A New Song in Me

He has put a new song in my mouth—Praise to our God; many will see it and fear, and will trust in the LORD. Psalm 40:3 (New King James Version)

I love it when God puts something new in any part of me…my mind, my mouth, my heart, my ears, my hands, my life! Several days ago, He gave me a tune for a song and the words have been formulating ever since. It capsules the truth of my journey thus far and exemplifies the praise I have for what He continues to do. Songs have a way of capturing our stories in a special way. Is it any wonder many are drawn toward the Psalms…David’s hymnal? No matter what I am going through, God has graciously allowed songs to be written and sung that speak powerfully to my heart and situation. I marvel each time that happens. May God encourage you through the words that flow from my heart to His ears!

I Turn to You

I turn to You,
When a precious one lies buried
and I know my life will never be the same.
I turn to You,
When the hands that I held on to
were called by You to simply walk away,
I turn to You with all my questions
When I don’t understand.
I turn to You with all the heartache
that my mind can’t comprehend.
I turn to You for my future
For I know it’s in Your hands.
I turn to You.


I come to You,
When the road I’m called to walk on
Gets lonely and I feel so out of place.
I come to You,
When my weaknesses and failures
Are once again in need of all Your grace.
I come to You for compassion
When my eyes are filled tears.
I come to You for forgiveness
When I’ve wasted all the years.
I come to You for assurance
When my heart is filled with fears.
I come to You.


I hear You, Lord,
When You speak Your Word so gently
To me, Your child, the one that You adore.
I hear You, Lord,
When You say that You forgive me
For the things I’ve hid behind my own heart’s door.
I hear You, Lord,
When You are speaking the words I need to hear.
I hear You, Lord,
When You answer in ways I count so dear.
I hear You, Lord,
When You tell me You want me to draw near.
I hear You, Lord.


I thank You Lord,
For the ways You choose to test me,
To show me what is really in my heart.
I thank You, Lord,
For the promise that You gave me,
That You and I will never have to part.
I thank You, Lord,
That with the sunshine You also send the rain.
I thank You, Lord,
For the comfort that follows all the pain.
I thank You, Lord,
For the healing that I will see again.
I thank You, Lord.
I thank You, Lord!

Pam Shattuck
December 22, 2008

sing for joy - Don Moen
http://youtube.com/watch?v=3MJ4VqfCRZI

He is wooing you from the jaws of distress to a spacious place free from restriction, to the comfort of your table laden with choice food. Job 36:16

What Music Does for God

But now bring me a minstrel, and it came about, when the minstrel played, that the hand of the LORD came upon him. 2 Kings 3:15

Music is so multi-faceted in its effects. When King Saul had an evil spirit, David’s music sent it packing. When the children of Israel went to war, music led the way to victory. Music was a part of Old and New Testament worship. In today’s verse as music is played, God’s hand is present. Paul and Silas sang and an earthquake followed.

In the past I have always viewed music in two aspects ~ what it does for me personally and how it can be used to praise the Lord. But today I am seeing another benefit. Throughout Scripture I see a pattern whereby music actually attracts God. He is drawn to it and moved to action by it. The music before a message, music before our quiet time, or music at any time is like putting a welcome mat out for the King of Kings. It is an invitation for God to be present and to display His power.

I had to stop a moment just now and listen to a praise song called “Shout to the Lord.” As I listened I could see how that song would attract God. How it would draw Him into the where I am at. Songs that are sung from our hearts cause God to take notice. We were created in God’s image. Our attraction to music and how it affects us is a mere shadow of what it does for God as well.

Think of what it would be like if someone wrote music with you in mind. The words talked about you and presented all the positive aspects of your life and accomplishments. Many songs written today are stories put to music. I have always loved music but when I became a Christian the music took on a whole new meaning for me. As I listen it draws my attention to the One the music is about. Whether it is a song of praise, a song about God’s character or work, or a testimonial type song about God’s intervention in a person’s life, I am affected by it. God is bigger in my mind after the music plays. But this morning I am hit with the realization that music affects God as well.

I think back to church services and I want to envision the music drawing God into the worship service. I want to see Him pleased and touched by the songs that are about Him and for Him.

Father, music touches You, doesn’t it? May I be more drawn to that aspect. Amen.