It was a rainy Valentine’s Day—pretty typical for Southern California. But that is where the “typical” part of the day ends.
I was early in my second pregnancy and had a doctor appointment. As I drove on the heavily congested freeway with my windshield wipers whipping at top speed, I saw a sea of blurry red brake lights ahead. The driver in front of me quickly slowed, causing his car to fishtail and smack into another car in the right lane. My heart dropped into my rain boots as I swerved into the left lane, barely avoiding a collision. Thank God my exit was next and I safely got off the freeway.
I circled the parking lot for a close spot, but there were none to be found. I trudged through the rain, arriving ten minutes late for my appointment. When I finally got in to see my doctor, he was excited to share the new sonogram machine. Well, I was more than happy to oblige.
I watched my doctor’s eyes scan the screen and waited expectantly. He didn’t speak. Instead, he scowled, tilted his head, pressed buttons on the keyboard, and sighed. A wave of fear washed over me.
Something was wrong with my baby.
The doctor explained my baby would likely need surgery immediately following birth because his intestines were growing on the outside of his body. Once the doctor finished explaining this rare condition, he concluded by saying, “It’s early in the pregnancy and the baby is still developing. We will know more in a month when we do another sonogram.”
A month? I had to wait an entire month to find out if my baby would be Okay?
As I made the rainy drive home, I tried to pray but found I had no words. Instead, a song seemed to roll off my lips. This was not a song I had heard before, but a prayer song the Lord gave to me. I sang to the Lord between sobs the rest of the drive. When I pulled into the driveway, the tears had been replaced by a peace that surpassed all human reasoning. That peace continued the entire month until my next visit to the doctor in which I was told my baby was perfectly healthy!
Sing to the Lord a new song;
sing to the Lord, all the earth.
Sing to the Lord, praise his name;
proclaim his salvation day after day.
Declare his glory among the nations,
his marvelous deeds among all peoples.
Psalm 96: 1-3
At the time, I didn’t know the book of Psalm is a collection of lyrical poems often set to music. The book was originally titled Tehillim, which means “praise songs” in Hebrew. I was thrilled to find that music, specifically singing, has a powerful place in God’s Kingdom.
- Singing helps us focus on God and not the problem (Psalm 95:1; 105:2; 71:23).
- Singing gives strength: Like Paul and Silas in prison (Acts 16:25).
- Singing is warfare (2 Chronicles 20).
- Singing helps us to remember the Word (Colossians 3:16).
- Singing builds others up (Colossians 3:13-16).
Has singing enriched your walk with the Lord? Is this a new concept to you?
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Love this. Songs set to scripture have ministered to me in my darkest moments. Thanks for sharing this!
Mary, I’m so glad this was a reminder of how Scripture and song helps us focus on God. The natural byproduct of course, is peace.
Thanks for taking time to comment.
Blessings to you and yours!
Oh, Beckie, for ten years, I sang with Danny in the praise worship at church. I can attest to many, many times when I felt the rush of the Holy Spirit coursing through me, and manifesting Himself in notes of praise and thanksgiving to our Father. There is nothing, absolutely nothing, like it! I miss the days of helping to lead the congregation in worship, but God does faithfully call us to times and places where we are needed. With MIL, we are both in one of these right now.
Keep on singing, rejoicing and praising, dear friend!
Martha,
You are so right—the Lord calls us to where we are needed. I used to lead worship at church until He moved me into other ministries. I still have the opportunity to sing occasionally, but my main ministry has changed. I certainly sing right here in my home or in my car, however 🙂
I know the Lord is using you in your current situation to minister and grow.
Blessing on you and Danny as you follow the Lord’s will!
Beckie — a song and singing can do wonders.
Thanks for the post-
My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed: I will sing and give praise. Psalm 57:7
Del, thanks for the additional Scripture on singing! I like that one. “My heart is FIXED.”
WOW! Ms. Beckie; this is an amazing testimony to God’s goodness young lady. I’ll have to know the “rest of the story” one day as Mr. Paul Harvey used to say, but I could not agree more. Singing praises to God brings me closer to Him. I’m just glad He’s tone deaf to my screeches.
Simply beautiful, Becky. I felt all the emotions along with you from fear of the rainy and slick freeway to worry about the baby. And this song in Psalms is beautiful.
“Lord, help us sing this song to You and over the earth. Amen.”
Karen,
Oh, how I’m thrilled to hear from others how worship in song has drawn them closer to God and brought comfort and peace.
Thanks for taking the time to share.
I absolutely love Christian music, and I can appreciate all genres! Old hymns, praise songs, rap songs that my kids love …. I love it all, just some more than others. How I wish I had a beautiful voice! I know my words and songs are beautiful to God but He’s the only one that can appreciate my off-key singing! But, I do so love for His music to comfort me often! Thanks for your sweet story and I’m so glad to read the happy, miraculous part about your sweet baby!
Julie, I’m thrilled to share this story about God’s care for His children. It was certainly a faith-building experience.
Thanks for stopping by and sharing your love of worship music. It serves to confirm the power of praise!
Blessings!
Love this.
Beautiful! Love the Psalms. Great post, and what a scary day that must have been.
Mary,
What a treat to hear from you. Of course, a gifted poet such as yourself would love the Psalms. Yes, it was a frightening day that I will never forget. As you read, the Lord used it to draw me close and teach me more about His amazing love and character.
Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to comment.
Blessings!
What a beautiful message of love and praise you’ve shared today, Beckie! I’m so thankful that God brought you peace and comfort even before you knew of the miracle of your child’s restored health. Yes, music and singing bring great peace and both are part of my spiritual practice. Thank you for your inspiration.
Katherine, It is a time in life I will never forget. It serves me today as prove of the faithfulness of God, peace through difficulty available through the Holy Spirit, God’s care for our lives, and His miraculous power.
Thanks for taking time to comment.