“Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts” (Colossians 3:16).

We have an important way of teaching and encouraging each other. We do it with our songs of worship. My wife and I are different in many ways. When we would ride together in our car for some distance I would want to put on a teaching tape and she would want to play praise songs. She has the heart of a worshiper. I learned something from her. When I face a crisis it is frequently a song I have learned that comes to mind. When Scripture songs became a prime way we worshiped in church I found myself memorizing Scripture by learning a song.

One of the ways I have grown spiritually is by singing songs that have been composed by up-to-date psalmists. I have often thought, “If I could write a song” [which I can’t] I’d like to have written this one.” Yet, someone else captured a truth I need and put it to music.

I have read that we remember more accurately things we sing because it activates more of our brain power. I do know this. The Bible tells us to worship and songs are an important part of that worship. It also reminds us to make the truth of Scripture the centerpiece of our worship. Something will come our way unexpectedly and a song will come to mind that reminds us of the truth we need to apply. Thank God for Christian songs and those who compose them.