Let’s Repeat the Sounding Joy Together

We heard the first notes of “Eye of a Storm” by Ryan Stevenson on the radio and I turned it up so my two oldest kids and I could sing along. Of course, the toddler in the back started her dance moves and hand claps.

“In the eye of the storm, You remain in control
And in the middle of the war, You guard my soul
You alone are the anchor, when my sails are torn
Your love surrounds me in the eye of the storm”

– From “Eye of the Storm” by Ryan Stevenson

Then over the happy ruckus, my inquisitive 9-year-old Cate yells from the very back seat, “So do you like this song or ‘Chain Breaker’ more?”

I briefly turned down the volume and said, “I like them both so much!”

I turned the song back up, but the music didn’t drown out my thoughts. I thought about how songs accompany seasons in my life, and, really, that’s how dreams are too. Some songs don’t fit certain seasons, like some dreams are better left for later. Of course, there are the songs that fit perfectly with whatever you’re walking through as the dreams closest to your heart come alive despite circumstances.

“If you’ve got pain
He’s a pain taker
If you feel lost
He’s a way maker
If you need freedom or saving
He’s a prison-shaking Savior
If you’ve got chains
He’s a chain breaker”

– From “Chain Breaker” by Zach Williams

I’m the kind of person who puts songs on repeat and replays conversations in my head. I read the same scripture over and over before the light finally comes on. I need repetition for the truth to seep into my soul, and sometimes that means cranking up one of our many favorite songs when it comes on the radio.

As a momma, I hope and pray some of that same truth is seeping into my kids hearts too. Perhaps that’s really why my reaction is to turn up the volume – I just want to make sure they hear. Of course, I need the reminders myself.

Christmas has come and gone. And now, here we are, in the midst of a brand new year. Maybe you’ve made resolutions and already faltered from your own expectations. That’s okay. There’s still 11/12 of the year to go.

God can do a new thing regardless of the date.

“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” – Isaiah 43:19

Ideally, it’s a time for a clean slate, but we bring so many scars and so much baggage from where we’ve been. Instead of letting the lies and discouragement repeat, let’s embrace the songs that remind us whose we are and what He’s called us to do.

And when it’s time to change the song, let’s be willing to do that too because it’s upon the truths we like to sing about that dreams are built.

That’s how I’m approaching 2017 and this fresh start. I hope you’ll join me – and bring your soundtrack with you.

(I’m always looking for new songs, so be sure to share in the comments what is on your current playlist.)

Shared by Kristin Hill Taylor