“Satisfy us each morning with your unfailing love, so we may sing for joy to the end of our lives» (Psalm 90:14).
In the book Music-Its Roles, Qualities and Influence, by Ellen White, we find precious truths about the importance of song in our lives; about all the benefits it provides not only physically and emotionally, but also spiritually.
It mentions some of the uses Jesus made of singing, and we can learn some things about His childhood that we might not have been very familiar with.
In the first place it tells us that as a boy, Jesus was tempted to sin, but “the songs His mother had tought Him to sing came into His mind, and He would lift His voice in praise”. In addition, his singing was catchy, and his companions would start singing with Him (ch. 1, p. 5).
The powerful association there is between memory and music is a very valuable tool in our favor, to repeatedly recall biblical passages that would otherwise be harder to remember. There’s still time for us to record spiritual messages in our brain’s “hard drive.” We can play them as many times as we want later on.
Secondly, we’re told Jesus welcomed each day with His song. Singing was part of his personal devotions. That way, He «brought heaven’s gladness to the toil-worn and disheartened. (ibid).
In a couple of subjects, students at River Plate Adventist University had to fulfill the requirement of getting up early, going out for a walk and singing. It was common to hear them singing at the town square in the morning, and
Dr. Pedro Tabuenca, who organized the activity, would prescribe his patients a dose of singing too, which improved their mood and health.
It’s a free remedy we can try out today!
In the third place we are told Jesus used singing as a way to express His gladness. “Often the dwellers in Nazareth heard His voice raised in praise and thanksgiving to God” (ibid). What kind of vocal register did He have? We don’t know. But how wonderful it must have been to hear him singing happily!
Every time we sing positive messages, we nullify the possibility of emitting a negative message.
Today we can also imitate Jesus in this area and joyfully sing as we begin a new day.
