As iron sharpens iron,
one person sharpens another. (Proverbs 27:17)
Read Part 1.
As the darkness gives way to the daylight, we notice long shadows—perhaps moving directly upon us.
Shadows have the capacity to unnerve—even frighten us. Sometimes the shadows may be mistaken for something real. At other times, something real may be hiding in the shadows.
Shadows make us uncomfortable. They represent incompleteness and uncertainty—”variation or shadow of turning” (Js. 1:17).
Darkness, to our sight, corresponds to silence, in our hearing. It is the absence of any stimulus to inform, direct or encourage us.
But darkness also entails a moral component. Darkness, by its very nature, spreads a covering over sin (see John 3:19-21; 8:12; 12:35, 46; Eph. 5:11-14).
“Prioritize the singing of familiar carols for the sake of theology…. Prioritize the singing of familiar carols for the sake of unity…. Prioritize the singing of familiar carols for the sake of quality….” - Baptist Press
“I thought it would be interesting to poll our dear Voices readers to ask about their favorite hymn. I hope you will share the title of your favorite hymn (or hymns) and tell why it’s your favorite.” - SBC Voices
Randall Goodgame “felt called to write for congregational singing. His new Scripture Hymnal, which releases October 21, contains 106 word-for-word Scripture songs.” - TGC
“Church Works Media has a helpful resource for pastors and those who plan worship services: a topical list of hymns. In a similar spirit, I wanted to share a list of hymns that we either sang or considered singing in connection to a series I preached on the attributes of God.” - DBTS Blog
“ ‘Man of Sorrows’ was the last hymn Ira Sankey ever heard Bliss sing. Bliss’s name is on the top left and right of this hymn. The words and the tune came from him. The focus, however, is entirely on Jesus.” - TGC
“We’re often told singing in church ‘isn’t about us.’ But Scripture does tell us to address one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs (Eph. 5:19).” - TGC
It’s often said that the good is the enemy of the best. It’s also often said that the perfect is the enemy of the good. Both observations are true in different contexts, sort of like Proverbs 26:4-5.
In my own life, the perfect vs. good version seems more applicable. In order to finish anything, I often have to force myself to stop improving it, shrug, and say, “It’ll do, I guess.”
So, in the spirit of flawed-but-finished, I’m releasing some music into the wild today.
Lately, the words of this classic hymn have echoed in my head. The stirring melody by Jean Sebelius has become the theme music for my summer. Be Still My Soul.
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