Putting Scripture to Music: Psalm 46
Last year our homeschool co-op memorized a Psalm (or two) each quarter. I had been studying the Psalms in great depth and picked out some that were particularly meaningful to me. Carrie and Ashlee, two of the co-op moms, put this particular one -Psalm 46 to an original tune. We were all so grateful since music makes memorizing easier and, in our home, made for beautiful harmonizing taking place sporadically with the kids and me…in the car and at home.
My purpose today is to give you a vision of memorizing verses and passages of Scripture with your children. Building sweet, fun memories while learning and singing God’s Word together -it doesn’t get much better than that.
Here I am with my youngest child, singing Psalm 46 (ESV). We had just returned home from her final volleyball game of the season-hence the headband and uniform. And actually, the rubber bands around her braces are alternating yellow and blue-her team colors. (Just sayin’ that, as it may appear that she has food in her braces, but alas, it’s the blue bands. LOL)
We had learned this Psalm a year ago, but I asked if she’d record it with me to share on the blog (for the reasons mentioned above). We sat down and recorded it in one taping and chose to just be real. We did make sure to strategically place the oversized pumpkin in the background. It had been decorated with black construction paper, glue, a hard hat, and headphones-by the big bro who had returned home from college for a quick weekend visit, leaving his creative marks without ever saying a word…I’m sure just to make me smile…and it did. I wanted a little “Daniel” touch in this video.
I sure do wish we would have taken more videos of scripture memory and singing scripture as my kids were growing up. I am glad we recorded them onto cassette tapes-twenty years worth. It’s precious to hear their sweet little voices. I’m thankful for that! But, I’m encouraging you to start a file of video recordings of scripture memory. Oh, to have recordings of these shared moments of laughter, singing, and scripture memory throughout their childhood. Be sure to have the kids say the date, their names and ages occasionally on the video. Start today! Memorize away!
Here’s Psalm 46…a beautiful passage. It’s about fear. It’s about being still and knowing the He is God, trusting and going to Him as our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Remember…we’re not trying to impress here. If anything, we’re just keepin’ it real. Here’s my suggestion. Click the arrow to start it, and then scroll down and read the words while we sing.
Psalm 46 English Standard Version (ESV)
God Is Our Fortress
To the choirmaster. Of the Sons of Korah. According to Alamoth. A Song.
46 God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way,
though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,
3 though its waters roar and foam,
though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah
4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
the holy habitation of the Most High.
5 God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved;
God will help her when morning dawns.
6 The nations rage, the kingdoms totter;
he utters his voice, the earth melts.
7 The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah
8 Come, behold the works of the Lord,
how he has brought desolations on the earth.
9 He makes wars cease to the end of the earth;
he breaks the bow and shatters the spear;
he burns the chariots with fire.
10 “Be still, and know that I am God.
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!”
11 The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah
Rhonda Godisourrefugeandstrength ellis
Thanks for such a great way to start my day with such a beautiful rendition of God’s word!!! Love it!!!
Thank you, Melody. I can see you playing songs on the piano with your grandchildren. 🙂
For people (like me) who may need a little help in the music department Steve Green’s “hide em in your heart ” albums are a great way to start . the scripture passages are short but pretty much word for word. My mom played them for us and now I play them for our daughter. My husband and I often find ourselves breaking into song when we are reminded of a verse.
Thank you, Kristi. I love those.
AWESOME!! Mothers and daughters always have such a good blend. But ya’ll are that and more..blended voices, hearts and souls. One in The Lord with our children is beyond, beyond!!! Grateful!!!!
Thank you, Sheryl.
Loved it – I also thought I would give you a great website that my grown daughters have used with their children. When you order from them I believe
that they “throw” in an extra CD for you to give to someone – all music is Scripture http://www.seedsfamilyworship.com/our-heart/
Thank you, Monique.
I am really proud of how “Techie” you are becoming.
LOL, Glenn. I’m slooooowly learning. I appreciate your encouragement. 🙂
Love… Filled me up! Super sweet. I have some of the seeds CDs too but what are the Steve green ones? Working towards more memory work!
He has a series of CD/DVD’s with verses to catchy kids music. My older kids grew up with the casette and VHS versions. LOL. http://g.christianbook.com/g/slideshow/c/cd64300/main/cd64300_1_ftc_dp.jpg
You are such a cool mom!
Emma is so good with her scripture memorization. She loves loves loves to sing! So I will be trying this with her!
We’ve never been this creative Rhonda! I’m glad to see several good comments about the Seeds family worship CDs. I’ve seen those around.Such great resources for parents with young kids!