Psalm 96:1 “Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth.”
What’s on your playlist?
Oh I don’t mean the sequence of songs on your iPod or mp3 player. I’m talking about the tunes running through your mind. Refrains that shuffle to the front of your thoughts again and again like a broken record (sorry, couldn’t help myself). We all have playlists to some extent. They either inspire us or immobilize us, depending on our circumstances.
When I feel like I’m falling short (or maybe even apart), songs that echo my inadequacies shift to the top of the list. Unfortunately, I have a full library encompassing every possible area of failure. Pessimism about the direction of our country surfaces a playlist of pretty dark tunes. Melodies of worry worry worry loop endlessly over many matters—some of which I have control over and some of which I do not.
Jesus addressed people’s playlists when he was on the earth. He told them not to be consumed with what they would eat or drink, with their bodies, with what they would wear (Matthew 6). He encouraged them to focus on songs of a different sort. “Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (6:33). He directed them to choose a playlist that would lead them to something bigger than themselves.
I think he’s telling me to examine my playlist and delete some selections that keep me tied more to earth than heaven. Delete lyrics that focus on my performance more than his presence. I don’t have to keep re-shuffling the same old tunes. I can exchange the old playlist with one driven more by truth than changing circumstances. A list that reminds me I’m part of a mighty symphony.
So what’s on your playlist?
Are you listening to a steady beat of hopelessness? Are you storing messages that feed your insecurities and undermine your status as a child of God? God has some pretty cool songs on his playlist. Songs booming with life. Songs chock full of his love. Of grace. Of second chances. He compiled his playlist before time but it remains as current as the next minute. Don’t miss out. Listen to that new song and sing it. Sing it loud.