Ministry of Music

If you still recall, sometime ago I was in search of answers for how being in the worship ministry could be meaningful.

That is really a presumptuous statement because even in the bible, the music ministry seemed to be rather important, whether Old or New Testament. So, of course it is meaningful.

But for personal benefit, I needed to know so that I can serve more meaningfully instead of being focussed on my selfish ass.

I wrote to my pastor, who was really busy to give me a proper reply. We chatted briefly about it sometime, then I went on stage to sing & further became involved in other singing projects in church.

This is what I found out:

Songs can really minister to a person’s soul in very simple ways. Lyrics are phrased simply so they can remembered easily. Bible verses or concepts can therefore be more easily remembered. Coupled with catchy melodies, the song can linger in the mind for a long time.

I have found that certain songs play in my mind depending on which mood I am in. There are even some songs that serves to lift me up when I feel discouraged.

My recent stint with the Chinese Outreach Ministry, teaching the folks how to sing this song proved this point very much. My prayer that this song will be remembered by them & uplift them had in fact being ministered to myself.

Last Friday was one of the worst days I had & in my discouragement, I thought of this song & I am being reminded to be joyful always. Here, I will share the lyrics with loose translation:

<我要常常喜乐 ~ 赞美之泉 (I Want to Be Joyful Always)>
 
疲乏的   他赐能力    软弱的   他加力量

He gives energy to the tired     He gives strength to the weak  
那等候耶和华的 必重新得力   

Those who wait upon Jehovah    Will surely regain their strength

就必如鹰展翅上腾

Just like the eagle that soars
奔跑却不困倦    行走却  不疲乏

Run but does not get weary    Walk but does not tire
大山  可以挪开    小山 可以迁移

Big mountains can be shifted     Hills can be moved
主的慈爱永不离    这是他与我的约定

The Lord’s great love will not depart me    This is His promise for me
我带着信心倚靠我主    经历他的救赎

I lean on my God with confidence    Experiencing His redeeming love
奔向他 的道路

Running towards His direction

常常喜乐,我要常常喜乐

Always joyful    I want to always be joyful
应当一无挂虑    凡事藉着祷告祈求和感谢

There should be no anxiety    In everything with prayer, supplication & thanksgiving
神所赐那出人意外的平安

The amazing peace that God gives
必在基督耶稣里保守我的一切

In Jesus who takes care of my every need
常常喜乐,我要常常喜乐

Always joyful    I want to always be joyful

应当一无挂虑    凡事藉着祷告祈求和感谢

There should be no anxiety    In everything with prayer, supplication & thanksgiving
神所赐那出人意外的平安

The amazing peace that God gives

必在基督耶稣里保守我的一切

In Jesus who takes care of my every need

Later.

~ by fayea on July 6, 2009.