The Reason Why We Sing
But I will sing of your might, I will sing aloud of your steadfast love in the morning. For you have been a fortress for me and a refuge in the day of my distress. O my strength, I will sing praises to you for you, O God, are my fortress, the God who shows me steadfast love. Psalm 59:16-17 (NRSV)
June is Black Music Month. Music is a cultural expression of art that allows for a reflection of society and serves to remind us who we are, what we are experiencing, and how the journey called life is impacting us. Whether it is Anita Baker, Tupac, 50 Cent, Prince, Luther, or Hubie Blake, the music they have produced is reflective of their era and expresses sentiments of segments of their lives.
The psalmist seeks God’s protection. He does not seek to destroy his enemies for he says, if they are destroyed the people will forget. What is he saying? Perhaps he is reminding us that trouble comes, and sometimes it stays longer than we like, but in God, we have a refuge, a fortress that not only protects us but is stronger than any enemy we face. The psalmist is trying to pray away trouble. He’s trying to cope with his situation. And after sharing all of his grievances with God, he says that he will song?
Perhaps when the blues players depicted their trying lives, they were speaking to God about their realities. The connection is often made between gospel music and the blues. Our young rappers continue to remind us of the trial and tribulations of life. Some of the greatest poetry of our time is being written and expressed in their music. Often misunderstood, it is an art form that is doing what music has always done for us; expressed our innermost feelings. If ones experiences are violent and vile, the music might come out that way. Don’t blame the messenger, correct the situation.
Pastor Jones