In these past few devotionals I’ve been talking about rooting yourself in the peace of Christ as discussed by Paul in Colossians 3:15.

Peace.

It’s a good idea, isn’t it? When we’re surrounded by so much change, challenge, stress, and strain, peace feels like water-in-the-dessert!

Notice what Paul says in the next verse in Colossians 3:16: “Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.”

He specifically mentions music—“psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit.”

There’s something about music, isn’t there? The combination of words, melody and rhythm help us resonate deeply with an idea or insight.

The early church used music to help remember essential truths about Jesus. It was especially significant as an educational tool because, according to one estimate, about 90% of the people were illiterate. They couldn’t read one of the Gospels even if they happened to have a copy.

So what did they do? They sung God’s truth to one another! As a result, the remembered—and they gained wisdom for the living of difficult days.

We can do the same. And when we do, we are feeding our souls with the message and peace of Christ.

As some of you know, I dedicated my new book of devotionals called Turbulence to my mom, Donna. In the dedication I explain how she filled our childhood home with singing. One of my earliest memories is of her singing “Were you there” in the shower. It echoed through the house! I grew up memorizing words from songs and hymns that taught me about Jesus.

Sing a song or hymn. Put on a Christian radio station. Download some new music. Pick up a guitar, hum a melody, or pull up to a piano.

“Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.”

By Matthew Ruttan

—My new book of devotionals called “Turbulence” is here! Click here to find out more and purchase options.

–Today’s devotional is related to my most recent Sunday message: “Losing ‘it’—but gaining the peace of Christ.” You can watch it on YouTube here.

–Bible quotes are from the NIV.