Let men their songs employ
While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains
Repeat the sounding joy
Repeat the sounding joy
Repeat, repeat, the sounding joy
In the 1700s, Isaac Watts penned the lyrics for “Joy to the World.” The message of this famous Christmas carol is clear. The wonderful reign of Christ’s love deserves to be received with great joy. It urges us to use our songs to celebrate Him. It is all about a wonderful Savior who came to save us. It’s truly occupied with that happy narrative. Songs, like people, have different occupations. Ideal songs have one message; one focus.
“Happy Birthday” and “The Anniversary Waltz” help us celebrate special days. Anthems like “The Star Spangled Banner” and “O Canada” help us to inspire loyalty for our countries. “Hush, little baby” or “When you wish upon a star” help soothe restless babies to sleep. Some songs are story tellers that help make sense out of the crazy curves in life. “A boy named Sue,” or “Harper Valley PTA” tell different stories. Music speaks to us. Songs capture memories like “I saw Mommy kissing Santa Claus,” “Feelings,” or “Painted by Memory.” Love ballads express our love. Two favorites of mine are “Unforgettable” and “There will never be another you,” just to name a couple out of millions! The more personal they are – the more they reach our hearts. “Amazing Grace” and “Great is Thy Faithfulness” help us to pray. These songs are employed for Jesus – to admire, and to treasure Him by melody.
Imagine that you are a song –how would you want to be employed? I would desire the highest employment. I would want to be a zone-changer. Scripture says that God inhabits the praises of His people. I would want to be involved in something like that. What higher purpose is there than to attempt to communicate the Incomparable Christ? Give me that job! If I were a song – that’s what I’d be saying.