Hey everyone! Just thought I'd share with you the scriptures I had in mind when writing these songs, and share the importance of having scripture, and/or biblical truths in the songs we write and use for the church.
I can say that I am guilty of having more songs memorized than I do scripture(I'm trying to do better!). I can imagine many of you may be in the same boat. Words with music, for the most part, is naturally easier(if it's catchy enough) to memorize. I'm sure there is a scientific explanation for it, but I won't get into that (however, I do find it very interesting, and worth understanding). First, what I'm not suggesting here is that we start memorizing songs that contain scripture as a replacement for memorizing scripture or reading scripture. As many songs as there are out right now, not all are truthful, and most likely with all of those that are, combined they simply cannot contain all of the truths represented in the Bible. Hide the Word of God in your hearts. Don't wait for the next hit or catchy song to do it for you. I am suggesting that because it may be easier to have a song stuck in our heads, than God's word in our hearts, that we should be careful with what a song says. Also, that perhaps more of the songs we sing should contain more scripture, and/or biblical truths. Second, it's okay to use the bible's text in song as long as nothing is taken out of context. And by context, I don't necessarily mean 'historical'. I mean more 'literary'. As cool as it is to have a song about how to make an ark, I'm not sure how enjoyable it will be to sing or listen to. For example, the bible has many instances of Israel crying out to God for rescue. One of the cool things about the Bible is that it will always be relevant to it's believers no matter the culture or time period. In my song 'Restore Us' I grabbed the chorus from one of these moments. While historically irrelevant, the act of crying out for rescue is very relevant. I suppose there's a bit of wisdom to be used in choosing what to use, and how to use it as well. Third and lastly, I may be wrong on all or some of this, so don't take my word for it. These are just my thoughts and ideas. Test everything with scripture, always... now onto the scripture(s) used in and that inspired these songs:
The Lord Reigns
Scripture:Psalm 96-99
Lyrics:The Lord Reigns
Let Your Mercy Fall
Scripture:Hebrews 4:14-16
Lyrics:Let Your Mercy Fall
Restore Us
Scripture:Psalm 80
Lyrics:Restore Us
You Baptize Me
Scripture(s):Mark 16:16; Luke 3:21; John 3:5; Acts 1:5
Lyrics:You Baptize Me
You can still grab these songs on iTunes, and Bandcamp, and the song 'You Baptize Me' is still going for FREE!