Welcome to Joni and Friends, where you know there’s always singing…
(Joni sings:)
Praise, my soul, the King of Heaven;
To His feet thy tribute bring.
Ransomed, healed, restored, forgiven,
Evermore His praises sing:
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Praise the everlasting King!
Praise Him for His grace and favor
To our fathers in distress.
Praise Him, still the same as ever,
Slow to chide, and swift to bless.
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Glorious in His faithfulness!
Angels, help us to adore Him;
Ye behold Him face to face.
Saints triumphant, bow down before Him,
Gathered in from every race.
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Praise with us the God of grace!
I hope you enjoyed listening to that as much as I enjoyed singing it – along with the men of Haven of Rest. As you probably guessed, the hymn title of that was “Praise My Soul the King of Heaven.” I’m Joni Eareckson Tada and as you know, anyone who spends time with me knows how much I enjoy singing, especially at work. When someone helps me type, often my friend and I will reach for the hymnal next to my computer, flip it open to an old favorite, and harmonize our hearts out. All this, though, is not just to fill the office corridors with song. For me, singing is a wonderful way to clear the spiritual air. It’s a little like what Jehoshaphat did back in 2 Chronicles 20.When he appointed a choir to head out in front of the army, those songs of praises cleared the spiritual air like nothing else and even made shambles of the enemy. What a wonderful story of how songs of praise make a difference in a spiritual climate.
So, friend, if you’re fighting a spiritual battle today, the best defense is to sing and also the best offense is to sing. So pick a hymn, any hymn. Choose a Scripture chorus or make up your own melody to a favorite portion of Scripture. Victory over the enemy can be yours for a song.
And if you’d like to sing along with me, I invite you to download this hymn I just sang and a few other of my favorite songs on a special CD I’ve posted on my radio webpage. Just go to joniandfriendsradio.org and ask for the CD – we’ll be happy to send it to you – or you can download it directly onto your iPod and just sing along. Again, that’s joniandfriendsradio.org. And don’t forget, if you’re feeling a little blue or finding yourself in the midst of a spiritual battle, singing to the Lord is your best defense and offense. And the victory guaranteed? Well, it’s yours for a song.
Used by permission of
JONI AND FRIENDS
P.O. Box 3333
Agoura Hills, CA 91376
© Joni and Friends