Finding God Through Music
As I look forward to revival and the speakers, I also look forward to the music that touches my heart. As my pastor says, the music can take us to the Throne of God. I was reminded of Mom, my three pound dog, Duke and my weekly visits to a nursing home. We knew most of the ladies in the activity room but each week we were new friends, again. I am asked Duke’s name every five minutes, I am asked what Duke is, with colorful language each visit, I am asked if it is time to eat every five minutes. Another lady tells me she loves to laugh, so we giggle at everything. Most cannot tell me if they have family.
One day they asked if I could play and sing for them. NO! Thankfully, a resident began to play, from memory, for 45 minutes. We sang whatever she played, without words! “It Is Well With My Soul”, “How Great Thou Art”, “Up From The Grave He Arose'', “Jesus Loves Me”, “The Old Rugged Cross”, “Jesus Paid it All”, “Nothing But the Blood” and more. In the middle of singing hymns the lady looked at Duke and began singing, “How Much Is The Doggy in the Window”! This made my friend giggle!
It was a blessing watching those who cannot carry on a conversation and have severe dementia sing every word to all of those songs. Even the ladies who ask the same questions over and over. There was a peace that washed over them as they sang. There were a few who did not sing but enjoyed the piano but their countenance was different. Music was taking them to the Throne of God!
Tony Reinke wrote, "So it is not uncommon to see somebody, even in a locked memory care unit of a nursing home, seem as if they are completely unaware of what is going on. But when they hear an old hymn that they know and love, they light up and sing every word of it. It is a beautiful picture of how they have this hymn, this truth, embedded deep within them, and they can access it when they are prompted." Another article said even though the dementia sufferer may not know what they are doing they will find God through music. Deuteronomy 4: 29, “But if from there you seek the LORD your God, you will find him if you look for him with all your heart and with all your soul”
Deuteronomy 11: 18, “Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads.” Please God, embed Your Words in my heart!