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Faith Comes By Hearing ("Songs of Deliverance" by Anita G. Hamill, Blog post #40)

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Faith Comes By Hearing ("Songs of Deliverance" by Anita G. Hamill, Blog post #40)

Songs of Deliverance

(Anita G. Hamill, Eureka)

While reading through Psalms the other day, I came across one     of my favorite scriptures, Psalms 32:7. What an amazing word picture this makes, “...songs of deliverance” (NIV).

As I read this verse, I was reminded of an experience that took place many years ago in Arizona. A friend of mine was married to a man with black lung disease, causing mental disorders and bouts of hostility toward his family. Whenever the situation became serious, my friend and her grown children would sit down and sing hymns together. As they sang, her husband calmed down and peace was restored in the household.

In 1 Samuel 16:14-16, we find a similar situation of using music to overpower the dark side. David played skillfully upon the harp to chase away an evil spirit, which was tormenting Saul.

God inspired David to write many songs of praise and a special one can be found in Psalms 145:16-21. Whenever I start to feel discourage or overwhelmed, I read through the Psalms and speak those very words to God as a personal prayer. This lifts my heart and changes my attitude to one of gratitude.

Hostility is inspired by Satan, but he and his demons cannot stand to be around people who are praising God, as it actually irritates them.  This is true in the same way as Satan’s evil, perverted music repels a true Christian, the chasm between darkness and light is dramatic. 

A powerful thing takes place in our hearts and minds when we can trust in God and sing songs of praise when things are not going well.  As we praise God and thank Him for His mercy and blessings, we are actually connecting to the “Father of lights” (James 1:17). It is through this closeness with our Heavenly Father, that we are able to overcome the power of darkness (James 4:7).

There is an amazing account in Acts 16:23-26, concerning Paul and Silas. What a powerful witness these men were to the guards and other prisoners. Instead of getting angry and feeling sorry for themselves, they sang praises to God and trusted Him to work it out and He did!

It is also interesting to recount the fact that during the days of Jehoshaphat, the singers were sent out before the army to sing praise to God for His mercy (2 Chronicles 20:19-22). These singers   were not placed behind the army, they were right out there in front, praising God and giving Him glory.  God worked a great victory!

Life can become complicated, so whenever discouragement or fear start creeping into our thinking, we must remember who is really behind those thoughts and attitudes. Start praising God for His love, mercy, patience and forgiveness. Satan won’t be able to stand being around you; he will have to flee!

Inspiring songs can be such a useful vehicle in delivering us from the dark side of depression and doubt. Let us all lift our eyes, hearts and songs to our great God and loving Father. Sing praises to His name!