Will you agree that living in the North Platte Valley is an honor and a privilege? Perhaps you have never thought of it before. We are so privileged to breathe clean air, to be in a place where a large variety of birds – water birds, song birds, and birds of prey – can be seen and heard daily. Deer are free to wander through the town, though not everyone thinks of this as a blessing. We do not suffer traffic jams or road rage, and the wait at the grocery store is seldom long, and there are always wonderful people to chat with in case of a delay at the cash register.
Alright – I agree – it isn’t Mayberry, but I find it a joy to live here. I see God at work through the people here! I see neighbors helping neighbors because it is the loving thing to do. I hear God whispering in the breeze and singing through the birds. I see God’s beauty displayed in the open fields, the mountains, and sunrises and sunsets.
How do each of us see and hear God? Because of our uniqueness, God speaks to us in the ways we uniquely hear and understand. Many people are drawn close to God through music. What feelings arouse within you when you hear these lyrics: “Jesus loves me, this I know – for the Bible tells me so”
What are your favorite hymns? Do you find yourself singing gospel songs, or Spirituals? Dolly Parton, Elvis Presley, Alan Jackson, Bocelli, Handel, Beethoven, and even the Psalms of David – these artists have been inspired and continue to inspire us! Who is your favorite artist? Whose voice do you love singing “Ave Maria”? Have you heard Dolly Parton sing “How Great thou Art”?
What would Christmas be like if no one had written “Silent Night” or “O, Holy Night”? Music accompanies us through Good Friday’s “Were You There When They Crucified My Lord?” to the joyful “Jesus Christ is Risen Today” on Easter morning.
Do you remember a song you might have sung as a child in Sunday or Sabbath School or Vacation Bible School? Do any of you know “If I were a Butterfly I’d thank you, God, for giving me wings”? How about “This Litte Light of Mine, I’m Going to Let it Shine”?
Do you remember the secular song entitled “I Believe for Every Drop of Rain that Falls”? How about “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands”?
Spirituals have encouraged the downhearted through the years. Do You have a favorite? How about “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot” or “Down by the Riverside”?
Hymns are prayers put to music. “Day by day, Dear Lord these things I pray: to see thee more clearly, love thee more dearly, follow thee more nearly, day by day.” Some hymns reflect scriptures, some are written to glorify God, some to comfort and encourage us in our daily lives.
Yes, God DOES speak to us. We simply need to find the quiet and the space to look for and listen for Him. Listen to the river, to the wind, to the birds. Listen to a still, small voice speaking to your heart. Listen to the words of the music written through generations.
Look for God everywhere! Perhaps look for him weeping over the pain we humans bring upon one another. Look for God shining out of the eyes of each person you meet. Look for him in the joyful smiles of friends.
How do you see and hear God? Through his Word, through other people, through nature, through art?
If you see me around town, please stop me and let me know! I would love to hear your experiences with God, and sing your favorite hymn with you.
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