Finding Hope in the Midst of Suffering
As a child, Jesus likely sang with his family in the temple court, gazing up at the Levites who led everyone in song. He was taught to sing the Hallel during Jewish Passover, and singing must have come naturally to him. But there is only one place in the Bible where it is recorded that Jesus sang – on the night he was betrayed.
A Song of Suffering
Matthew 26:30 describes the moment when Jesus gave his disciples the bread and wine, and after that, “when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.” Of all the times and places that God chose to have us remember his Son singing, it is when he was led to his death. This was the one horrible moment – recorded for posterity – when our Savior sang.
What We Can Learn from Jesus’ Example
Consider the implications for us: He was on the brink of that great depth of misery into which he was about to plunge, and yet he would have them sing a hymn. What does he teach us by it? Does he not say to each of us, his followers, “I, your Master, by my example would instruct you to sing even when the last solemn hour is come.”
The Power of Singing in Suffering
Singing songs of suffering is not an option for Christ-followers. It is not a mere invitation. When Christians in Colossae were struggling to survive under the reign of the madman Nero, Paul ordered them, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly… singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God” (Col. 3:16).
A Personal Testimony
I have lived with quadriplegia for more than half a century and have wrestled with chronic pain for much of that time. Yet when my hip and back are frozen in pain, or it’s simply another weary day of plain paralysis, I strengthen myself with Jesus’ example in the upper room. My suffering Savior has taught me to always choose a song – a song that fortifies my faith against discouragement and breathes hope into my heart.
The Importance of Memorizing Hymns
Before you sing it, you must know it. And know it by heart. I work hard to retrain my memory as I uproot those old pop tunes with their lyrics as worthless as cotton candy. In their place, I have hardwired my brain to default to valiant hymns. They now comprise the musical score for my life.
A Final Encouragement
You may be suffering. Whether physically or emotionally, it hurts bad and it’s hard. You need a song. The music has drained from your heart, and you need bold, celestial anthems to fill the void. Songs that will help you go from strength to strength. Take heart! Soon you will sing a different song of suffering.
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