Songs have a way of getting stuck in our heads. We can easily consider a tune we heard a few years ago, even when we don’t easily remember other information. Songs, thus, are vital tools for learning and shaping our thoughts. If we would like to cultivate gratitude year-round, we could try integrating music that emphasizes thankfulness into our days. The Bible tells us to:
“Speak to at least one one other with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your hearts to the Lord, at all times giving due to God the Father for all the pieces within the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” – Ephesians 5:19-20, BSB
Offering due to God through song is a way the Holy Spirit works in us and might encourage others. But we wouldn’t have to attend until Sunday to accomplish that. We can raise our voices in song every single day.
Paul specifically mentions Psalms, the unique songbook of the church. Although we might need trouble imagining the Psalms set to music, they were originally written to be sung. Some artists today have continued this biblical tradition, singing a psalm with the accompaniment of contemporary instruments. We can use this music to sing along to Scripture or sing the Psalms ourselves.
The verses in Ephesians also mention hymns and spiritual songs. If the music is biblical and God-honoring, then we will hearken to and sing along to praise the Lord. Many older hymns and modern Christian songs give attention to thankfulness. A couple of to think about adding to a gratitude playlist are: “For the Beauty of the Earth,” “Old 100th,” “All Creatures of Our God and King,” “Thank You God For Saving Me,” and “Gratitude.” These are great for holidays and all year long.
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