One of the reasons I post so many songs on my blogs, is because when I sing songs of HOPE, I not only discover the reason why I sing–but I also discover fresh courage and strength in the midst of my singing.
It was Tolkien who said, “Courage is found in unlikely places.”
(And I believe that’s true.)
I know from experience, regularly singing songs of praise and worship will make a profound difference, in how I view the problems that are weighing heavy on my heart.
Tolkien also said…
“The world is indeed full of peril, and in it there are many dark places; but still there is much that is fair, and though in all lands love is now mingled with grief, it grows perhaps the greater.”
Love can grow in the midst of grief?
(I believe it can.)
The alchemy of HOPE, STRENGTH, and COURAGE.
I have long suspected there is some sort of transforming alchemy that takes place in the human spirit when we sing.
I wanted to know for sure, so I asked Google,
“What happens in our body chemistry when we sing?”
And Google replied,
Singing is known to release endorphins, the feel-good brain chemical that makes you feel uplifted and happy. In addition, scientists have identified a tiny organ in the ear called the sacculus, which responds to the frequencies created by singing.
Google also brought up a site that said there are eleven surprising health benefits when we SING–physical, psychological, emotional and social:
PHYSICAL BENEFITS:
- Singing strengthens the immune system
- Singing is a workout
- Singing improves your posture
- Singing helps you sleep
EMOTIONAL & PSYCHOLOGICAL BENEFITS:
- Singing is a natural anti-depressant
- Singing lowers stress levels
- Singing improves mental alertness
SOCIAL BENEFITS:
- Singing can widen your circle of friends
- Singing boosts your confidence
- Singing broadens communication skills
- Singing increases your ability to appreciate other singers
Wow! Why not sing?
My Songs of HOPE Playlist
That “natural anti-depressant” benefit I can attest to by personal experience. Praising God works!
There is nothing like listening to (and singing along with) worship music to lift the spirit and usher me into the presence of God.
(I really do love today’s contemporary Christian music!)
When I’m having a challenging day, it dries my tears; lifts my focus to The One who controls every aspect of my life; while putting everything back into an encouraged perspective.
I believe if you give God the gift of praise–no matter what your present circumstances–He will return to you the gift of HOPE.
Emilie is smiling; she winks, and adds…
Hope is always stronger than you think. Trust it–and you will find the strength and courage you need.
God’s promises: Are reinforced when we sing!
- Awake, O my soul, with the music of his splendor-song! Arise, my soul, and sing his praises! My worship will awaken the dawn, greeting the daybreak with my songs of praise! Psalm 57:8 TPT
- Go ahead—sing your new song to the Lord! Let everyone in every language sing him a new song. Don’t stop! Keep on singing! Make his name famous! Tell everyone every day how wonderful he is. Give them the good news of our great Savior. Take the message of his glory and miracles to every nation. Tell them about all the amazing things he has done. Psalm 96:1-3 TPT
- O my strength, I sing with joy your praises. O my stronghold, I sing with joy your song! O my Savior, I sing with joy the lyrics of your faithful love for me! Psalm 59: 17 TPT
- I will sing my song of joy to you, the Most High, for in all of this you have strengthened my soul. My enemies say that I have no Savior, but I know that I have one in you! Psalm 13: 6 TPT
Our fourth cup of HOPE
There are now over one hundred songs on our “Songs of HOPE” Playlist!
(Yahoo!)
If those holiday blues start dogging your footsteps? Why not put on some praise music, and chase that heaviness right out your front door!
Father,
You fill our hearts with so many reasons to sing–especially now, as we celebrate the birth of Jesus!
(I thank you again, for all the reasons You have given me to sing–even when it seemed impossible.)
I have learned, if I will reach out to You with praise? You will bring me fresh hope, courage, and strength–even in the midst of my tears.
I don’t exactly know how it happens–I’m just so glad that it does!
Whatever we might be walking through this Holiday Season?
May we return to You our worship–for You are worthy of it ALL! amen.
* Emilie’s “gems” are shared with the permission of Harvest House Publishers. They are: Taken from: A CUP OF HOPE by Emilie Barnes, Copyright © 2000, Published by Harvest House Publishers
Photos courtesy of: Unsplash
This weeks photo credits and “My Thanks!” go to photographers: Fotografia, Anh Nguyen, Courtney Kammers, Taylor Kiser, and Greyson Joralemon.
Women With Destiny 
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