Music.
Oh, how I love music! It has gotten me through 25 years of living day in and day out with dystonia.
Music encourages my soul.
Music moves me to tap out the beat.
Music captivates my attention.
Music excites me to lift up my hands in praise.
Music invites me to lift up my voice to sing along!
You, sing along?? 🤨 “But you’re nonverbal,” one might think.
Yes, that’s correct. But I can still make guttural sounds. We all are familiar with Psalm 100:1 which says, “Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands.”
God’s Word doesn’t exclude me—it invites me to “make a joyful noise.” While I may never sing or hum on a stage, I get to sing my heart out to the Lord privately each day if I choose. I have made it a habit to hum along to certain songs as I go throughout my day.
One might wonder what compels me to sing praises to a God Who has allowed difficult things into my life? How can I not sing to the One who sent His Son to die on a cross for my sins and has forgiven me from all my sins? He’s my Savior and Friend, the One who gives me strength every day. He’s my ever-present help in time of need.
So, I ask you again, how can I not sing to the Lord and thank Him for all He has done?
There are numerous verses in the Bible that direct us to rejoice in the Lord, to exalt Him, to praise Him, to worship Him, and to proclaim the goodness of God in our lives. One of my favorites is Colossians 3:16, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.”
As I look back at 2021 and think about all the songs that have pointed me back to the Lord and His Faithfulness and Goodness in my life, I’d like to share five of my favorite songs in 2021: “Belovedness” by Sarah Kroger, “The Story I’ll Tell” by Maverick City Music, “Magnificent, Marvelous, Matchless Love” by Keith and Kristen Getty, “Goodness of God” by Bethel Music, and “Sovereign Over Us” by Michael W. Smith.
Songs enter into our lives, I believe, for a reason. I remember when I heard each of these songs and just how they encouraged me throughout the year.
My favorite part in the song “Sovereign Over Us” is the second verse and the bridge because, even though life can get difficult and confusing, the Lord always is in control.
“You are wisdom unimagined
Who could understand your ways
Reigning high above the heavens
Reaching down in endless grace
You’re the lifter of the lowly
Compassionate and kind
You surround and you uphold me
And your promises are my delight
Chorus
Your plans are still to prosper
You have not forgotten us
You’re with us in the fire and the flood
You’re faithful forever
Perfect in love
You are sovereign over us (2x)
Bridge
Even what the enemy means for evil
You turn it for our good
You turn it for our good and for your glory
Even in the valley, you are faithful
You’re working for our good
You’re working for our good and for your glory” (2x)
It’s my hope that one of these songs will encourage you as you head into 2022!
Abiding With Joy Studio 
Oh, yes, dear Abby!
Music is what kept me focused during the times my children were ill. Sermons were words that moved my intellect; music was a dimension that moved my heart.
Just today, I was studying the background of the song, “His Eye Is on the Sparrow.” The words were penned by Civilla Martin whose husband was an evangelist. The music was composed by Charles Gabriel. Ethel Waters so loved the song that the first line of the chorus became her autobiography title.
The impetus behind the song was a comment to Civilla by a lady whom she visited the day she wrote it, “His eye is on the sparrow and I know He watches me.” Mrs. Doolittle had been bedridden for over 20 years; her husband was severely afflicted and bound to a wheelchair for many years, also. They lived out their trust in His faithfulness to them, even though their physical bodies were wearing away.
I need to listen to some of the songs you have posted.
Love, joy and peace to you, dear Abby!
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Hello & merry Christmas & happy new year to a wonderful friend & person. Haven’t heard all those songs but will look them up. We all have our crosses to carry & we can’t always be on a mountaintop, but god is with us no matter where we are in our life. We can choose to blame or live in negativity or we can daily tell ourselves, “this too shall pass”. Our god is always there if we only call on him. I also draw lots of comfort from music & I shouldn’t even sing out loud in the shower, but I do, because I believe my god hears only blessings. Love you sweet girl.
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Much love and every blessing for the New Year sweet Abigail🙏🙏🙏♥️♥️♥️
“The Lord is my strength and my shield; My heart trusts in Him, and I am helped; Therefore my heart triumphs, And with my song I shall thank Him.”-Psalm 28:7.
Stu Tully
Sent from my iPhone
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Thank you for your blog. It is an encouragement to me. My 15 year old grandson was diagnosed in 2021 with rapid onset dystonia Parkinsonism. I know you understand the heartache and struggles.
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Thank you for your encouragement Abigail! Christian music has helped me through various times of difficulty, despair, and depression… I’m thankful for HIS gifts He gives to musicians to inspire us along our journey… May GOD bless and keep you in HIS love and care in the new year…
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Oh Abbey!!😃🙌🏼😃You know I love music just like you do. It’s a gift from the Lord. I love how it lifts my spirits and brings comfort and joy just when I need it. Thank you for the reminder that i ALWAYS have a reason to sing. Love you bunches!!!❤️😘❤️
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Hi Abbey, I love music too. I love Don Moen worship songs. Give thanks with a faithful heart.
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