26 May 2020
I think it’s safe to say that few if any of us need to be convinced of the importance of opening up the Word of God. We understand that it’s through the regular, personal intake of the Bible that we come to know God better, understand His will for our lives, and much more. As Jesus said, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4)
We also know that the best way to let God’s word take effect in our lives is to meditate on it — to absorb it into our heads and hearts. We need to sit with it, let soak it in. This, of course, takes time. The psalmist equates the one who is changed by God’s Word as the one who is, “like a tree planted by streams of water, that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither.” More than merely reading and moving on with our day, it’s a good habit to dwell on a short passage of scripture, so that it might be applied in our lives.
There are many ways to meditate on the text of Scripture, but the most effective are sometimes ones that let you sit with just a few verses at time. Some ways might include repeating the verse or phrase with emphasis on a different word, rewriting the verse or phrase in your own words, or memorizing it.
If I’m honest though, doing the same type of reading or devotion day after day can get a bit stale. At times I don’t even remember what I read or thought about that morning. I wonder if your own devotional life has ever felt this way. In the midst of this, there is one particular form of meditation and worship that I’d like to highlight today; one that gives the words of scripture new life when it feels stale — Bible meditation through music.
Setting the Words of God to music has been a part of the life of God’s people for a long time. Think of the Psalms, words written specifically to be set to music. The benefit, of course, is that music can make words and meanings dive deep into our hearts. Music engages our minds in a profound and mysterious way, emotionally connecting us to the text, perhaps even more than just reading.
Maybe you’ve never practiced meditating on scripture through song. Perhaps you’re not sure where to look for good songs set to beautiful music that help us do this. Even if you have, I want to suggest 10 modern-day recommendations for you to start with.
These 10 songs are unique in that they are written based on specific texts, some even keeping the exact wording of the passage. They are also written devotionally, not for the purpose of congregational singing, but for personal worship and prayer. I’ve listed different artists and different styles intentionally for the purpose of exposing you to some of what’s out there. You may like one or all of them, so feel free to listen and use in the future in your devotional time.
Overall, I do hope these songs will provide a launching point from which you can find other scripture based songs, as many of these artists have written more beautiful songs based on scripture. I pray you find adding this form of bible mediation to your devotional times helpful!
*To listen to the song, just click on the title and it should direct you there.
- New Every Morning (Gen. 1, John 1) – Audrey Assad
- I Shall Not Want (Psalm 23) – Audrey Assad
- Lord from Sorrows Deep I Call (Psalm 42) – Matt Papa
- Lord of Hosts (Psalm 46) – Shane and Shane
- White as Snow (Psalm 51) – Jon Foreman
- I Will Wait for You (Psalm 130) – Keith and Kristin Getty
- Not in Me (Luke 18:9-14) – Sovereign Grace Music
- All Flesh is like the Grass (1 Peter 1:24-25) – Fernando Ortega
- Romans Doxology (Rom 11) – Andrew Peterson
- Is He Worthy (Rev. 5) – Andrew Peterson
*Bonus: Holy is the Lord (Gen 22) – Andrew Peterson
As you’re on your way to work, at home with the kids, or just waking up this morning, I pray these musical meditations encourage you, help you internalize God’s word more deeply, and fill you with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God!
Miles Bennett
