Songs have a way of getting stuck in our heads. We can easily think of a tune we heard many years ago, even if we do not easily remember other information. Songs, thus, are important tools for learning and shaping our thoughts. If we want to cultivate gratitude year-round, we could try integrating music that emphasizes thankfulness into our days. The Bible tells us to:
“Speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your hearts to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” – Ephesians 5:19-20, BSB
Offering thanks to God through song is a way the Holy Spirit works in us and can encourage others. But we do not have to wait until Sunday to do so. We can raise our voices in song every day.
Paul specifically mentions Psalms, the original songbook of the church. Although we might have trouble imagining the Psalms set to music, they were originally written to be sung. Some artists today have continued this biblical tradition, singing a psalm with the accompaniment of modern instruments. We can use this music to sing along to Scripture or sing the Psalms ourselves.
The verses in Ephesians also mention hymns and spiritual songs. If the music is biblical and God-honoring, then we can listen to and sing along to praise the Lord. Many older hymns and modern Christian songs focus on thankfulness. A few to consider adding to a gratitude playlist are: “For the Beauty of the Earth,” “Old 100th,” “All Creatures of Our God and King,” “Thank You God For Saving Me,” and “Gratitude.” These are great for holidays and throughout the year.
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