hymns

As I get older, I noticed that my music choices change with the passing years. I deeply appreciate the hymns written hundreds of years ago. While not every hymn is theologocially correct, many of them are written from the perspective of people whose struggles in life gave rise the words and music.

Perhaps another reason for my appreciation for hymns has to do with me. As a young and insecure pastor, I was drawn to "cutting edge" music. My insecurities gave rise to the desire to be cool. While I deeply enjoy the music written from the hearts of young followers of Jesus, I am also acutely aware that today's "worship" songs are at times an effort to write the latest "cool" song. They are written, less from the heart and more from soulish motivations.

To sing the songs that thousands of believers have sung for hundreds of years makes my heart glad. To be part of "the great cloud of witnesses" (see Hebrews 12:1) gives connection to those who have gone before me. I am not an island, disconnected from the saints throughout the ages. My voice joins with them in praises to the Creator.