chance to sing with some folks elsewhere in Europe and with video's with people from around the world. (see our songs at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCl3c31jfr3xUjLulb9OCHgg/playlists)

But when it comes to planning, I just get bogged down in my mind, basically thinking: “What does it matter. We can’t plan anything anyway.” But yesterday my best friend mentioned in his prayer (it is so good to be able to pray together even though we are thousands of miles and times zones apart) that these trying times are exactly the times God uses to do amazing new things. So I should be looking for, awaiting the amazing that always comes from God’s hand. 

And today someone else in a different conversation shared the same type of thought. Even though we cannot plan, we must look ahead and be prepared for the new realities. We need to look at these new challenges as new opportunities. People are still in need. Truth still needs to be told, The love and grace of God are still what the world needs - every day. 

So I will continue to struggle to look for how to use these weird, strange, frustrating amazing times. Pray for us. We are praying for you. We know that we are not alone - ever. Not only are we in this together as the body of Christ, it is almighty God, our King of kings who is leading us through each day. 

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings. And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.   1 Peter 5:6-11