Let the word of Christ dwell richly among you, in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another through psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. (Colossians 3:16)
I’ve always loved the words, “Let the word of Christ dwell richly among you.”
But today I noticed how it was to dwell richly among us. Not just through Bible reading and Sunday messages, though that’s important. But Paul specifically says through psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs.
And it just made me think how much songs have shaped my Christian life. Not just worship songs. But other Christian songs as well.
Some songs came straight from scripture so that I was singing (and praying) things like Psalm 121, Romans 12:1, Romans 8:14-21, and Matthew 11:28.
Some songs didn’t quote scripture, but were scripture-based.
They taught me what it means that God is my Father. They taught me how God sees me.
They challenged me not to let my heart be hardened, but to keep a soft heart towards God.
They taught me to praise God in the midst of trial.
They taught me that worship is not just singing songs, but that our whole lives are to be praise to God.
Songs are powerful tools to let God’s word richly dwell in you.
Do you listen to music? If so, what kind of music are you listening to? Do you pay attention to what those lyrics are really saying?
If you want to let Christ’s word richly dwell in you, start looking for songs centered on Scripture. Not just “love songs” to God. But songs that communicate God’s truth.
They can be songs from church. They can be songs from Christian artists.
But sing them. Pray them. And let those words encourage, challenge, and admonish you. Pass those words on to others.
And Christ’s word will richly dwell in you.
Moment to Moment (Bible blog) 