Remember Psalms were songs. The collection of them comprised the hymnal for all of Israel. Every song has a story. For this one, we're not sure of all the details, but we do know that the writer of this Psalm had been seized by the Philistines and was captive. So what did he do? He sang. He took a tune he already knew and put words to it. And the words he chose were ones that fit the occasion. What did the song do for him? My guess is that it calmed him, kept him clear, and spiritually strong. It reminded him of who he was, and who God was.
Think to a time when music was used in your life when it warranted an emotional or physical response. When you watch professional sports, does the music get you going? When you watch a movie, how flat would it be without the music? Consider the civil rights movement led by Martin Luther King, Jr. when hundreds were arrested at once and all thrown in jail. What did they do? They sang hymns. Music is a powerful, powerful thing. We don't understand why, only that it is. Some physicists who are "string theorists" believe that the smallest, most basic structure to all living things is made up of strings. What happens when strings vibrate? They make sound. If that's the case, then are we all living, breathing, music? And is our uniqueness found in that everyone has their own sound? What music will you make with your sound? What story will your song tell?
Readings: Numbers 19:1-20:29; Luke 1:1-25; Psalm 56:1-13; Proverbs 11:8
