Singing songs of joy and comfort

‘May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit’ (Romans 15:13).

I love listening to music when I am working, cleaning or cooking. Mostly, it is Christian music. Maybe some of the new contemporary songs. Sometimes, it is a mix of the old and new. Have you noticed that some of the new Christian groups are bringing the old hymns to life with a new feel with guitars and drums? The words are the same, even the tune. There is something about the tunes we grow up with that provides security and comfort. In our house, my husband loves 80s music – the music we grew up with!

Pastors and chaplains have shared with me when visiting about how the hymns, songs or psalms that the elderly (or not-so-elderly) are familiar with provide comfort and joy to the lives and hearts as they sing along. It is the music they grew up with. I have noticed that, even for those with dementia, when a song or hymn is sung, they can often sing it too.

Lutheran Tract Mission (LTM) has many hymns, psalms and songs that can be used for visiting. When giving it, sing it together or at least read it … watch the smiles and joy in the receiver’s eyes!

Have a look at the LTM website at www.ltm.org.au and search Hymns and Songs or Psalms.

Anne Hansen is Lutheran Tract Mission’s Tract Development Officer.