Soothe the Savage
Psalm 40:1-11
1I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. 2He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. 3He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the Lord and put their trust in him. 4Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, who does not look to the proud, to those who turn aside to false gods.40:4 Or to lies 5Many, Lordmy God,are the wonders you have done, the things you planned for us. None can compare with you; were I to speak and tell of your deeds, they would be too many to declare. 6Sacrifice and offering you did not desire— but my ears you have opened40:6 Hebrew; some Septuagint manuscripts but a body you have prepared for me— burnt offerings and sin offerings40:6 Or purification offerings you did not require. 7Then I said, “Here I am, I have come— it is written about me in the scroll.40:7 Or come / with the scroll written for me 8I desire to do your will, my God; your law is within my heart.” 9I proclaim your saving acts in the great assembly; I do not seal my lips, Lord, as you know. 10I do not hide your righteousness in my heart; I speak of your faithfulness and your saving help. I do not conceal your love and your faithfulness from the great assembly. 11Do not withhold your mercy from me, Lord; may your love and faithfulness always protect me.
The 17th century poet and playwright, William Congreve, originated the saying, "Music hath the charms to soothe a savage breast."
In what ways has God lifted you up out of the slimy pit and set your feet on solid ground?
How has God soothed the ‘savage’ within you?
Rev. Lori Bultemeier: “The universe (one song) that God created resonates. Nature vibrates, we vibrate, the world can be in tune or out of tune. We can be in tune or out of tune with God, others and ourselves (dissonance). We seek harmony - each with their own part, that is better - not just in music, but in life. Music can gather strangers into one place and we can feel like friends because we have a common love of the music of the evening.”
Fascinating TED talk by Anita Collins on the science behind our brains and music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R0JKCYZ8hng (please note: we are not discounting the value of other activities in which we might participate)
TODAY'S PREACHER
Debbie Reese is Co-Directing Pastor of Calvary UMC