Heavenly Father, I give You praise for Your creation and for giving us music to be one way we can worship You. I praise You for the ability to sing and have music as a way to remember and rejoice. I praise You that I am old enough to enjoy both contemporary and traditional hymns and songs.
Your word says to make a joyful noise to You. I know many who could not hold a tune, but they can make a joyful noise. I am so thankful that when my heart is heavy, I can listen to the old hymns and remember I am not alone, I am Yours, and I have hope of heaven. When I am feeling energetic or full of praise, I can express it with contemporary Christian music, lifting up my heart even more, and express my joy. Thank You for not only giving me a gift where I can sing and play harmonica, but also for putting songs in my heart and in my mind to stay the course and be strong.
Shout for joy to God, all the earth! Sing the glory of His name; make His praise glorious. Say to God, “How awesome are Your deeds! So great is Your power that Your enemies cringe before You. All the earth bows down to You; they sing praise to You, they sing the praises of Your name.” Come and see what God has done, His awesome deeds for mankind! He turned the sea into dry land, they passed through the waters on foot—come, let us rejoice in Him. He rules forever by His power, His eyes watch the nations—let not the rebellious rise up against Him. Praise our God, all peoples, let the sound of His praise be heard. Come and hear, all you who fear God, and I will declare what He has done for my soul. I cried to Him with my mouth, and He was extolled with my tongue. If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me. But certainly God has heard me; He has attended to the voice of my prayers. Blessed be God, who has not turned away from my prayer, nor His mercy from me! Amen. [Psalm 66:1-8; Psalms 66:16-20]