How Can I Keep from Singing?

devotion by Katie Kringstad

Last week a classmate of mine shared a video with us as a way to center our day titled, “How Can I Keep from Singing?" It is a NYC virtual choir and orchestra. I was very moved by the video as it really shows the resilience of humankind, the love of God, and hope for the future.

We can thank God always despite our circumstances. There is always something to be thankful for in life. Looking at my children, pets, trees, flowers, water, wildlife and the sunset; how can I keep from singing? Friends, family, our church community; how can I keep from singing? No matter what happens in our lives, our communities, country and world we still have the love of God and we still have each other. How can we keep from singing? I have attached the lyrics below along with the video.

How Can I Keep from Singing?
Eva Cassidy

My life goes on in endless song
Above earth's lamentations,
I hear the real, though far-off hymn
That hails a new creation.

Through all the tumult and the strife
I hear its music ringing,
It sounds an echo in my soul.
How can I keep from singing?

While though the tempest loudly roars,
I hear the truth, it liveth.
And though the darkness 'round me close,
Songs in the night it giveth.

No storm can shake my inmost calm,
While to that rock I'm clinging.
Since love is lord of heaven and earth
How can I keep from singing?

When tyrants tremble sick with fear
And hear their death knell ringing,
When friends rejoice both far and near
How can I keep from singing?

No storm can shake my inmost calm,
While to that rock I'm clinging.
Since love is Lord of heaven and earth
How can I keep from singing?

My life goes on in endless song
Above earth's lamentations,
I hear the real, though far-off hymn
How can I keep from singing?
How can I keep from singing? x2

Absolutely beautiful song and singing praise to God in all times in life is mentioned many times throughout the Bible.

^“About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them.”
– Acts 16:25

“The LORD your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing."
– Zephaniah 3:17

 “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.”
– Colossians 3:16

People of God, keep on singing!

Katie Kringstad
Intern Pastor

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