This is the first time you have thought to speak to Tom. You tell him about becoming a Christian on the Alpha Course, and although not a teenager your desire is for the church to sing modern worship songs. As he nods, you explain about the Lord wanting you to wait before thinking about going elsewhere. Those words light up Tom’s demeanour to such an extent you are surprised. Encouraged you tell him your belief that God releases His music into the lives of composers, and the song ‘10,000 reasons’ is one of those.
Tom grins and bends to confide, “Believe me, I agree. I’m sure Matt Redmond when singing it feels God’s anointing. The internet reveals it’s gone viral across the world. At the Youth Camp we sang many new songs mostly from an American church whose mission is to exist to ignite individual hearts to bring heaven to meet earth.” Your obvious amazement at that statement leads Tom to add, “We were also impacted by the teaching about life and the battles we face. Ephesians 6 was used to reveal our need to walk in the armour of God.” You nod, and note inwardly to look up those verses. “The young people thoroughly enjoyed knowing that Old Testament battles were often led by singers praising God, which was enough to send the enemy fleeing. God’s Word is the sword of His Spirit and it is true when proclaimed brings power.”
”Here’s my Dad. I must go. It would be good to talk further. It seems God is confirming to both of us He is about to do a new thing.” In high spirits you join the choir to sing lustily with them. That meeting with Tom was surely God’s divine intervention. Your heart feels it could burst with thanks because God didn’t keep you waiting long. Not being classed as youth you haven’t had reason to be interested in their activities. Yet they know the modern songs, and sing them at their Christian camps! Maybe in future you could go as a helper? A wonderful opportunity to embrace all God is doing in these days. Excited, exhilarated and inspired by those thoughts on the way home you sing to the Lord. Later, unable to settle, you find Psalms full of thanksgiving to proclaim to God.
Word: “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. 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…because I provide water in the wilderness and streams in the waste land, to give drink to my people, my chosen, the people I formed for myself that they may proclaim my praise.” Isaiah 43:18- 21 (NIV)
Worship: “10,000 Reasons” All Souls Orchestra ft. Matt Redman 6 mins