Songs To Ponder
June 2024 – Grace & Truth Magazine
Songs To Ponder
Many of us have been blessed by learning what have been often called “Children’s Hymns” or “Sunday School Songs.” “Jesus Loves Me, This I Know,” written by Anna Bartlett Warner in 1859, could be the most famous song for children. Other well-known songs include “Zacchaeus Was A Wee Little Man” and “My God Is So Big, So Strong And So Mighty.” Of course, there are so many songs like these that a very long list could easily be made.
We remember such songs for a variety of reasons. Some have catchy tunes. A number include motions that go along with the words. We may have particularly good memories attached to specific songs. For others, we may simply have heard them over and over again.
Regardless of the reasons for remembering the songs, it is good to take a few moments to think about the lyrics and the thoughts they present. In many cases, learning Christian songs, including those written for children, reinforces what is right about and before God – His supremacy, His work, His desires for us including faith, and His expectations of our comments and behavior (see Dt. 31:30–32:47). As we ponder the songs we have learned – especially those which have stood the test of generations – we recognize that they often present wonderful truths from the Word of God (consider 2 Chr. 29:30).
We encourage you to think about the songs you have learned, asking such questions as:
- What is this song about?
- Who is the focus of the song?
- From what Bible passages is the song drawn?
- What are the truths taught in the song?
- How, through this song, are the Father and the Son glorified?
Thinking about the answers to these and similar questions can be a good learning experience and an encouragement in the faith. May they direct us to God’s Word for more thoughts and further study as we look forward to being with our Lord and Savior!
By Paul Alberts