In a recent article for the 9Marks Journal, Carl Trueman, pastor and professor, explains why some songs we sing at church should be sad. In other words, there are times to sing songs overflowing with joy--because perfect joy will be what we experience in heaven. But our songs should also help us meditate upon the pain and the sadness we know here on earth. Our songs, says Trueman, should be a reflection of the Psalms.
Trueman uses the analogy of marriage. The marriage of Christ begins with tragedy and ends with joy. Our corporate worship singing should reflect both themes.
When I married a young couple in my congregation a few years ago, I commented in the sermon that all human marriages begin with joy but end in tragedy. Whether it is divorce or death, the human bond of love is eventually torn apart. The marriage of Christ and his church, however, begins with tragedy and ends with a joyful and loving union which will never be rent asunder. There is joy to which we point in our worship, the joy of the Lamb's wedding feast. But our people need to know that in this world there will be mourning. Not wordly mourning with no hope. But real mourning nonetheless, and we must make them ready for that.
As we sing at MVBC, I pray you are ready for lyrics that point us toward the glories of heaven and lyrics that help us face the reality of suffering on earth.
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