As we ring in a new year with new resolutions, we have an opportunity to reflect on both how we want the coming months to turn out and how God calls us to live. What are the biblical truths that ground and challenge a disciple of Christ? What are the promises of God that we can look forward to and seek after? I believe the hymn “How Can I Keep from Singing?” provides a beautiful framework and explores these truths and promises of the past, present, and future.
First, we see that in all our past experiences we have both “joys and comforts,” and that they inevitably pass away. The hymn reminds us that in these moments we can remember that our Savior lives! Because of what God has done there is redemption and the “peace of Christ” that “makes fresh our hearts…All things are ours since we are His!” This sweet news also gives a taste for the new creation to come. We are to look forward to not only living in the comfort of Christ’s presence here on earth but for all eternity in His Kingdom. What a reason to sing!
This text, as mentioned above, is indeed a great reminder. But what is more convincing is the testimony of Scripture. How can I sing during grief and trouble? The Psalms are an excellent source of lament and praise, and Psalm 18 particularly mirrors our chosen hymn’s message saying,
“The Lord lives, and blessed be my rock, and exalted be the God of my salvation – the God who gave me vengeance and subdued peoples under me, who rescued me from my enemies; yes, you exalted me above those who rose against me; you delivered me from the man of violence. For this I will praise you, O Lord, among the nations, and sing to your name.” (Psalm 18: 46-49)
The psalmist, David, testifies that we are to sing praises because the God of our salvation lives! If we were to remain silent, “the very stones would cry out” (Luke 19:40). The Bible therefore commands us to sing and urges us to do so with one another in fellowship. This can certainly be a challenge at times, but amid the chaos of everyone’s resolutions, I offer a few suggestions: resolve to “hear the sweet, though far-off hymn,” to cling to the Rock, the “God of our salvation,” and to keep singing!
“May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, welcome on another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.”
(Romans 15:5-7)My life flows on in endless song,
above earth’s lamentation.
I catch the sweet, though far-off hymn
that hails a new creation.
Through all the tumult and the strife,
I hear that music ringing. (see Philippians 4)
It finds an echo in my soul.
How can I keep from singing? [Refrain]Refrain:
No storm can shake my inmost calm
while to that Rock I’m clinging.
Since Love is lord of heav’n and earth,
How can I keep from singing? (see James 1:2)What though my joys and comforts die,
I know my Savior liveth.
What though the darkness gather round?
Songs in the night he giveth. [Refrain]
The peace of Christ makes fresh my heart,
a fountain ever springing!
All things are mine since I am his!
How can I keep from singing? [Refrain]By: Kathleen Barnes