Singing as We Go

And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. And Jesus said to them, “You will all fall away, for it is written, ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.’ But after I am raised up, I will go before you to Galilee.” Peter said to him, “Even though they all fall away, I will not.” And Jesus said to him, “Truly, I tell you, this very night, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times.” But he said emphatically, “If I must die with you, I will not deny you.” And they all said the same. (Mark 14:26-31 ESV). It is easy to skip. However, when we read this story the first thing Mark says is they “sang a hymn” before leaving for Jesus’ betrayal and arrest. I wonder what hymn they sang. It could have been any number of the psalms. Perhaps it was the 23rd Psalm as David recalls the walking through the valley of the shadow of death and not fearing anything; maybe it was Psalm 100 and the declaration of the glory and goodness of God. We shall never know this side of heaven. However, we can know the incredible strength in that activity. I’m not a trained or accomplished vocalist, but I like to sing. I often listen to music as I write. I have one collection called “Country Gospel.” They’re all good songs, but one of my favorites is Johnny Cash and the Carter Family singing “Amazing Grace.” Sometimes I find myself singing along with these songs. I like to think about the words. And as must have been the case with Jesus and his disciples, I often find that singing a hymn has a way of calming me and making me ready for whatever lies ahead. I have been privileged to be with people in some of the most wonderful of times. I have also been called on to be them in some of the most difficult. Some years ago, I was with a wonderful family as they stood beside the bed of the patriarch of the family during his last moments of this life. He was in his nineties and had lived a full, productive life of faith. However, the time had come to say their goodbyes. There were several of the family in the room; there was a moment of silence, some soft sobbing, and the last breath was heard. Then an amazing thing happened. Spontaneously someone started singing, soft and slow, “Amazing Grace.” One by one we all joined in. When we finished singing, someone said: “Now I feel better.” Perhaps you are going through such a time in your life today. With technology as it is, we can always have music with us. Whether you are gifted to sing or not, please take the time to use the wonderful truths expressed in some of the Christian music of your preference to reenergize your heart and mind. In case you have a hard time finding one to lift your spirit, try this one: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HsCp5LG_zNE.